Certification by NBCOT^® is independent and separate from state regulation/licensure. Almost all states/jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, have some form of regulation of occupational therapy practitioners. Before you begin working in any state or jurisdiction, it is essential that you meet all of the requirements of that jurisdiction. Obtaining licensure in a state requires passing the certification examination, submitting an application for licensure, and paying a fee for the license. Please contact the state regulatory entity in the jurisdiction you intend to practice for specific information on licensure requirements. Completion of the NBCOT^® application for the certification examination is not the same as applying for a license or permit. Be aware that to work without a license or permit in those jurisdictions that have license requirements is against the law.

If you need to report your examination score to a jurisdiction that accepts NBCOT^® score reports, you will need to select the state(s)/jurisdiction(s) on your certification examination application and provide the appropriate fee for the score report.

If you currently hold a temporary permit and fail the certification examination, please be sure to check immediately with the regulatory entity to determine whether you can continue to practice in that state.

OT State Regulatory Board Contact List

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Posted: August 2003

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