FORM Certification Examination Handbook 2009

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), Inc.
Certification Examination
Handbook & Application
2009
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR®
CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA®
NBCOT® Certification Programs

are accredited by:
®
www.nbcot.org Page 1
Table of Contents
About NBCOT® …………………………………………..................…………........ 3
NBCOT Certification Basics …........…….……………..................…............ 3
Examination Administration ..............................……………………............ 4
Fees …................................................……………..................……..........…. 4
Eligibility Requirements .......................………...................…….….......... 5
Submitting the Application .............…………...................………..…......... 6
Special Testing Accommodations ...…………………...................….......... 8
After the Application: What’s Next? …...........……….............................. 9
Required Documentation ................................................................ 9
Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter .................................................... 11
Scheduling the Certification Examination ...................................... 11
Name Changes and Address Changes ........................................... 11
Preparing for the Certification Examination ................................... 12
The Certification Examination: What to Expect ................…………....... 13
Arriving at the Test Center ............................................................... 13
Examination Content ....................................................................... 14
Scoring .............................................................................................. 15
Score Reports and Certificates ....................................................... 16
Administrative or Technical Complaint, Exam Results
Appeals ............................................................................................ 16
Cancellation, Rescheduling, Late Arrival, No Show ....................... 17
Application WIthdrawal and Refund ................................................ 18
Repeating Examination Candidates ................….…………………………… 18
Examination Security ........................................….…………………………… 18
Certification Renewal: Keeping Your Credential Active! …....…………… 19
Summary of Examination Candidate Requests ..…………………………… 20
Appendix ...........................................……………………………………………... 23
Examination Application Procedures Checklist ...............................23
Academic Credentials Verification Form ......................................... 25
2008 Certification Examination Application .................................. 29
U.S. School Codes (OT) .................................................................... 34
U.S. School Codes (OTA)................................................................... 36
NBCOT Study Tools Order Form ....................................................... 38
NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct ............................ 39
Please visit www.nbcot.org for a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the
Certification Examination Handbook and Application.
AOTCB/NBCOT 2009 Examinations

NBCOT does not discriminate against any individual because of race, ethnicity, gender, age, creed, disability, religion,
marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin. NBCOT reserves the right to amend the procedures outlined
in this handbook. For the most up-to-date information/announcements concerning the certification examination
program, please visit www.nbcot.org, or contact us via phone at: 301-990-7979 or fax: 301-869-8492.
Page 2 www.nbcot.org
About NBCOT®
Welcome to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT®)) Certification Examination
Handbook and Application.
NBCOT is the national certification body for occupational therapy professionals in the United States. Our mission is
to serve the public interest by providing world-class standards for certification of occupational therapy practitioners.
Through the development, administration, and continuous review of standards and processes that provide reliable
indicators of competence to practice, NBCOT has certified more than 175,000 practitioners as OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR® or CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA®.
Currently, 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia require NBCOT initial certification for occupational
therapy state regulation, e.g., licensing. NBCOT certification programs have received and maintained accreditation
from the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA).
This handbook has been developed to provide you with the information you will need to complete and submit your
certification examination application. NBCOT recognizes the responsibility exam candidates take when completing
their exam application. Our aim is to provide a smooth and positive application experience. If you have further
questions after reading this handbook, please visit www.nbcot.org, email info@nbcot.org, or phone (301) 990-7979.
NBCOT Certification Basics

OTR and COTA certificants must satisfy the following criteria to be granted certification:
° OTR candidates must graduate from an NBCOT recognized occupational therapy education program at the
post-baccalaureate degree level. COTA candidates must graduate from an accredited U.S. occupational
therapy education program at the associate or technical degree level.
° Complete appropriate clinical fieldwork requirement.
° Apply for and attain a passing score on the OTR or COTA national certification examination.
° Agree to adhere to the standards of the NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct.
To maintain the OTR or COTA certification status, certificants must satisfy a 36-unit requirement of professional
development activities every three years.
Mission Statement
Above all else, the mission of the National Board for Certification in
Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) is to serve the public interest. NBCOT
provides a world-class standard for certification of occupational therapy
practitioners. NBCOT will develop, administer, and continually review a
certification process based on current and valid standards that provide
reliable indicators of competence for the practice of occupational therapy.
Examination Administration
The certification examination is administered at Prometric Test Centers (PTCs) world-wide. Prometric is the leading global
provider of testing services and solutions for corporate, academic, government, financial and professional services
clients. Its comprehensive testing solutions include test design, development, administration, data management
and analysis of test results. Prometric delivers more than seven million exams annually using a robust global testing
network in 135 countries for academic admissions and certifications, employment testing and skills assessments,
professional certifications in finance and healthcare, and government licensing exams.
To insure the integrity of its testing process, Prometric maintains stringent security standards in its test centers and
across its network. Prometric is the sole provider of exams for high caliber clients including NBCOT®.
For the purpose of obtaining authorization to take the examination,

