Mission

Serving the public interest by advancing client care and professional practice through evidence-based certification standards and the validation of knowledge essential for effective practice in occupational therapy.

Vision

Certified occupational therapy professionals providing effective evidence-based services across all areas of practice worldwide.

Verifying Practice Excellence Through Certification

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®) is a national not-for-profit organization that provides certification for occupational therapy professionals. NBCOT develops, administers, and continually reviews its certification process based on current and valid standards that provide reliable indicators of competence of occupational therapy practice. Above all else, our mission is to serve the public interest.

Initial certification from NBCOT is a requirement for licensure in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. We also work with state regulators and employers to provide information on credentials, professional conduct, and regulatory issues.

NBCOT's certification programs have received and maintained accreditation from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Summary of Certification Activities

OTR Certification Activities

Year	Number of Exam Candidates*	Pass Rate	Total Certificant Population
2015	7,906	78%	112,235
2016	8,848	74%	115,481
2017	9,822	72%	123,592

COTA Certification Activities

Year	Number of Exam Candidates*	Pass Rate	Total Certificant Population
2015	6,904	67%	43,288
2016	7,311	64%	49,566
2017	7,526	63%	51,467

*Includes all candidates who took the certification exam—first-time test-takers and retakes.

Board of Directors

NBCOT is governed by a board of directors composed of Occupational Therapists Registered (OTR®), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA®), and public members. The board is responsible for establishing the strategic vision and management oversight for the organization.

Chairperson

Dennis Tobin, MBA, MEd, OTR

Vice-Chairperson

Dee Berline, MBA, C/NDT, OTR/L

Secretary/Treasurer

Mack Hill, MA

Public Member

Sheila Baxter, BG (Retired)

Board Member

Cesar Cespedes, OTR, MS

Board Member

Brittany Curtis, OTD, OTR/L

Board Member

Kate DeCleene Huber, OTD, MS, OTR

Board Member

Joanne Foss, PhD, OTR/L

Board Member

Ann Glore, COTA/L

Board Member

Mashelle Painter, MEd, COTA/L

Board Member

Pamela Richardson, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Board Member

Mary Smith, Ed.D(C), MOT, OTR/L

Board Member

Rae Ann Smith, OTD, OTR/L

Board Member

George Tomlin, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA

Public Member

Ben Wall, MD, MSPH

Board Member

Audrey Wilson-Alston, MBA, COTA/L

Public Member

Karl Yordy, MPA

Elections

NBCOT is seeking nominations for one (1) OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED (OTR®) to the Board of Directors.
The term appointment is for three years, with the possibility of re-appointment to a second term. This term will run October 2018 – October 2021.

Guidelines for Appointment and Responsibilities of Board Members

Online Board Application (CLOSED)

Timeline for the nomination and election process:

Call for Nominations Closes: April 6, 2018
Interviews by Nominating Committee (selected nominees only): May 12, 2018
Voting by OTR and COTA Certificants: July 9 – August 14, 2018
Notification of Newly Elected Board Member: August 15, 2018

NBCOT encourages all current OTR and COTA certificants to vote.

Statement of Impartiality

NBCOT understands and is fully aware of the importance of impartiality in carrying out its certification activities. Our structure, policies, and procedures are designed to manage any conflicts of interest and to ensure the objectivity of our management system and certification activities.

NBCOT aims to inspire confidence in its certification activities by: