North Carolina OT and OTA CEU requirements

What occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants need to renew a North Carolina license, summarized from the board's own rules. Last checked October 24, 2026.

15 pointsfor occupational therapists

15 pointsfor OT assistants

Every year (July 1 to June 30)CE cycle

June 30 every yearlicense renewal deadline

Required topics

At least 1 contact hour on ethics in the practice of occupational therapy (part of the 15 points) (ethics by state)

Rules to know

Activities sponsored or approved by the NC OT Association or AOTA, or offered by AOTA-approved providers, are approved.
Live courses, online courses with an assessment, AOTA self-paced courses and similar all count, with no cap.
New-employee orientation and annual training your job requires don't count. Extra points don't carry over.
Licenses not renewed by June 30 expire.
Continuing education earns 1 point per 60-minute contact hour.

Official sources

This is a plain-language summary to help you plan. Rules change and your board has the final word, so confirm with the sources above before you renew. If you also hold NBCOT certification, NBCOT has its own renewal requirements.

In-person courses open to OTs in North Carolina

60 upcoming courses in North Carolina list OTs in their audience (or come from providers whose courses are open to OTs). Check each course's approval for North Carolina with the provider.

October 2026

Sat–Sun, Oct 24–25, 2026 · 2 days Pelvic Function Level 2C (Satellite Lab) $695 · Raleigh Herman & Wallace· WakeMed Raleigh CampusPelvic Health Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Oct 24–25, 2026 · 2 days DFA: Dynamic Foot and Ankle Price on provider site · 16 contact hrs · Cary Institute of Physical Art· WakeMed-HealthPark at KildaireExtremity & Ortho Details and registration

November 2026

Sat–Sun, Nov 7–8, 2026 · 2 days Functional Dry Needling Level 1 (2-Day) Price on provider site · Arden Evidence in Motion· Compass Physical TherapyDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Nov 7–8, 2026 · 2 days Dry Needling: Upper Body $995 · Raleigh ICE Physio· Onward RaleighDry Needling Details and registration
Fri–Sun, Nov 13–15, 2026 · 3 days Dry Needling 3: Advanced $1,350 · 34 contact hrs · Charlotte Myopain Seminars· Atrium Health at Carolinas Rehabilitation Randolph - Charlotte NCDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Nov 14–15, 2026 · 2 days Maximizing Mobility, Balance, Gait, and Fall Reduction Strategies to Improve Functional Outcomes in Older Adults Price on provider site · 20 contact hrs · Raleigh Great Seminars & BooksOlder Adult Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Nov 14–15, 2026 · 2 days CMD1: Evaluation and Treatment for Craniomandibular Disorders Price on provider site · Raleigh IAMTSpine & TMJ Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Nov 14–15, 2026 · 2 days Cervical Spine: Manual Therapy Management $795 · Charlotte ICE Physio· Onward Charlotte Summit AveSpine & TMJ Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Nov 14–15, 2026 · 2 days Advanced Dry Needling for Head & Neck $999 · Charlotte Structure & Function· Atrium Health Motorsports Athletic – CharlotteDry Needling Details and registration

December 2026

Fri–Sun, Dec 4–6, 2026 · 3 days Advanced Dry Needling (SFDN2): Segmental & Perineural Strategies for the Complex Patient $1,295 · 27 contact hrs · Raleigh Structure & Function· NCFC Youth – Spring Forest Road – RaleighDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6, 2026 · 2 days Dry Needling: Lower Body $995 · Mount Holly ICE Physio· Kinetix Physiotherapy & PerformanceDry Needling Details and registration
Sat–Sun, Dec 5–6, 2026 · 2 days Fitness Athlete: Live Seminar $795 · 16 contact hrs · Cary ICE Physio· CrossFit TTGSports & Fitness Details and registration

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Schedules checked October 24, 2026. Dates, prices and CEU approvals come from each provider's public schedule and can change, so confirm with the provider before you register.

Common questions

How many CE hours do occupational therapists need in North Carolina?

15 points, every year (July 1 to June 30), including the required topics below.

How many CE hours do OTAs need in North Carolina?

15 points, every year (July 1 to June 30), including the required topics below.

When is the North Carolina OT license renewal deadline?

June 30 every year.

Are any courses or topics required for OTs in North Carolina?

At least 1 contact hour on ethics in the practice of occupational therapy (part of the 15 points).

Where can OTs take in-person courses in North Carolina?

60 in-person courses open to OTs are scheduled in North Carolina, in Charlotte, Raleigh, Cary and Arden. They're listed below with dates, prices and registration links.