Approval for Physical Therapists in California

A license to practice physical therapy must be renewed every two years. The expiration date is the last day of the licensee’s birth month. A renewal notice is processed approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date of the license.

Continuing competency hours must be earned during the renewal period – two years prior to the expiration of your license or from your first license issue date to the your license expiration for first time renewal. 

Retain proof of completed continuing competency activity for a period of 5 years after the course or activity concludes. You must be able to supply verification of completion of any continuing competency activity upon request by the PTBC.
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CE REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW LICENSEES

If you are in your first 13-24 months of licensure in California and renewing your license for the first time and your renewal payment was submitted to PTBC on or before the license expiration date:

• 15 TOTAL hours
• 4 hours of Basic Life Support
• 2 hours of Ethics, Laws and Regulations

If you are in your first 13-24 months of licensure in California and renewing your license for the first time and your renewal payment was submitted to PTBC after the license expiration date:

• 30 TOTAL hours
• 4 hours of Basic Life Support
• 2 hours of Ethics, Laws and Regulations

CE REQUIREMENTS AFTER INITIAL RENEWAL

• 30 TOTAL hours
• 4 hours of Basic Life Support
• 2 hours of Ethics, Laws and Regulations