PT and PTA Continuing Education Requirements by State: Hours and Required Topics

Most states ask a physical therapist for 20 to 40 hours of continuing education every two years, and 30 is the most common number. PTAs need the same or fewer. Where states really differ is the topics: 30 jurisdictions require ethics or their own PT law, 13 make you pass or complete a jurisprudence test, a handful add state-mandated subjects like implicit bias, human trafficking or suicide prevention, and Maine has no CE requirement at all yet.

This article goes through every state for PTs and PTAs: the hours, the required topics, the renewal deadline and any first-renewal break, with the exact words of each rule and a link to it. I'm an occupational therapist, not a PT, so I've stayed with what the rules say.

This isn't legal advice. I checked every rule on November 9, 2026, on the state's own legislature, code or board site. Your board's current rule is the one that counts.

The Short Answer

• 30 hours every two years is the most common PT requirement, in 21 jurisdictions. Some count it as 3 CEUs (Delaware, South Carolina), 30 credits (New Jersey), 30 units (Hawaii) or 30 points (North Carolina).
• The rest spread out from there. Nine states set 24 hours per two years and six set 40 (DC, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Utah, whose CEUs are weighted by course type). Arizona, Arkansas, Minnesota and Nebraska set 20. Idaho and Washington set 32, Indiana 22 and North Dakota 25. Michigan and New York count 36 hours over three years.
• Four count CE every year: Alabama 10 hours, Connecticut 20, Montana 8, and Nevada 1.5 units (its board says 15 hours; see below).
• Maine has no CE requirement for PTs or PTAs yet. A 2023 law tells the board to set one by rule, and it hasn't.
• PTAs: the same hours as PTs in 29 jurisdictions, fewer in 19. Connecticut and Hawaii write CE for PTs only, so PTAs there (and in Maine) have none.
• Ethics or state law is required in 30 jurisdictions, as 2 to 4 hours of coursework, a jurisprudence test, or both. Thirteen make you pass or complete a test: an exam, an assessment module, a questionnaire or an exercise.
• Other required topics are rarer. Bias, health equity or cultural competence: 7 (DC, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Washington). Human trafficking: 3 (Florida, Michigan, Texas). CPR or basic life support: 3 (California, Delaware, Hawaii). Pain management: 2 (Michigan, Oregon). Suicide prevention: 2 (Connecticut, Washington). Child abuse recognition: Pennsylvania, plus Illinois and Iowa for some licensees.
• No required topic at all in 14 states: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
• New licensees usually get a break at the first renewal, either an exemption or prorated hours. The rules give none in 10 states: Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Wyoming.

Every State at a Glance

Hours are for one renewal or CE cycle. Each citation links to the official text I read, and the quoted words in each row are that source's own. None required in the topics column means the rule sets no subject, though most rules still want the hours to relate to physical therapy. Where a board's page and the rule disagree, the rule controls, and the row says so.

Required Topics

Ethics and state law

Thirty jurisdictions require some ethics or jurisprudence (the state's own practice act and rules) in every cycle or on a schedule. The amounts:

• 2 hours or the equivalent: California (ethics, laws and regulations), Connecticut (ethics and jurisprudence, every two years from 2026), Delaware (0.2 CEU ethics), Hawaii (PTs, ethics and laws), Indiana (ethics and Indiana jurisprudence), Massachusetts (2 points), Minnesota (ethics), Ohio (ethics through the board's module), Pennsylvania (law or ethics) and Utah (2 CEUs ethics or law).
• 3 hours: Illinois (ethics including jurisprudence), Mississippi (ethics, professionalism or jurisprudence), Oklahoma (ethics built on the APTA Code and Guide) and South Carolina (ethics, professionalism or South Carolina jurisprudence).
• 4 hours: Georgia, New Jersey (4 credits), Tennessee and Wisconsin, plus Louisiana's 2 hours of jurisprudence and 2 of ethics or professionalism.
• On a schedule: Alabama requires 2 hours of Alabama jurisprudence in renewal years ending in 0 or 5, and New Hampshire its jurisprudence module in the same years.
• A test only: Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas (PTs), Kentucky, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, Washington (one time) and Wyoming meet it with a jurisprudence exam, module, questionnaire or exercise.

Jurisprudence exams and modules

Thirteen states make you pass or complete a test of their own law, and most count it toward your hours.

• Every renewal or every cycle: Alaska (the board's open-book questionnaire on the act and rules), Arkansas (a board exam, counted as 1 hour), Kansas (PTs only: the Kansas jurisprudence assessment module, 1 hour), Kentucky (a board exam, 2 hours), Nevada (the state exam, every year), North Carolina (the board's jurisprudence exercise, 1 point), Ohio (the renewal jurisprudence module, which supplies the 2 ethics hours), Oklahoma (a board exam at each renewal), Texas (the Texas jurisprudence assessment module) and Wyoming (an exam every two years, 75% to pass).
• On a schedule or once: New Hampshire's module comes due in years ending in 0 and 5. Washington's exam is a one-time requirement in your first full CE cycle, worth 1 hour.
• From the board, not the rule: New Jersey's rule asks for 4 credits of jurisprudence and ethics, and the board's FAQ says 1.5 of them must be its jurisprudence module.
• As an option: in Georgia and Louisiana, passing the state's exam is one way to meet the ethics or jurisprudence hours.

Bias, health equity and cultural competence

Seven jurisdictions require it, and no two in the same way.

• District of Columbia: 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency at every renewal, for PTs and PTAs.
• Illinois: 1 hour of implicit bias awareness at every renewal, and 1 hour of cultural competency once every six years.
• Maryland: an approved implicit bias and structural racism training, attested once, at your first renewal after April 1, 2026.
• Michigan: 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the license cycle, so 3 hours per three-year PT or PTA cycle. It can count toward your credits.
• Nevada: one course or activity on diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice each year.
• Oregon: 1 hour of cultural competency each two-year period.
• Washington: 2 hours of health equity training every two years.

Human trafficking

• Texas: an HHSC-approved human trafficking prevention course at every renewal, required by statute for health care practitioners other than physicians and nurses. It counts toward your CCUs only if it's at least 1 contact hour.
• Michigan: a one-time training in identifying victims of human trafficking that meets the rule's content standards. The board calls it separate from your credits.
• Florida: 1 hour, due by January 1, 2021 for everyone licensed by then. The rule sets no date for later licensees.

Pain management

• Michigan: at least 1 credit in pain and symptom management every renewal.
• Oregon: the Oregon Pain Management Commission's online module at initial licensure and at every renewal, for PTs and PTAs.

Suicide prevention

• Connecticut (PTs): 2 hours on screening for PTSD, suicide risk, depression and grief, and on suicide prevention, in the first period CE is required and once every six years after.
• Washington: a one-time, 3-hour suicide assessment training, due in your first full CE period after licensure.

CPR and basic life support

• California: 4 hours in life support for health care professionals, at the AHA Basic Life Support level or above, every renewal.
• Delaware: proof of current CPR certification at every renewal, counted as 0.1 CEU.
• Hawaii (PTs): 4 units in life support at the BLS level or above, every renewal.
• Pennsylvania (PTAs): 4 contact hours in identifying and responding to emergency health conditions.

Many other states cap CPR as credit, and several, including Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, New Mexico and Tennessee, don't count it at all.

Abuse recognition and reporting

• Pennsylvania: 2 hours of child abuse recognition and reporting at every renewal, for PTs and PTAs.
• Illinois: PTs and PTAs are mandated reporters. If you work with children, you complete mandated reporter training at least every six years; if you don't, you can attest at renewal instead.
• Iowa: the state's abuse-reporting training every three years, attested on the renewal application, but only if you're a mandatory reporter of child or dependent adult abuse. PTs aren't on Iowa's list of health practitioners who must report, though some are covered through their job, such as working for a health care facility.
• Maine: not part of renewal, but state law requires mandated-reporter training on child abuse every two years and on adult abuse every four.

Other set topics

• Florida: 2 hours on preventing medical errors at every renewal, and 1 hour on HIV/AIDS by your first renewal.
• Illinois: 1 hour of sexual harassment prevention at every renewal, and 1 hour on Alzheimer's disease and other dementias every six years if you treat adults 26 or older.
• District of Columbia: 10% of your hours in the subjects DC Health names as public health priorities.
• Alabama: PTs who treat without a referral owe 2 more hours a year on the professional standard of care.
• Pennsylvania: PTs with a direct access certificate need 10 of their 30 hours in evaluative procedures for treating without a referral.

The exact words for every topic are in each state's entry under What Each State's Rule Says.

Where the Sources Disagree

Board renewal pages are written to help, and they're usually right. These are the places where I found a board page, or a statute, saying something different from the rule. The rule is what the board enforces, and the board can tell you how it applies it.

• Nevada: units or hours. The rule asks for "1.5 continuing competency units of an approved course or activity" each year (NAC 640.400 as amended by LCB File R124-21 (opens in a new tab) (rule)). The board's renewal page says "Each licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant is required to complete 15 hours of continuing competency within the year immediately preceding his or her application for renewal of a license" (board page (opens in a new tab) (board page)). The 2024 amendment repealed the old definition that made a unit 10 hours, so the rule's 1.5 no longer has a stated hour value. The board's 15 hours matches the old math. Plan on 15 and ask the board if you're unsure.

• Connecticut: missing topics. The state health department's CE page for PTs lists the 20 hours but not the suicide-prevention hours or the ethics and jurisprudence hours required from January 1, 2026. Both are in the statute (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-73b, 2026 Supplement (opens in a new tab) (statute); DPH CE page (opens in a new tab) (health department page)).

• Idaho: yearly or every two years. The board's FAQ still describes yearly renewal with 16 or 32 hours to report. The rule sets 32 contact hours every two years, and Idaho has been moving PT licenses to two-year terms since October 2025 (IDAPA 24.13.01.100.02 (opens in a new tab) (rule); board FAQ (opens in a new tab) (board FAQ)).

• Alabama: one year or two. The renewal page describes a two-year compliance period, October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026. The rule says "October 1 through September 30 of the next year shall constitute a compliance period," which is one year, with 10 hours due in each (Ala. Admin. Code r. 700-X-2-.10 (opens in a new tab) (rule); board renewal page (opens in a new tab) (board page)).

• Maryland: when implicit bias training is due. The health department's implicit bias page gives October 1, 2025, the date the 2025 law took effect. The statute applies the training to your first renewal after April 1, 2026 (Health Occ. § 1-225 (opens in a new tab) (statute); health department page (opens in a new tab) (health department page)).

• Delaware: proration for new licensees. The board's proration chart doesn't match the rule for licenses issued late in an even-numbered year. Use the rule's table (24 Del. Admin. Code 2600, Reg. 13.0 (opens in a new tab) (rule); board CE page (opens in a new tab) (board page)).

• District of Columbia: the renewal date. The rules still say licenses expire January 31 of odd years. DC Health moved licenses issued on or after June 16, 2024, and renewals from September 2024, to a birth-month cycle, which the rules allow when the Director changes the renewal system (17 DCMR § 6701 (opens in a new tab) (rule); DC Health page (opens in a new tab) (health department page)).

• Louisiana: the new-graduate year. The board's renewal page exempts new graduates for the calendar year they graduate. The rule exempts them for the CE year that runs April 1 to March 31 (LAC 46:LIV.198 (opens in a new tab) (rule); board page (opens in a new tab) (board page)).

• Oregon: the rule is stricter than the statutes. The statutes ask for the pain module every 36 months, naming PTs only, and cultural competency at every other renewal. The board's rule asks for both at every renewal, from PTs and PTAs, and the board enforces its rule (OAR 848-035-0030 (opens in a new tab) (rule); ORS 413.590 (opens in a new tab) (statute); ORS 676.850 (opens in a new tab) (statute)).

Recent and coming changes

• In force in the last year: Washington added a one-time jurisprudence exam (December 31, 2025). Connecticut added ethics and jurisprudence hours (January 1, 2026). Michigan amended its PT rules (March 5, 2026), Ohio its CE rule (April 3, 2026), Texas its jurisprudence module rule (May 15, 2026) and Montana moved PT CE into a rule shared with other professions (July 25, 2026, still 8 hours).
• Maine is drafting its first CE rule. The board's fall 2026 agendas list it for discussion, with no text published yet.
• Georgia gave notice in August 2026 of a proposed change to its CE rules, 490-4-.01 and 490-4-.02. I couldn't open the notice, and it hadn't been adopted as of October 21, 2026. Check with the board before you plan your hours.
• Oregon is rewriting most of its PT rules under a 2025 law that takes effect July 1, 2027, so its CE rule may change.

What Each State's Rule Says

The key sentences for hours and for every required topic, quoted from each state's statute or rule.

• Alabama. PTs and PTAs: "Each physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensed to practice by this Board shall complete for each compliance period, a minimum of ten (10) hours of continuing education activities." "October 1 through September 30 of the next year shall constitute a compliance period." Jurisprudence: "licensees complete at least two (2) hours of continuing education every fifth year on the topic of Alabama physical therapy jurisprudence, covering both the Practice Act and the Administrative Code. Both PTs and PTAs will be required to fulfill this requirement when renewing their license in years ending in zero (0) or five (5)" New graduates: "With the exception of jurisprudence individuals licensed within one year of graduation from a CAPTE approved program will not be required to meet the continuing education requirements for initial licensure or the first renewal." (Ala. Admin. Code r. 700-X-2-.10(5)(d) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Direct access, in the statute's section on treating without a referral: "In addition to the requirements of Section 34-24-216, a physical therapist shall annually complete an additional two hours of continuing education focusing on the professional standard of care." (Code of Ala. § 34-24-210.1(b) (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Alaska. PTs and PTAs: "an applicant for renewal of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license who has been licensed for 12 months or more of the concluding licensing period shall have completed 24 contact hours of continuing education during that period." Shorter first period: "completed during that period 12 contact hours of continuing education; or ... passed the national physical therapy examination within 12 months immediately before the date that the applicant's license is due to lapse." Jurisprudence: "An applicant for renewal of a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant license shall document completion of the jurisprudence questionnaire prepared by the board" Approved providers: "An applicant shall complete at least one-half of the required contact hours in courses or programs offered by an accredited academic institution or a professional organization approved by the board" (12 AAC 54.405-.410 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal date: "All licenses issued by the Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy expire on June 30 of even-numbered years regardless of when issued" (Board CE worksheet (opens in a new tab) (board statement))

