Recreational Therapy
Welcome!
Exam Information
There are three license classifications available in recreational therapy in Utah. They are: Therapeutic Recreational Technician (TRT), Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (TRS), and Master Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (MTRS). Each classification has specific exam requirements which must be fulfilled before applying. The exam requirements for each license are listed below.
Therapeutic Recreational Technician (TRT)
Utah TRT Theory Exam administered by DOPL's exam vendor, PSI Exams. Candidates can find exam registration information and a printable exam registration form in the Candidate Information Bulletin. Candidates can also register online by creating a free account with PSI Exams. PSI will automatically send exam results to DOPL.
Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (TRS)
Applicants for this license are not required to pass any exams but are required to be certified as Therapeutic Recreational Specialist by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Master Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (MTRS)
Applicants for this license are not required to pass any exams but are required to be certified as Therapeutic Recreational Specialist by the NCTRC.
Renew a License
- Licenses expire on May 31 of odd years.
- At least 60 days prior to the expiration date of a license, DOPL will mail a renewal notice to the licensee's address of record as provided to DOPL by the individual licensee. (Failure to notify DOPL of an address change could prevent a licensee from timely receiving renewal notification and other important correspondence from DOPL.)
- Renewal Fees — $47
Update Your License Record
Legal Name Change
If your legal name has changed, you must verify the change by submitting a copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, driver's license, or social security card to the Division. If you desire a reprint of your license reflecting the name change, you must also submit a $10 reprint fee with the request.
- EMAIL: doplweb@utah.gov
- FAX: 801-530-6511
- MAIL: PO Box 146741, Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6741
Change of Address
You may update your address online in the eGov system.
Laws and Rules
- PROPOSED General Rule of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (Filed: 10/29/2019) (Closes: 12/16/2019)
Contact: Deborah Blackburn | deborahblackburn@utah.gov | 801-530-6060 - DOPL Licensing Act, 58-1 (05/08/2018)
- General Rule of the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing, R156-1. (01/09/2020)
- Recreation Therapy Practice Act, 58-40
- Recreation Therapy Practice Act Rule, R156-40 (07/25/2017)
- Retired Volunteer Health Care Practitioner Act, 58-81
- Retired Volunteer Health Care Practitioner Act Rule R156-81. (06/22/2009)
Board Members event_seat=Chairperson
| Name | Appointed | Expires |
|---|---|---|
| Paul Killpack (Public Member) | 07/01/2012 | 06/30/2020 |
| Gwendolyn Adams (MTRS) | 02/20/2018 | 06/30/2021 |
| Kari Daughtery (TRT) | 09/07/2017 | 06/30/2021 |
| Kristina Couran event_seat (MTRS) | 07/01/2014 | 06/30/2022 |
| Julie Powelson (TRS) | 07/01/2015 | 06/30/2023 |
Upcoming Public Meetings
Past Public Meetings
Contact Us
- For general licensing questions call:
- (801) 530-6628
(866) 275-3675 Toll-Free in Utah - Bureau Manager
- Jennifer Zaelit — jzaelit@utah.gov
- Board Secretary
- Jennifer Johnson — jennyajohnson@utah.gov
Resources
Military Resources
Are you a veteran in crisis or concerned about one?
Contact the Veteran Crisis Line
Members of the armed forces and their families are often more affected than other groups by licensing restrictions because of frequent relocations to fulfill orders. To ease this burden, the Utah Legislature has authorized certain fee waivers and license exemptions for qualifying military personnel and military spouses.
License Fee Waivers
Initial License
DOPL requires a processing fee for initial license applications. This fee varies by profession. The Utah Legislature has authorized initial license
fee waivers for qualifying military service members. Full-time active duty service members should submit the fee waiver request form with their initial
license application. Download the fee waiver request form here.
Inactive License
Qualifying licensees, who wish to maintain their license but who are not currently practicing in the profession, can apply for inactive status. In some cases,
changing a license to inactive status will remove certain CE requirements. The Utah Legislature has authorized fee waivers for qualifying military service
members who change their license to inactive status or who renew an inactive license. Please note that not all professions have inactive status as an option.
To check if your profession has inactive license status, refer to
Utah Administrative Rule R156-1-305.
Full-time active duty service members can download the fee waiver request form for inactive status here.
Licensing for Military Spouses
Spouses of military service members stationed in Utah are permitted to work in licensed professions without obtaining a Utah license as long as they possess an active license from another state or territory of the United States. Since this benefit for military spouses is relatively new, you may need to explain to employers or the public who ask that your out-of-state license is valid because you are a spouse of an active duty service member. To help you, the Division has created a verification letter which you can show your employer or the public that explains this exemption. Download the verification letter here.
Additional Resources
Are you struggling with PTSD, depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction?
The College of Social and Behavioral Science at the University of Utah provides free treatment for veterans, including: therapy sessions, workshops, and a two-week residential treatment program for veterans with PTSD in Park City.
Learn more here.
The Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA) provides resources for veterans including education, employment, healthcare, and more. Learn more here.