As the new year begins, the Board office prepares for another license renewal season. Licensees in Louisiana renew their licenses biannually and in 2026 those with an even birth year will be eligible for renewal. In this article, we'll cover some frequently asked questions about continuing education and renewals.

Question 1: What are the course dates I can report if I'm renewing my license in 2026?

Licensees can report coursework taken between February 1, 2024 - April 30, 2026.

Question 2: When can I begin taking CEs for my 2028 renewal?

Licensees may begin taking coursework as soon as February 1, 2026 for their 2028 renewal. Licensees may not reuse the same course completion on multiple renewals. "Course completion" is identified by the course certificate with the date completed (ex: January 1, 2025). Licensees may retake a course on a different date to be used in their next renewal period.

Question 3: I took a course that is not Board-approved for the year I took it, but it was approved before. What can I do?

The Board approves courses for a calendar year when submitted by course sponsors. If the course was approved in the previous year, you may consider reaching out to the course sponsor to inquire if they're willing to submit the course for another year. If they're not interested in submitting, you can consider applying for Individual Approval to have the course approved just for yourself. Be advised that applications for individual approval cannot be submitted in the last 60 days of the individual's license. The deadline is February 28, 2026. 

Question 4: How do I confirm that a course I want to take is Board-approved?

The board website offers a course search tool that shows all approved courses for the current year. As course sponsors submit courses to the Board and they are approved, they will populate in the database listings. If you do not see the course you're looking for, it is not approved. When searching, it's best to utilize 1-2 dropdowns on the tool at a time.

EXCEPTION: national APTA and Louisiana state chapter APTA courses are approved via Rule §193.D. If you took a course from one of these organizations and do not see it in the listings, please contact Jessica Alwell at Jessica@laptboard.org with your certificate.

Question 5: A) I'm a new graduate or was licensed in 2025 via reciprocity or reinstatement, or B) My license is inactive. Do I still have to renew?

Answer A) Yes, you must still renew your license. However, PTs and PTAs are exempt from CE requirements in the calendar year in which they graduate from an accredited physical therapy education program. Individuals licensed in the previous year via reciprocity or reinstatement are also allowed certain CE exemptions. Visit the 2026 renewal information page to learn how to claim CE exemptions. Please remember, these are one-time exemptions.

Answer B) Yes, you must still renew your license, but you are not required to report CEs unless you are going back to practicing in Louisiana and will be renewing as active. To review more information on inactive status, visit the Inactive Status page

 

Don't see your question answered here? Visit the 2026 Renewal Information page for a full guide on renewals. When in doubt, contact the Board office with your questions.