• Arizona. PTs: "a licensed physical therapist shall earn 20 contact hours of continuing competence for each compliance period to be eligible for license renewal." PTAs: "a licensed physical therapist assistant shall earn 10 contact hours of continuing competence for each compliance period to be eligible for license renewal." Period: "The continuing competence compliance period for a licensee begins on September 1 following the issuance of an initial or renewal license and ends on August 31 of even-numbered years." Short first period: "If the licensed physical therapist's initial license is for one year or less, the licensed physical therapist shall earn 10 contact hours from Category A continuing competence activities during the initial compliance period." No carryover: "A licensee shall not carry over contact hours from one compliance period to another." Renewal: "A licensee shall submit an electronic renewal application packet to the Board on or before August 31 of an even-numbered year" (Ariz. Admin. Code R4-24-401, R4-24-208 (chapter PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Arkansas. PTs: "The licensed physical therapist must complete, by December 31 in each biennium, two (2) CEUs." PTAs: "The licensed physical therapist assistant must complete, by December 31 in each biennium, one (1) CEU." Units: "One (1) CEU is defined as ten (10) contact hours of an accredited course or program." Jurisprudence: "Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are required to pass a board-approved jurisprudence exam as part of the required continuing education." "The jurisprudence examination is counted as a one-hour online course." Online cap: "No more than fifty percent (50%) of continuing education can be taken through online courses." (17 CAR § 175-111 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "Licenses must be renewed annually by March 1." (17 CAR § 175-106 (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• California. PTs and PTAs: "a licensee must accumulate 30 hours of continuing competency hours in each license cycle." First renewal: "For first-time license renewals, if the renewal is submitted prior to the expiration of the original license, the continuing competency hour requirements shall be one-half of the normal cycle." Topics: "For each renewal cycle, a licensee's continuing competency hours must include the following: (a) Two hours in ethics, laws and regulations, or some combination thereof, and" "(b) Four hours in life support for health care professionals. Such training should be comparable to, or more advanced than, the American Heart Association's Basic Life Support Health Care Provider course." (16 CCR §§ 1399.91, 1399.93 (PTBC law book) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "Every license issued under this chapter shall expire at 12 a.m. on the last day of the birth month of the licensee during the second year of a two-year term, if not renewed." (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 2644 (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Colorado. PTs: "The licensee shall complete the Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) once per two-year renewal period." "Accrual of thirty hours of Professional Development Activities (PDA) per two-year renewal period." "A minimum of twenty of the thirty required hours must be in the Educational Coursework, Fellowships, or Residencies category." PTAs: "Accrual of twenty hours of Professional Development Activities (PDA) per two-year renewal period." "A minimum of fifteen of the twenty required hours must be in the Educational Coursework, Fellowships, and Residencies category." Units: "One contact hour equals one credit hour of Professional Development Activities (PDA)." First renewal: "Effective after the 2020 license renewal, or upon the completion of the first renewal of a license thereafter, the licensee shall demonstrate continuing professional competency in order to renew a license" (4 CCR 732-1, Rules 1.5(L) and 1.6(G) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal date: "All Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant licenses expire on October 31 of even-numbered years." (DPO PT applications page (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• Connecticut. PTs: "each physical therapist licensed pursuant to this chapter shall complete a minimum of twenty hours of continuing education during each registration period. For purposes of this section, registration period means the twelve-month period for which a license has been renewed in accordance with section 19a-88 and is current and valid." Suicide: "on and after January 1, 2022, such continuing education shall include not less than two hours of training or education on (A) screening for post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (B) suicide prevention, during the first registration period in which continuing education is required and not less than once every six years thereafter" Ethics: "on and after January 1, 2026, such continuing education shall include not less than two hours of training or education on ethics and jurisprudence during the first registration period in which continuing education is required and not less than once every two years thereafter." First renewal: "The continuing education requirements shall be waived for licensees applying for licensure renewal for the first time." (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 20-73b (2026 Supp.) (opens in a new tab) (statute)) Renewal: "Each person holding a license to practice physical therapy shall, annually, during the month of such person's birth, register with the Department of Public Health" "Each person holding a physical therapist assistant license shall, annually, during the month of such person's birth, register with the Department of Public Health" (Conn. Gen. Stat. § 19a-88 (opens in a new tab) (statute)) PTAs are not on the Department of Public Health's list of license types that must complete CE (DPH list (opens in a new tab) (board page)).

• Delaware. PTs and PTAs: "Three CEUs are required for every biennial license renewal for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Athletic Trainers. The required CEUs shall be completed no later than January 31 of every odd-numbered year and every 2 years after such date." Topics: "The required hours shall include 0.2 units of Ethics and proof of current CPR certification by the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, National Safety Council or other agency approved by the Board" "Proof of current CPR certification will count for 0.1 CEU." Units: "One CEU will be given for every 10 hours of an approved continuing education course. (1 contact hour = .1 CEU)." New licensees: "CEU requirements shall be prorated for new licensees." (24 Del. Admin. Code 2600, Reg. 13.0 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal date: "Licenses expire on January 31 of odd years" (DPR renewal page (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• District of Columbia. PTs: "To qualify for the renewal of a license, an applicant shall have completed forty (40) hours of approved continuing education during the two (2) years' period preceding the date the license expires, which shall include:" "No more than twenty (20) hours of approved continuing education credits earned through internet courses;" "Ten percent (10%) of the total required continuing education shall be in the subjects determined by the Director as public health priorities of the District" "Two (2) hours of LGBTQ continuing education." First renewal: "This section shall not apply to applicants for the first renewal of a license." (17 DCMR § 6706 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) PTAs: "To qualify for the renewal of a license, an applicant shall have completed, during the two (2)-year period preceding the date the license expires, thirty (30) hours of approved continuing education credit, two (2) of which shall be LGBTQ continuing education, and ten percent (10%) of the total hours required shall be in the subjects determined by the Director as public health priorities of the District" "This section shall not apply to applicants for an initial license or applicants for the first renewal of a license." (17 DCMR § 8206 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "All credentials issued on or after June 16, 2024, will expire on the last day of the holder's birth month." (DC Health PT licensing page (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• Florida. PTs and PTAs: "Every person licensed pursuant to Chapter 486, F.S., shall be required to complete twenty-four contact hours of continuing education courses approved by the Board in the twenty-four months preceding each biennial renewal period..." New licensees: "With the exception of the required courses in the prevention of medical errors and HIV/AIDS, applicants who become licensed in the second half of the biennium are exempt from this continuing education requirement for their first renewal." Self-study: "The Board will accept a maximum of twelve (12) contact hours taken via self-paced format during each biennium." (Fla. Admin. Code r. 64B17-9.001 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Medical errors: "shall require the completion of a 2-hour course relating to prevention of medical errors as part of the biennial renewal process." (§ 456.013(7), Fla. Stat. (opens in a new tab) (statute)) HIV/AIDS: "Each licensee must complete at least one clock hour of HIV/AIDS education through a Board approved course no later than upon the licensee's first biennial renewal of licensure." (r. 64B17-8.001(1) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Human trafficking: "Each licensee, licensed by January 1, 2021, must complete at least one hour of Human Trafficking education through an approved course no later than January 1, 2021." (r. 64B17-8.003(1) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Georgia. PTs and PTAs: "The Georgia State Board of Physical Therapy requires each licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant to participate in thirty (30) clock hours of experience per licensure period which is not to exceed ten (10) credit hours per calendar day." Ethics and jurisprudence: "(30) hours of continuing competence per biennium shall include a minimum of four (4) contact hours specifically in Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence as defined in the Georgia Physical Therapy Act or by passage of the Georgia Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination." New graduates: "licensees who have graduated during the current renewal biennium and who have passed the National Physical Therapy Examination are exempt from the continuing competence requirement during the biennium in which they have graduated and successfully passed the exam." Late licensees: "Individuals licensed during the last six (6) months of a biennium renewal period will not be required to meet continuing competence requirements for that biennium." (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. r. 490-4-.02 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "submit proof of continuing competency requirements and pay a renewal fee by December 31st of odd years." (r. 490-4-.01(1) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Hawaii. PTs: "Beginning with the December 31, 2016, renewal, each licensed physical therapist shall be required to obtain at least thirty units of approved continuing competence units in each two-year license renewal period, where one continuing competence unit is equivalent to at least fifty minutes of classroom or hands-on instruction." First renewal: "if the initial license was issued less than twelve months prior to the renewal date, no continuing competence units will be required for the first renewal period. If the initial license was issued more than twelve months prior to the renewal date, the licensee shall be required to obtain fifteen units of approved continuing competence units for the first renewal period." (HRS § 461J-10.1 (opens in a new tab) (statute)) Required topics: "Two units in ethics, laws, and rules (jurisprudence), or some combination thereof; and ... Four units in life support for health care professionals; provided that such training shall be comparable to, or more advanced than, the American Heart Association's basic life support health care provider course." (HRS § 461J-10.12 (opens in a new tab) (statute)) Renewal: "The biennial renewal fee shall be paid to the department of commerce and consumer affairs on or before December 31 of each even-numbered year." (HRS § 461J-10(a) (opens in a new tab) (statute)) PTAs have no CE requirement; the state's reactivation sheet lists "None" for a physical therapist assistant (DCCA form LB-52 (opens in a new tab) (board page)).

