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About NBCOTÒ
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOTÒ), is the
national certification body for occupational therapy professionals in the United States,
its territories, and Puerto Rico. More than 150,000 occupational therapy practitioners
have obtained their credentials from this prominent certification organization.
The OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR® (OTR) and CERTIFIED
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA® (COTA) credentials are:
· Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as being in
conformity with the comprehensive international personnel certification standard
ISO/IEC 17024.
· Recognized by the National Skill Standards Board (NSSB). NSSB is a national
coalition created by the US Congress. The Coalition includes representation by
the US Departments of Labor, Education, and Commerce.
· Accredited by the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA).
· NBCOT® examinations are computer-delivered at over 350 Prometric Testing Centers
throughout North America.
· U.S. Veterans Administration has approved payment of NBCOT® examination fees
as a benefit for eligible veterans.
NBCOTÒ Volunteer Opportunities
1. NBCOT® Board of Directors
The governing body of NBCOT® is the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is
composed of no more than 15 members, not including the President/Chief Executive Officer.
There are three categories of Directors: at least three (3) Public Member Directors; at least
five (5) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR® (OTR) Directors; and at least
two (2) CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA® (COTA) Directors.
The Board of Directors is the policy making body of the corporation. All policy and program
requirements and products for initial certification and certification renewal are the responsibility
of the Board of Directors. In addition to policy authority, the Board of Directors is responsible for
the business affairs of the organization.
Board members are elected to a three-year term and are eligible for re-election to one (1)
additional three-year term. While a member, the Directors also serve on, chair, or serve as
liaison to, one or more NBCOT® committees.
OTR® and COTA® volunteers in good standing with NBCOT® are eligible to be nominated to serve on
the Board of Directors. Every effort is made by the NBCOT® Nominating Committee to identify
a diverse (e.g., experience, practice setting, geographic location, etc.) pool of candidates for
consideration.
2. Certification Examination Validation Committee (CEVC)
(CEVC Brochure)
The CEVC is responsible for developing the OTRÒ and COTAÒ certification examinations. Working closely with NBCOTÒ and their test development contractor, CEVC members review and validate test items that appear on the OTR and COTA national certification examinations. CEVC members serve a one-year term and are eligible for reappointment for additional one-year terms. All CEVC participants are expected to attend up to four (4) weekend NBCOT-sponsored examination development meetings per year.
Minimum qualifications for the CEVC OTR® position include:
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5 years of experience in a specific occupational therapy practice area (Mental Health, Physical Disabilities, Pediatrics, School-Based);
- Currently practicing in an specific occupational therapy practice area;
- 40% of current practice time involved in direct occupational therapy service;
- Experience supervising OTR or COTA students;
- Current OTR certification;
- Ability to work well in groups; and
- Computer literacy and Internet access.
Minimum qualifications required for CEVC COTA® position include:
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5 years of experience in a specific occupational therapy practice area (Mental Health, Physical Disabilities, Pediatrics, School-Based);
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Currently practicing in a specific occupational therapy practice area;
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40% of current practice time involved in direct occupational therapy service;
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Experience supervising COTA students;
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Current COTA certification;
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Ability to work well in groups; and
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Computer literacy and Internet access.
3. Examination Item Writers
(Examination Item Writer Brochure)
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTRÒ (OTR) and CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTAÒ (COTA) practitioners serve as item writers, who develop examination questions for the national entry-level OTRÒ and COTAÒ certification examinations. Item writers are expected to serve for at least two years. The NBCOTÒ examination development staff provide training and guidance to item writers each year.
Minimum qualifications to become an item writer include:
If you are interested in becoming an NBCOTÒ volunteer, you should know that:
q All OTR® and COTA® volunteers must be currently certified and in good standing with NBCOT® and their respective professional community.
q Your travel and other meeting related expenses are paid by NBCOT®.
q Committee and other meetings are usually held on weekends, thereby avoiding/reducing work conflicts.
q You can earn Professional Development Units (PDU) for certain volunteer activities that can be used towards your certification renewal.
q You will have one of the most rewarding and stimulating experiences of your professional career.
Listed are some of the reasons why some certificants choose to be an NBCOTÒ volunteer:
q Giving back to the profession that has provided a rewarding career.
q Professional opportunity to interact with peers from different parts of the country.
q Opportunity to gain or strengthen social or professional contacts.
q Personal satisfaction and professional recognition.
q Opportunity for a different professional development experience.
q Help shape the future of the profession.
If you would like to be part of a growing list of certified occupational therapy practitioners who volunteer with NBCOT®, please complete our Volunteer Application.
With your involvement and expertise, you will be a vital asset to NBCOT® in fulfilling its mission of Serving the Public Interest.
• Volunteer_Application.pdf
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