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Vision
Certified occupational therapy professionals providing effective evidence-based services across all areas of practice worldwide.
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.
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
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:
- Being impartial,
- Employing competent personnel,
- Being responsive to complaints,
- Being open,
- Providing access to relevant information gathered,
- Ensuring fairness,
- Maintaining transparency of processes, and
- Maintaining confidentiality.
Our certification processes are subject to continual review and improvements to increase the effectiveness of the management system.
American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF)
Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
The Federation of Associations of Regulatory Boards (FARB)
The Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR)