• Idaho. PTs and PTAs: "Renewal of License. Every person holding a license issued by the Board must complete thirty-two (32) contact hours of continuing education every two years." Content: "The contact hours of continuing education must be obtained in areas of study germane to the practice of physical therapy, and for which the licensee is issued a certificate of completion or transcript." (IDAPA 24.13.01.100.02 (rule PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "A licensee must renew his license biennially as provided in section 67-2614, Idaho Code" (Idaho Code § 54-2215 (opens in a new tab) (statute)); "All natural persons required to procure a license, registration, or certificate must renew on or before the birthday of the licensee" and "The first renewal of the license, registration, or certificate shall not be required until at least twelve (12) months after the licensee's, registrant's, or certificate holder's birthday following the initial licensure or registration." (Idaho Code § 67-2614(2) (opens in a new tab) (statute)) The board's transition notice: "There are no changes to your current Continuing Education requirements." (DOPL notice, Aug 26, 2025 (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• Illinois. PTs: "Every physical therapist shall complete 40 hours of CE relevant to the practice of physical therapy during each prerenewal period as a condition of renewal. Beginning with the September 2016 renewal, at least 3 hours of the 40 hours must include content related to the ethical practice of physical therapy, including jurisprudence." PTAs: "Every physical therapist assistant shall complete 20 hours of CE relevant to the practice of physical therapy during each prerenewal period as a condition of renewal. Beginning with the September 2017 renewal, at least 3 hours of the 20 hours must include content related to the ethical practice of physical therapy, including jurisprudence." "A prerenewal period is the 24 months preceding September 30 in the year of the renewal." "A renewal applicant is not required to comply with CE requirements for the first renewal following the original issuance of the license." (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1340.61(a) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "Every physical therapy license issued under the Act shall expire on September 30 of each even-numbered year. Every physical therapist assistant license issued under the Act shall expire on September 30 or each odd-numbered year." (68 Ill. Adm. Code 1340.55(a) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Statewide topics for IDFPR licensees: sexual harassment, "All persons who hold a professional license issued by the Division and are subject to a continuing education requirement shall complete a one-hour course in sexual harassment prevention training." Implicit bias: "A health care professional who has continuing education requirements must complete at least a one-hour course in training on implicit bias awareness per renewal period." (20 ILCS 2105/2105-15.7(b) (opens in a new tab) (statute); 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1130.400 (Part 1130) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Indiana. PTs and PTAs: "Twenty-two (22) hours of continuing competency activities are required for the biennial renewal period, of which two (2) hours must be in an ethics and Indiana jurisprudence course as it relates to the practice of physical therapy." New licensees: "If a license or certification is valid for less than twelve (12) months, no continuing competency activity is required for renewal. If the license or certification is valid for twelve (12) to twenty-three (23) months, twelve (12) hours of continuing competency activities are required for renewal, which shall include the two (2) hours of an ethics and Indiana jurisprudence course" (842 IAC 1-7-1 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Mix: "a physical therapist or physical therapist's assistant must complete at least twenty-two (22) hours of continuing competency activities of which at least ten (10) hours must be in category I courses" and "may not earn more than ten (10) category II credit hours" (842 IAC 1-7-3 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "Every physical therapist holding a license issued by the board shall renew his or her license biennially on or before July 1 of each even-numbered year." (842 IAC 1-4-1 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) The statute directs the board to "adopt rules concerning a continuing competency requirement for the renewal" of PT licenses and PTA certificates (IC 25-27-1-5(d) (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Iowa. PTs: "Each biennium, each person who is licensed to practice as a physical therapist in this state will be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of continuing education approved by the board." PTAs: "Each biennium, each person who is licensed to practice as a physical therapist assistant in this state will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuing education approved by the board." New licensees: "Those persons licensed for the first time shall not be required to complete continuing education as a prerequisite for the first renewal of their licenses." (481 IAC 803.2 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "The biennial license renewal period for a license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall begin on the sixteenth day of the birth month and end on the fifteenth day of the birth month two years later." Abuse reporting: "A licensee who is required by Iowa Code section 232.69 to report child abuse shall indicate on the renewal application completion of training in child abuse identification and reporting as required by Iowa Code section 232.69(3)... in the previous three years" and "A licensee who is required by Iowa Code section 235B.3 or 235E.2 to report dependent adult abuse shall indicate on the renewal application completion of training in dependent adult abuse identification and reporting" (481 IAC 800.6(1), (4) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Cap: business, personal-skills and general health topics, including "CPR, mandatory reporter training, and other like topics," are limited to "a maximum combined total of ten hours of credit for a physical therapist licensee and five hours of credit for a physical therapist assistant licensee" (481 IAC 803.3(2)(b) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Kansas. PTs and PTAs: "As a condition of renewal for each odd-numbered year, each licensed physical therapist, certified physical therapist assistant, or compact privilege holder shall submit, in addition to the annual application for renewal of licensure, certification, or compact privilege, evidence of satisfactory completion within the preceding two-year period of at least 40 contact hours of continuing education for a licensed physical therapist or a physical therapist holding a compact privilege and at least 20 contact hours of continuing education for a certified physical therapist assistant or a physical therapist assistant holding a compact privilege." Jurisprudence (PTs): "As a component of the required contact hours, each licensed physical therapist shall be required to successfully complete the physical therapy jurisprudence assessment module specified in paragraph (f)(15) during each continuing education cycle." "A contact hour shall consist of 60 minutes of activity pertaining to the practice of physical therapy." New licensees: those licensed or certified "within one year of a renewal date in an odd-numbered year shall not be required to submit evidence of satisfactory completion of a program of continuing education required by paragraph (a)(1)(A) for that first renewal period"; between one and two years, "at least half of the contact hours of continuing education required by paragraph (a)(1)(A)." (K.A.R. 100-29-9 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "The license of each physical therapist and the certificate of each physical therapist assistant shall expire on December 31 of each year." (K.A.R. 100-29-8(a) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Kentucky. PTs: "For a physical therapist, the board shall require thirty (30) contact hours as a condition of licensure renewal." PTAs: "For a physical therapist assistant, the board shall require twenty (20) contact hours as a condition of renewal." For both: "Two (2) hours shall be awarded for the successful completion of the Jurisprudence Examination per biennium." The exam is "a board-provided open book tutorial on KRS Chapter 327 and 201 KAR Chapter 22," and a contact hour "means a credit earned based on sixty (60) minutes of participation in a physical therapy-related activity." Mix: PTs need "At least eighteen (18) hours" from Category 1 and get no credit for "Hours earned from Category 2 over ten (10) hours"; PTAs need "At least ten (10) hours shall be earned from Category 1" with "Hours earned from Category 2 over eight (8) hours shall not be awarded." (201 KAR 22:045 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "Payment of the renewal fee established in 201 KAR 22:135 on or before March 31 of each odd numbered year" (201 KAR 22:040, Section 1 (opens in a new tab) (rule)). The board: "Jurisprudence Exam must be completed by March 31 of every renewal cycle" (board continued competency page (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• Louisiana. PTs and PTAs: "Unless exempted under §198, licensees shall successfully complete, document and report to the board at least 30 hours of board–approved continuing education courses or activities in the biennial renewal period." Jurisprudence: "jurisprudence―a minimum of two contact hours. Passage of the jurisprudence examination, which may be taken online, or attendance at a traditional board-sponsored Jurisprudence course, either of which fulfills the two-hour Jurisprudence requirement" Ethics: "ethics or professionalism ―a minimum of two contact hours" New graduates: "PTs or PTAs licensed in Louisiana are exempt from the Subchapter J continuing education requirements for the continuing education year, beginning April 1 and ending March 31 of the following year, in which they graduate from an accredited physical therapy education program. For the second year of the licensee’s renewal period, 15 contact hours must be completed and reported in keeping with the requirements of §194." (LAC 46:LIV.194, .198 (Part LIV .docx) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Maine. The statute: "The board shall establish by rule continuing education requirements as a condition of renewal of a license as authorized under Title 10, section 8003, subsection 5‑A, paragraph D." (32 M.R.S. §3116-B (opens in a new tab) (statute)) No such rule is in the board's rules yet, and the board says: "Do I have to complete continuing education for license renewal requirements? Maine Law does not require continuing education for this profession." (board FAQ (opens in a new tab) (board FAQ)) The board's October 21, 2026 agenda lists "Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking re: Continuing Education Requirements pursuant to 32 M.R.S. § 3116-B" (board agenda, Oct 21, 2026 (opens in a new tab) (board page)). Renewal: "This license renews annually on March 31." (board renewal page (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• Maryland. "A licensee shall: (1) Earn CE hours between June 1 and May 31 during the 2-year period before renewal" PTs: "A physical therapist shall earn 30 CE hours for the renewal period." PTAs: "A physical therapist assistant shall earn 20 CE hours for the renewal period." New licensees: "the Board may renew a license for the first renewal period following the issuance of the original license without requiring the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant to complete any CE hours if, at the time of renewal, the original license was issued 1 year or less before the renewal period." (COMAR 10.38.08.05 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Implicit bias: "an applicant for the renewal of a license or certificate issued by a health occupations board under this article shall attest in the application that the applicant has completed an implicit bias and structural racism training program approved by the Cultural and Linguistic Health Care Professional Competency Program" and this "shall apply only to an applicant’s first license or certificate renewal after April 1, 2026." (Health Occ. §1-225 (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Massachusetts. PTs and PTAs: "Licensed physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and occupational therapy assistants ... are required, as a condition of license renewal, to complete a minimum of 24 points of Board recognized activities for maintaining continuing competence during the preceding biennial renewal period." Ethics and law: "For each renewal period, each physical and occupational therapy professional's continuing competency points must include two points in ethics, laws and regulations governing practice in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or some combination thereof." New licensees: "For new physical therapy or occupational therapy professionals licensed by examination, this continuing competence requirement commences following their first renewal period after initial licensure." Points: "Fully completed continuing competence programs may be submitted for up to 24 points, one point per contact hour or equivalent as awarded by the provider." (259 CMR 7.01(1), (2)(d) (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "A license shall expire every two years on the birth anniversary of the Licensee." (259 CMR 2.04 (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Michigan. "An applicant for license renewal who has been licensed in the 3-year period immediately before the expiration date of the license shall accumulate PDR credits in activities approved under these rules during the 3 years immediately before the expiration date of the license, as follows: (a) Not less than 36 PDR credits if the applicant for license renewal is a physical therapist. (b) Not less than 24 PDR credits if the applicant for license renewal is a physical therapist assistant." Pain: "a licensee shall earn at least 1 PDR credit in pain and symptom management by completing a continuing education program or activity." Online cap: "No more than 12 PDR credits are allowed for approved online continuing education programs or activities completed in one 24-hour period." Human trafficking: "an individual seeking licensure or who is licensed shall have completed training in identifying victims of human trafficking" (Mich. Admin. Code R 338.7161(2), 338.7163(1), 338.7126(1) (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Implicit bias: "An individual applying for licensure or registration renewal, reregistration, or relicensure under article 15 of the code ... shall have completed a minimum of 1 hour of implicit bias training for each year of the applicant’s license or registration cycle." (R 338.7004(2) (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Minnesota. PTs and PTAs: "Every two years, each physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensed by the board shall obtain 20 contact hours of continuing education credit as required by parts 5601.2200 to 5601.2600." Ethics: "A minimum of two of the 20 hours of continuing education each cycle shall be on professional ethics directly related to the practice of physical therapy." (Minn. R. 5601.2100 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) First cycle: "For physical therapists and physical therapist assistants, the first two-year continuing education cycle begins on the January 1 following the date of initial licensure." (Minn. R. 5601.2200 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "Every licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall, before January 1 each year, apply to the board for an extension of a license" and "the continuing education requirements for physical therapist assistants are the same as those for physical therapists." (Minn. Stat. §148.73 (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Mississippi. PTs and PTAs: "Regulations set the requirement of 30 continuing competence units (CCU) to be accrued during each 2 year licensing period (July 1- June 30). No carryover of continuing competence units from one licensure period to another shall be allowed." Ethics: "All licensees must take three (3) hours of study in ethics, professionalism, or jurisprudence per licensing period as part of their total CC requirements." Mix: "At least 15 of the 30 required continuing competence units must be from Certified Activities" New licensees: "Individuals applying for initial licensure within a licensing period must accrue continuing competence hours on a prorated scale." Renewal: "The licensure period shall be construed as July 1 through June 30 of odd-numbered years for persons whose surnames begin with A through L and the licensure period shall be construed as July 1 through June 30 of even-numbered years for persons whose surnames begin with M through Z." (Miss. Admin. Code tit. 30, pt. 3103, R. 5.2, 4.1 (PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Missouri. PTs and PTAs: "All licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants shall biennially, on even-numbered years, complete and report at least thirty (30) hours of acceptable continuing education as specified in rule 20 CSR 2150-3.203." New graduates: "Physical therapists and/or physical therapist assistants are exempt from one-half (1/2) of the total continuing education hours (thirty (30) hours required, one-half (1/2) is defined as fifteen (15) hours) for the year in which the licensee graduated from a program of physical therapy and/or physical therapist assistant education" Renewal: "Each applicant shall renew the registration with the board upon a form furnished by the board before January 31 of the year the license is due for renewal." Optional test: "Prior to renewal of the license, licensees may be required to take and pass a test administered by the board on the laws and rules related to the practice of physical therapy in Missouri." (20 CSR 2150-3.201(1), (8); 3.060(1), (4) (ch. 3 PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Statute: "Each person licensed pursuant to sections 334.500 to 334.685 shall accumulate thirty hours of continuing education every two years to be eligible for relicensure" and "Adherence to the continuing education requirement shall be reviewed for licensure renewal in each even-numbered year" (RSMo 334.507 (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Montana. PTs and PTAs: "Licensees are required to obtain continuing education annually, as follows:" ... "physical therapists and assistants: 8 hours" First renewal: "Continuing education requirements do not apply until after the licensee’s first renewal." (ARM 24.119.2101(1)(d), (4) (opens in a new tab) (rule), new rule eff. July 25, 2026, replacing ARM 24.177.2105) Renewal: "Physical Therapist Annually April 1 Physical Therapist Assistant Annually April 1" (ARM 24.101.413 (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Nebraska. "On or before November 1 of each odd-numbered year, individuals holding an active license in the State of Nebraska must complete at least 20 hours of acceptable continuing education for a physical therapist and 10 hours of acceptable continuing education for a physical therapist assistant during the preceding 24-month period." Renewal: "All physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licenses expire on November 1st of each odd-numbered year." Subject matter: "the activity or program must relate to physical therapy and may focus on research, treatment, documentation, management, or education." First renewal: "The department waives continuing competency requirements for credential holders who were first credentialed within the 24-month period immediately prior to the renewal date." (172 NAC 137-010, -011 (chapter PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule); 172 NAC 10-004.03(B) (chapter PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Nevada. Rule as amended by R124-21: "must complete 1.5 continuing competency units of an approved course or activity within the year immediately preceding his or her application for the renewal of his or her license" and "These units must include an approved course or one continuing competency activity concerning diversity, equity, inclusion or social justice." Jurisprudence: "As a condition of renewing his or her license, every licensee must successfully pass a jurisprudence examination that tests the familiarity of the licensee with the laws and regulations relevant to the practice of physical therapy in this State." Statute: "A license to practice as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant expires 1 year after the date of its issuance or on the date prescribed by the Board, whichever is later." Board model (conflicts with the rule's 1.5): "NEVADA MINIMUM ANNUAL REQUIREMENT is 15 Continuing Competence Units (CCUs)." and "CCU – Continuing Competency Unit (1 CCU = 1 hour)". (NAC 640.400 and Sec. 13, LCB File R124-21 (opens in a new tab) (rule); NRS 640.150 (opens in a new tab) (statute); NV PT Board Continuing Competency Model 2026 (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• New Hampshire. "Individuals licensed as physical therapists or physical therapist assistants wishing to renew their licenses either fully or conditionally shall maintain continuing competence by completing 24 contact hours of continuing professional education in each 2-year renewal cycle." "At least one half of the contact hours required by (a) and (b) above shall relate directly and primarily to the clinical application of physical therapy." Jurisprudence: "Each individual licensed as a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall take and pass a New Hampshire jurisprudence assessment module as described below: (a) The New Hampshire jurisprudence assessment module shall be taken each April, May, or June of years ending in 0 and 5" Renewal term: "Licenses issued by the office shall be valid for 2 years from the date of issuance" (N.H. Admin. R. Phy 402.03, 406.01 (opens in a new tab) (rule); RSA 310:8, II (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• New Jersey. "each applicant for biennial license renewal as a licensed physical therapist and as a licensed physical therapist assistant shall complete during the preceding biennial period a minimum of 30 credits of continuing education and competency, which shall include four credits of jurisprudence and professional ethics." New licensees: "An applicant for biennial license renewal as a licensed physical therapist or as a licensed physical therapist assistant who receives an initial license in the first year of a biennial period shall complete a minimum of 15 of the 30 required credits ... who receives an initial license in the second year of a biennial period shall be exempt from completing continuing education and competency credits during that biennial renewal period." Self-study cap: "The Board shall grant a maximum of 10 of the mandatory 30 continuing education and competency credits required in a biennial renewal period" from listed categories. Board FAQ: Renewal: "All physical therapy and physical therapist assistant licenses expire every two years on January 31 of any even-numbered year, regardless of the date of initial licensure." Jurisprudence: "Licensees must complete a 1.5-credit Jurisprudence Assessment Module offered by one of the sponsors listed on the New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners' website for the jurisprudence portion of the requirement. Licensees can complete any ethics course (distance learning or live) of 2.5 credits or more to meet the four-credit jurisprudence and professional ethics requirement." (N.J.A.C. 13:39A-9.2, 9.3 (board PDF of 51 N.J.R. 894(a), 2019) (opens in a new tab) (rule); NJ Board of Physical Therapy Examiners FAQ (opens in a new tab) (board FAQ))