eligible applicants must submit an NBCOT Certification Examination
Application. Applicants may submit their application in one of two
ways—online or by paper. Once approved, applicants will be instructed to
contact PTC to schedule their exam (NBCOT does not schedule exams).
The examinations are computer-delivered and candidates are provided

four (4) hours to take the examination.
Any questions concerning the application or examination process should

be directed to NBCOT by the candidate themselves. Information specific
to a candidate’s application will not be given to a third party. Pictured above: Inside a Prometric Test Center.
Fees
Beginning June 15, 2009, NBCOT will only accept credit card payments (MasterCard and Visa) for examination
applications and related services such as score transfer and confirmation of examination eligibility notices. Candidates
applying for the examination (OTR® or COTA®) must pay by submitting a credit card at the time of application submission.
No off-line payments will be accepted. This change is necessary to increase security and decrease processing time
enabling candidates to move through the eligibility process in a shorter period of time. Any questions should be
directed to NBCOT via email at onlineexamapp@nbcot.org or by phone at 301-990-7979.
All applicable fees must accompany the application. An application cannot be processed until all fees are paid in full.
For a detailed fee schedule, see the payment section of the application on page 33 of this handbook.
Eligibility Requirements
for graduates of entry-level post-baccalaureate occupational therapy programs
within the U.S. and its territories
Prior to being deemed eligible to take the NBCOT® certification examination, OTR® and COTA® applicants must:
1. Graduate from an accredited occupational therapy program recognized by NBCOT. NBCOT recognizes U.S.
occupational therapy degrees accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
(ACOTE), of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. (AOTA)
Applicants who have not yet received their Occupational Therapy degree but are “cleared for graduation” are
considered by NBCOT to have met the academic criteria. “Cleared for graduation” means that all grades have
been recorded, the thesis is complete (if required), and there are no outstanding financial obligations to the
institution.
2. Complete all fieldwork requirements.
3. Submit the examination application and receive authorization by NBCOT to take the examination. Please Note:
The application should not be submitted until the applicant has graduated or is cleared for graduation.
4. Request that the school registrar confirm the applicant’s eligibility to examine by submitting the official final
transcript or an NBCOT Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF).
5. Agree to abide by the NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct (see page 39).
for graduates of other NBCOT-recognized occupational therapy programs

(including internationally-educated)
Prior to being deemed eligible to take the NBCOT® certification examination, OTR® applicants must:
1. Graduate from an occupational therapy program recognized by NBCOT. See the Occupational Therapist Eligibility
Determination (OTED) Handbook at www.nbcot.org (under FORMS) for additional details.
2. Complete all fieldwork requirements.
3. Submit an OTED application, including all documentation required of the OTED eligibility process.
4. Receive a letter of approval from the OTED process that authorizes the submission of the OTR® certification
examination application.
5. Submit the examination application and receive authorization by NBCOT to take the examination.
6. Agree to abide by the NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct (see page 39).
For details on the OTED process, download the NBCOT OTED Handbook and Application from www.nbcot.org under
FORMS. Candidates cannot apply for the certification examination prior to receiving approval by the OTED
process. Direct specific questions via email to OTED@nbcot.org or by phone (301) 990-7979, OTED
Eligibility Appeal Process

If a candidate is determined to be ineligible to take the certification examination, the candidate has the right to appeal that
decision in writing to the NBCOT Board of Directors. Within 21 days of receipt of the ineligibility notification, the applicant
may submit a letter of appeal. The letter must outline the grounds for the appeal, including reasons why the application
should be recognized and accepted by NBCOT.
All letters should be sent via traceable mail (i.e., certified, UPS, Federal Express) to:
NBCOT, Inc.
Attn: President and Chief Executive Officer
12 S. Summit Avenue, Suite 100
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
Submitting the Application
There are two ways to apply for the certification examination - online and by mail using the paper application provided
in this handbook. Please follow the appropriate instructions below according to your preferred method of applying.
Online Application
for first-time exam candidates
Step 1: Read this Handbook

Step 2: Set up New Account
To access the online application, applicants must first create a new account online. Online applicants must
provide a valid (working) e-mail address that is capable of receiving e-mail from NBCOT.
Log onto www.nbcot.org
On the home page, select Exam Candidates from the left menu bar
Select Online Examination Application from the left menu bar
Read through the opening instructions and the section, “What You Need to Use This Application
Successfully”
Click Setup New Account link
On the Exam Application Account Setup page, complete the short form. Click Continue to Exam
Application...
Step 3: Complete Online Application
On the Application Welcome Page, click Continue
Proceed through each screen of the application, carefully following the on-screen instructions and
providing the information required, using the drop-down boxes provided.
An application is valid for one year from date of submission. ATT letters are valid for 90 days (see
page 11 for details).
Paper Application
for first-time exam candidates
The paper application is included in this handbook (see pages 29-33). A listing of School Codes is also included
(see pages 34-37).
Step 1: Read this Handbook

