| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) stand for?
An individual who represents him/herself as having obtained OTR certification has met the following criteria:
- Graduated from an accredited occupational therapy education program and completed fieldwork requirements.
- Attested to understanding and adhering to NBCOT’s Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct.
- Passed NBCOT’s national certification examination for OTR. The examination is based upon a comprehensive practice analysis conducted to determine critical knowledge, skills, and abilities of occupational therapists.
What does Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) stand for?
An individual who represents him/herself as having obtained COTA certification has met the following criteria:
- Graduated from an accredited occupational therapy assistant education program and completed fieldwork requirements.
- Attested to understanding and adhering to NBCOT’s Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct.
- Passed NBCOT’s national certification examination for COTA. The examination is based upon a comprehensive practice analysis conducted to determine critical knowledge, skills, and abilities of occupational therapy assistants.
What is the value of NBCOT certification?
NBCOT certification serves the public interest because it provides a high national standard for professionals that help drive quality care and service in occupational therapy. It is a means for employers, patients and clients to recognize professionals who have met a standard of achievement beyond state licensure. Earning and maintaining OTR and COTA means that the occupational therapy practitioner adheres to a code of professional conduct, which helps protect consumers from receiving substandard services and helps limit employer liability.
Why is it important for practitioners to maintain current OTR or COTA status?
Employers, patients and clients want professional therapy practitioners who are not just well-educated and experienced, but also committed to keeping pace with the latest advances in practice. Voluntary certification is an important component of the professional development of allied health professionals.
What are the benchmarks of a high quality certification program?
OTR and COTA are recognized as a world-class standard and share the attributes of certification programs in other healthcare professions, including:
- Use of a defensible eligibility requirement ensuring that all candidates possess an appropriate level of education and experience.
- An examination based upon a comprehensive job analysis, which ensures that the examination is job-related.
- An examination which is valid and reliable, which means that the examination measures job-related attributes in a consistent manner.
- Periodic renewal required to demonstrate that certificants have maintained their proficiency.
- Reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.
- Accreditation/recognition from nationally and internationally recognized standard setting bodies.
- Inclusion of “character questions” ensuring acceptable standards of professional conduct by practitioners.
NBCOT certifications programs are accredited by the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), the leader in setting quality stand for credentialing organizations.
How does a candidate earn NBCOT certification?
OTR candidates must have a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited occupational therapy higher education program. COTA candidates must have an associate or technical degree from an accredited occupational therapy education program. They must complete clinical fieldwork and pass the OTR or COTA national certification examination. They must also agree to adhere to the standards of the NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct.
How does an OTR or COTA remain in good standing?
To maintain their certification status, certificants must satisfy a 36-hour requirement of professional development activities every three years and abide by the NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct.
What is the difference between NBCOT certification and state regulation?
NBCOT is an independent national credentialing agency and not a governmental entity. NBCOT certification is a nationwide recognition that an occupational therapy practitioner has met certain professional requirements and certification standards.
In contrast, a state license/registration/certification grants an occupational therapy practitioner permission to practice in that state or jurisdiction. State regulations regarding the practice of occupational therapy and continuing education vary from one state to another.
NBCOT certification is a prerequisite to licensure in 47 and the U.S. territories. However, NBCOT does not have jurisdiction over state regulatory entities and their requirements. The application process for NBCOT certification is separate and apart from the application process for state licensure.
How can I verify OTR or COTA certification for a practitioner?
You may request to see the individual’s certificate documents. NBCOT provides current certificants with a large calligraphy-style certificate in addition to a wallet-size certificate card. These documents verify an individual’s initial certification date and reissue date. In many cases, employers require their practitioners who have obtained OTR and COTA certification to hang their certificates on the wall so that the public they serve has access to and the opportunity to review this important information.
In addition, interested parties can verify an individual’s certification status by requesting a NBCOT Certification Verification Letter. This certification information is reported on letterhead and carries the NBCOT official stamp. The letter is mailed directly from NBCOT to the addressee (e.g., employer, regulatory entity). The fee for this service is $30.
We do not provide provides verbal/e-mail verifications to employers or other parties.
Where can I get information about occupational therapy state regulatory requirements?
You need to contact the state regulatory entity in the state where you are interested in obtaining information. See our OT State Regulatory Board Contact List.
Still have a question?
If you have more questions or need more information please email us at info@nbcot.org. Search the FAQ or Submit a New Question
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