• New Mexico. "Thirty hours of continuing education ... is required biennially, except those who will renew their license for the first time. No continuing education is required of those who are renewing for the first time. All continuing education hours must be earned during the current two year renewal period of February 1 through January 31." Renewal: "Licenses will be renewed biennially. Licenses will expire on February 1 following no more than two years of licensure." The requirement covers "license renewal of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants". (16.20.8.8, 16.20.8.9 NMAC as amended eff. Feb 24, 2026 (N.M. Register Vol. XXXVII, Issue 4) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• New York. Statute: "During each triennial registration period an applicant for registration as a licensed physical therapist or licensed physical therapist assistant shall complete a minimum of thirty-six hours of acceptable formal continuing education" and "Each licensed physical therapist and licensed physical therapist assistant shall be exempt from the mandatory continuing education requirement for the triennial registration period during which they are first licensed." Rule: "During each triennial registration period, meaning a registration period of three years' duration, an applicant for registration shall complete at least 36 hours of continuing education, acceptable to the department" and, for shorter periods, "on a prorated basis at a rate of one hour of continuing education per month for such registration period." Renewal timing (OP FAQ): "registration periods may be adjusted so that subsequent renewals will occur during a licensee's month of birth." (N.Y. Educ. Law § 6742-a (opens in a new tab) (statute); 8 NYCRR § 77.10(b), (c) (opens in a new tab) (rule); NYSED Office of the Professions PT CE Q&A (opens in a new tab) (board FAQ))

• North Carolina. "For individuals whose date of initial licensure is after January 1, 2009, commencing on January 1 following the date of initial licensure, each physical therapist must accumulate 30 points and each physical therapist assistant must accumulate 20 points of continuing competence activities during the reporting period to be eligible for license renewal." Reporting period: "means a 25 month period commencing on January 1 during which the licensee must complete all continuing competence requirements." Jurisprudence: "During each reporting period, every licensee shall complete a jurisprudence exercise provided by the Board." Renewal: "Every licensed physical therapist or physical therapist assistant shall, from November 1 through January 31 at close of business of every year, apply to the Board for a renewal of licensure" (21 NCAC 48G .0106 (opens in a new tab) (rule); 21 NCAC 48G .0105(12) (opens in a new tab) (rule); 21 NCAC 48G .0109(k) (opens in a new tab) (rule); G.S. 90-270.99 (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• North Dakota. "All physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must obtain twenty-five units of continuing competence every two years to be eligible for licensure or relicensure." "The board shall determine reporting groups, methods, and deadlines." Unit: "One unit equals one hour of participation in competence activities." Renewal: "Licenses not renewed annually by January thirty-first will expire." CE reporting: "At the January license renewal deadline immediately following their two-year continuing competence cycle, registrants shall provide attestation to completing the continuing competence activities" New to ND: "Licensees applying for licensure in North Dakota for the first time from other states or countries who do not have twenty-five units of continuing competence within the last two years will be required to complete thirteen units of continuing competence within a year of their initial licensure in North Dakota" (N.D. Admin. Code 61.5-03-01-02 (opens in a new tab) (rule); 61.5-03-02-01 (opens in a new tab) (rule); 61.5-03-03-01 (opens in a new tab) (rule); 61.5-02-02-05 (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Ohio. "A 'unit' is one clock hour spent in a continuing education activity..." "License holders are not required to obtain any continuing education units for the first renewal." PTs: "A physical therapist shall complete a minimum of twenty-four units of continuing education activities within the two year renewal cycle." PTAs: "A physical therapist assistant shall complete a minimum of twelve units of continuing education activities within the two year renewal cycle." Ethics: "License holders shall complete at least two hours of ethics through a renewal jurisprudence module as determined by the physical therapy section." (Ohio Adm.Code 4755:2-3-01(A) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "All persons licensed as a physical therapist shall renew their license by the thirty-first day of January in each even-numbered year." (Ohio Adm.Code 4755:2-1-05(B) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Oklahoma. "Effective February 1, 2022 and every two years thereafter, physical therapists will be required to show proof of forty (40) approved contact hours and/or PDU equivalent and Physical Therapist Assistants will be required to show proof of thirty (30) approved contact hours and/or PDU equivalent." "At least half of the required hours must be professional development coursework." Ethics: "Three of the required hours must contain ethics education that includes the APTA Guide for Professional Conduct and the APTA Code of Ethics." First renewal: "Any physical therapist or physical therapist assistant initially licensed in Oklahoma during the second year of a compliance period shall be exempt from the professional development requirements for that first renewal period." Jurisprudence: "complete a jurisprudence examination prepared by the Board focusing on the areas of the Oklahoma Physical Therapy Practice Act and related Oklahoma Administrative Code" (OAC 435:20-9-2 and 435:20-3-6(a)(3), board PDF of ch. 20, unofficial copy (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "all licenses shall expire on January 31 of each year." (59 O.S. § 887.12(A)(1) (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Oregon. PTs and PTAs: "All licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are required within each certification period to complete 24 hours of continuing competence..." New licensees: "If initially licensed or renewed anytime during the second year of a certification period (April 1st of an odd numbered year through March 31st of an even numbered year), the individual must complete one-half (12 hours) of the continuing competence required for that certification period." Deadline: "Failure to complete the required continuing competence by March 31st of an even-numbered year shall constitute a violation of this Division 35." (OAR 848-035-0020 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Pain management: "All Oregon physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must complete the online pain management module provided by the Oregon Pain Management Commission as follows: (A) At initial licensure. (B) At each renewal, unless the date course was completed for initial licensure was within one year of the renewal date." Cultural competence: "all licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants must complete a minimum of one hour of continuing competence that meets the criteria established by the Oregon Health Authority pursuant to OAR 943-090-0020 for cultural competency education. This requirement must be completed each certification period." (OAR 848-035-0030(1) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Pennsylvania. PTs: "During each biennial renewal period, a licensee shall complete qualifying continuing education equal to at least 30 contact hours of continuing physical therapy education, including at least 2 contact hours in law or ethics applicable to the practice of physical therapy, and at least 2 contact hours in child abuse recognition and reporting..." "A licensee is not required to complete continuing education during the biennial renewal cycle in which the licensee was first licensed." (49 Pa. Code § 40.67(a) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) PTAs: "a certified physical therapist assistant shall complete qualifying continuing education equal to at least 30 contact hours of continuing physical therapy education, including at least 4 contact hours in identifying and responding to emergency health conditions, at least 2 contact hours in law or ethics applicable to the practice of physical therapy and at least 2 contact hours in child abuse recognition and reporting..." (49 Pa. Code § 40.192(a) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "A license issued under this subchapter expires on December 31 of each even-numbered year unless renewed for the next biennium." (49 Pa. Code § 40.19(a) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Direct access: "At least 10 of the 30 contact hours shall be in evaluative procedures to treat a person without a referral." (49 Pa. Code § 40.63(b) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Rhode Island. PTs: "physical therapists shall attest to completion of twenty-four (24) hours biennially in scope of practice-specific offerings..." PTAs: "physical therapist assistants shall attest to completion of twenty-four (24) hours biennially in scope of practice-specific offerings..." New licensees: "Physical therapists initially licensed by examination after the May 1st renewal date shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements stated in this Part until the date of the next renewal cycle, i.e., April 30th of the next even-numbered year." (216-RICR-40-05-13 §§ 13.4.5(D)(2), (7) and 13.5.5(D)(2) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "The certificate of every person licensed under the provisions of this chapter shall expire on the first day of May of the next even year following the date of original licensure." (R.I. Gen. Laws § 5-40-10(a) (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• South Carolina. PTs and PTAs: "A licensed PT or PTA shall earn three (3.0) CEUs per biennium period (30 hours) and at least fifteen (15) contact hours of the thirty hours must be obtained through the completion of Certified Activities. PTs and PTAs licensed in South Carolina are not subject to this requirement for the first biennium renewal period in which they are initially licensed." Ethics: "A PT or PTA must complete three (3) contact hours of study in ethics, professionalism, and/or South Carolina jurisprudence per biennium as part of his/her CEU requirements." Units: "'CEU' or 'continuing education unit' means ten (10) contact hours..." (S.C. Code Regs. 101-01 and 101-07 (ch. 101 PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Statute: "Before January first in every other year, a licensed physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall renew the license and pay the renewal fee..." (S.C. Code § 40-45-250(B) (opens in a new tab) (statute)) Board page: "The biennial reporting period for the 2026 renewal is January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2026." (SC LLR PT renewal page (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• South Dakota. PTs and PTAs: "To renew a license, a physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall complete thirty continuing education hours during the two-year license period." (ARSD 20:66:03:01 (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "A license issued by the State Board of Physical Therapy, pursuant to this chapter, expires on January first of the second year following its issuance." (SDCL 36-10-33 (opens in a new tab) (statute)) New graduates: "SDBPT allows a waiver of up to 15 CE hours for first renewal licensees who graduated from an accredited DPT/PTA program within the same 2-year licensing cycle." (SD Board of Physical Therapy CE page (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• Tennessee. PTs: "Physical Therapist – Thirty (30) hours are required for the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month." PTAs: "Physical Therapist Assistant – Thirty (30) hours are required for the twenty-four (24) months that precede the licensure renewal month." "At least twenty (20) hours of the thirty (30) hour requirement must be from Class I activities..." Ethics and jurisprudence: "Four (4) of the hours required in parts (3)(a)1. and (3)(b)1. must consist of ethics and jurisprudence education courses. These four (4) hours are required every renewal cycle." New licensees: "Applicants approved for initial licensure by examination must successfully complete four (4) hours of ethics and jurisprudence education during their initial period of licensure." (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1150-01-.12 (ch. 1150-01 PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)) Renewal: "licenses issued under the alternative method are valid for twenty-four (24) months, and expire on the last day of the last month of the license period." (Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1200-10-01-.10 (ch. 1200-10-01 PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Texas. PTs and PTAs: "For each biennial renewal, physical therapists must complete a total of 30 continuing competence units (CCUs); physical therapist assistants must complete a total of 20 CCUs." Unit: "One contact hour equals 1 continuing competence unit (CCU)." Jurisprudence: "All licensees must complete a board-approved jurisprudence assessment module as part of their total continuing competence requirement." Renewal also needs "a passing score on the jurisprudence examination" and "successful completion of a human trafficking prevention course approved by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The course must be a minimum of one contact hour in order to claim CCU credit" (22 TAC §§ 341.1(c), 341.2(c), (f), 341.3(1)(B) (rules PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Statute: "A health care practitioner, other than a physician or nurse, shall successfully complete a training course described by Section 116.002 as a condition for renewal of a license" (Tex. Occ. Code § 116.003 (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Utah. PTs: "During each two-year renewal cycle, a physical therapist shall complete at least 40 CEUs, of which at least two CEUs shall be in ethics or law." PTAs: "a physical therapist assistant shall complete at least 20 CEUs, of which at least two CEUs shall be in ethics or law." Units: "one contact hour of Category I CEU equals two continuing education units" (Category II: "one contact hour of Category II CEU equals 1 and 1/2 continuing education units"; Category III: "one contact hour of Category III CEU equals one continuing education unit"). New licensees: "If a licensee first becomes licensed during the two-year renewal period, the licensee's required number of CEUs shall be decreased proportionately according to the date of licensure." (Utah Admin. Code R156-24b-303b (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Renewal date for "Physical Therapist" and "Physical Therapist Assistant": "May 31 odd years" (Utah Admin. Code R156-1-308a (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Vermont. "Licenses renew on a fixed biennial schedule, September 30th of the even numbered years, and must be renewed before they expire." "Licensees must pay a renewal fee, and must have completed at least 24 hours of continuing competence activities for physical therapists and 16 hours of continuing competence activities for physical therapist assistants during the two years immediately preceding their respective renewal." Rule 4.1: "A physical therapist licensee must document completion of a total of 24 CCUs during the two-year licensing period preceding renewal. A physical therapist assistant licensee must document completion of 16 CCUs during the two-year licensing period preceding renewal. This provision shall apply to all renewal periods." Topics: "CCUs must be obtained in subjects related to either the professional practice of physical therapy or patient/client management." (Vt. PT Rules 3.1, 4.1 (rules PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Statute: "The Director shall establish continuing competence requirements by rule as a condition of licensure renewal." (26 V.S.A. § 2107(d) (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Virginia. PTs and PTAs: "In order to renew an active license biennially, a physical therapist or a physical therapist assistant shall complete at least 30 contact hours of continuing learning activities within the two years immediately preceding renewal." Type 1 minimum: "A minimum of 20 of the contact hours required for physical therapists and 15 of the contact hours required for physical therapist assistants shall be in Type 1 courses." Type 2 cap: "No more than 10 of the contact hours required for physical therapists and 15 of the contact hours required for physical therapist assistants may be Type 2 activities or courses". New licensees: "A licensee shall be exempt from the continuing competency requirements for the first biennial renewal following the date of initial licensure by examination in Virginia." (18VAC112-20-131 (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Renewal: "shall renew his license biennially by December 31 in each even-numbered year" (18VAC112-20-130(A) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

• Washington. PTs: "Every two years, a physical therapist (PT) shall complete 32 hours of continuing education (CE) through any of the following means" PTAs: "Every two years, a physical therapist assistant (PTA) shall complete 24 hours of continuing education through any of the following means" Health equity: "Every two years, each physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall complete two hours of health equity continuing competency training as described in WAC 246-12-800 through 246-12-830." Suicide: "Each physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall complete a one-time, three hour suicide assessment training described in WAC 246-915-086." Jurisprudence: "Each physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall take and pass the Washington state jurisprudence examination within their first full continuing education cycle after initial licensure." Practice: "Every two years, each physical therapist and physical therapist assistant shall complete 200 hours involving the application of physical therapy knowledge and skills" (WAC 246-915-085 (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Renewal: "Licenses must be renewed every year on the practitioner's birthday as provided in chapter 246-12 WAC." (WAC 246-915-990(1) (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Suicide training timing: "must complete the one-time training by the end of the first full continuing education reporting period after January 1, 2016, or during the first full continuing education reporting period after initial licensure, whichever is later" (RCW 43.70.442(5)(b)(i) (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• West Virginia. All licensees (PTs and PTAs): "All licensees desiring to remain 'active' and in good standing must complete 24 units of board approved continuing education within the 2-year licensing period." Unit: "A 'unit' is one clock hour spent in a continuing education activity unless otherwise defined in this section." New graduates: "A new graduate does not need continuing education hours for the current year" of graduation. Cap: "A maximum of eight units per license period can be obtained from any combination of clinical instruction or competency tools." Renewal: "Licenses expiring on December 31 of each particular year must be renewed by payment of applicable fee along with completed renewal application." (16 CSR 1 §§ 5.2, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3.1 (rule PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Board: "Renewals begin October 1 and end December 31 in the year your license is due to expire." (renewal information (opens in a new tab) (board page))

• Wisconsin. PTs: "every physical therapist shall complete at least 30 hours of board-approved continuing education in each biennial registration period, as specified in s. 448.55 (3), Stats. Four of the required 30 hours shall be in the area of ethics, jurisprudence, or both." PTAs: "every physical therapist assistant shall complete at least 20 hours of board-approved continuing education in each biennial registration period, as specified in s. 448.55 (3), Stats. Four of the required 20 hours shall be in the area of ethics, jurisprudence, or both." New licensees: "During the time between initial licensure and commencement of a full 2-year licensure period new licensees shall not be required to meet continuing education requirements." (Wis. Admin. Code PT 9.03 (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Renewal: "Physical therapist: March 1 of each odd-numbered year." "Physical therapist assistant: March 1 of each odd-numbered year." (Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2)(a)57, 57m (ch. 440 PDF) (opens in a new tab) (statute))

• Wyoming. PTs and PTAs: "All physical therapists and physical therapist assistants shall obtain thirty (30) continuing competence units (CCUs) every two years to be eligible for renewal. There may be no carryover of CCUs to the next reporting period." Cycle: "A licensure/certification reporting cycle begins on October 2 and ends on October 1 of the second year." Category A: "At least fifteen (15) of the required thirty (30) CCUs shall be from Category A." (Wyo. PT Rules ch. 6 § 1 (rule PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule)). Renewal: "A license or certificate not renewed annually by October first is expired." Jurisprudence: renewal includes "The successful completion of thirty (30) continuing competence units, including successful completion of the jurisprudence examination every two years" and "A score of at least seventy-five percent (75%) is required on the" jurisprudence examination. (Wyo. PT Rules ch. 3 § 4 (rule PDF) (opens in a new tab) (rule))

Keeping Track of Your Hours

No state rule I read requires a particular tracking tool. Keep your own certificates for as long as your state's audit window runs.

APTA's Learning Center keeps a transcript of the courses you take from APTA. It's optional, and APTA's own CEU tracking page (opens in a new tab) says "Each state licensing board has its own policies and procedures related to continuing education of its licensees."

FSBPT's aPTitude tracker, which some boards once required, no longer exists. FSBPT announced in July 2019 that "Our existing tools—aPTitude, oPTion, and ProCert—do not fit well with where we believe continuing competence is heading," and wound them down (FSBPT News Brief, July 2019 (opens in a new tab)).

If You Hold More Than One License

Each license carries its own requirement. If you're licensed in two states, each state's rule applies to its own license, though a course can often count for both if each board accepts it. The same goes for a PTA who also holds a COTA license (see holding both a COTA and a PTA license). Our licensure compact tool links each state's PT board, and the PT Compact page covers practicing in other states on a compact privilege.

Key Takeaways

• Most states want 20 to 40 hours from PTs every two years, and 30 is the most common figure. PTAs need the same or fewer.
• Maine has no CE requirement yet. Connecticut and Hawaii set none for PTAs.
• Thirty jurisdictions require ethics or state law, and 13 require a jurisprudence test.
• A few states add their own topics: bias or cultural competence in 7, human trafficking in 3, CPR in 3, pain management and suicide prevention in 2 each.
• Read the unit. A CEU is usually 10 hours, but Utah's CEUs are weighted by course type and Nevada's unit isn't defined in hours.
• This isn't legal advice. I checked these rules on November 9, 2026, and your board's current rule is the one that counts.

Frequently asked questions

How many continuing education hours does a physical therapist need?

In most states, 20 to 40 hours every two years, and 30 is the most common number: 21 jurisdictions set 30 per two-year cycle, though some count it in CEUs, units, credits or points. Nine set 24 and six set 40. Montana is lowest at 8 hours a year. Connecticut asks 20 hours every year. Michigan and New York count 36 over three years. Maine has no CE requirement for PTs yet.

Do PTAs need the same number of CE hours as PTs?

In 29 jurisdictions, yes. Nineteen set fewer hours for PTAs, usually two-thirds or half of the PT number: 20 instead of 30, or 20 instead of 40. Connecticut and Hawaii write their CE rule for PTs only, and Maine has none for either, so PTAs in those three states have no hour requirement.

Which states require a jurisprudence exam to renew a PT license?

Thirteen states make you pass or complete a test of their own PT law as part of CE or renewal: Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas (PTs only), Kentucky, Nevada, New Hampshire (every five years), New Jersey (per its board FAQ), North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington (one time) and Wyoming. In Georgia and Louisiana an exam is one way to meet the ethics or jurisprudence hours.

Do I need continuing education for my first PT license renewal?

Usually not all of it. Most states exempt new licensees at the first renewal or cut the hours to match the time licensed, and some exempt only new graduates. The rules give no first-renewal break in 10 states: Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont and Wyoming. Idaho's first renewal comes at least a year after licensure, and South Dakota's board lets new graduates ask for a waiver. Some states with an exemption still want their required topics, such as Florida's medical errors and HIV/AIDS courses.

Which states require implicit bias, human trafficking or other set topics for PTs?

Seven require training on bias, health equity or cultural competence: DC, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Florida, Michigan and Texas require human trafficking training. Michigan and Oregon require pain management, and Connecticut and Washington require suicide prevention. California, Delaware and Hawaii require CPR or basic life support, and Pennsylvania requires child abuse recognition and reporting.

Sources

Every state's rule is linked in the table and in the state-by-state section, to the state's legislature, its official administrative code publisher or its PT board. All were read on November 9, 2026.

• APTA Learning Center, CEU Tracking (opens in a new tab).
• FSBPT, News Brief, July 2019 (opens in a new tab): the discontinuation of aPTitude, ProCert and oPTion.