Step 2: Complete the Application
Respond to all items
A signature is required on the Attestation Statement
Make a photocopy of the completed application for your records
Mail your payment in with the application
NBCOT recommends that the paper application is sent via traceable mail (e.g. certified)
If you have provided a valid/working e-mail address (username) and password on your paper application,
you can use them to check the status of your paper application online at www.nbcot.org.
Mailing address for paper application and payment:
NBCOT, Inc.
P.O. Box 64971
Baltimore, MD 21264
An application is valid for one year from date of submission. ATT letters are valid for 90 days (see page 11 for
details).
Submitting the Application, continued
Character Questions (required of all applicants)
An important part of the application is the Character Questions section. This section must be completed by all
applicants.
If an applicant answers “yes” to any of the character questions, the following information must be submitted:
1. A written explanation of the events regarding the incident or question to which “yes” was answered.
2. Copies of any official documentation related to the incident, including police reports showing the initial charge, court
documents showing sentencing requirements or documents showing how case was resolved, i.e., dismissed.
3. Any additional information or documentation, such as remedial measures taken since the incident including
letter from parole or probation officer confirming successful completion of probation, or letter confirming
successful completion of chemical dependence treatment.
For initial felony charges or felony convictions, candidates MUST answer affirmatively, even if records, charges, or
convictions have been pardoned, expunged, plead down, released, or sealed. All information must be submitted to and
reviewed by NBCOT® before the examination application will be approved. Mailing address:
NBCOT, Inc.
Attn: Qualifications and Compliance Review
Online registration
An applicant may create an account online only once. A fee will be assessed if a duplicate account is created. If a
candidate has forgotten their username or password, they may get this information by contacting NBCOT via e-mail at
onlineexamapp@nbcot.org. Do not set up another account!
Once an applicant has registered online, they can log onto their account using the username (e-mail address) and
password that was created when the account was initially set up. Applicants may make changes to their username,
password, and address by logging on to the account and selecting Update Profile, or clicking the Support at NBCOT
button on the application.
Reporting Services
NBCOT offers the following reporting services, which can be ordered before or after the exam application is submitted,
and/or after the exam has been taken, to be sent to regulatory boards or employers. Applicants can order these
services by selecting them on the application. No changes can be made to the order once the application has been
processed. Ordered items cannot be cancelled or refunded.
Confirmation of Examination Registration and Eligibility to Examine Notice

This confirmation notice can be sent to any third party (a U.S. state regulatory board, employer, etc.) or to an applicant
who wishes to have a notice for their personal records. There is a fee per notice, which increases if the request is made
after the exam application is submitted.
The notice contains the following confirmations:
1. The examination application and fees have been processed
2. The official final transcript or NBCOT Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF) is in order
3. The candidate has been approved to schedule a test date with Prometric Test Center
4. The candidate’s examination history: a listing of the dates of examinations, 1997 - present
Please Note: All states accept the Confirmation of Examination Registration and Eligibility to Examine Notice except:
Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
Official Score Transfer
The Official Score Transfer (also known as the Score Report) can be sent to a U.S. state regulatory board. No jurisdiction
will automatically receive a score. There is a fee for each score report sent. The cost of this service increases when the
request is made after the application is submitted.
Please Note: All states accept scores except: Hawaii, Kentucky, New Hampshire, and Utah.
Important Note: Completion of the NBCOT® Certification Examination Application is not the same as
applying for state licensure. Sending a score report to a state regulatory board does not automatically
initiate the process to obtain a license or permit to work in that state. Certification by NBCOT is
independent, different, and separate from any state or jurisdiction’s law/licensure. Almost all
jurisdictions - including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico — have some form of regulation of
occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. Before an applicant begins working in
any state or comparable jurisdiction, it is essential that all requirements of that jurisdiction are met.
To work without a license or permit is against the law.
Special Testing Accommodations (U.S. Testing Only)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), NBCOT makes special testing arrangements for any
candidate with a professionally diagnosed and documented disability when testing in the United States. Under the
ADA, a disability is “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities” (e.g.,
caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, breathing, learning, working).
On the examination application, there is a designated section for applicants to request special testing accommodations.
The applicant must also submit a Special Testing Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities Request form, along
with documentation that supports the diagnosis and the impact of the disability. The request form and documentation
should be sent in to NBCOT after the examination application has been submitted, but before the Authorization to
Test (ATT) Letter has been issued. Authorization to take the examination cannot be issued by NBCOT until the special
accommodations request is processed and decided upon.
If a candidate needs to submit a Special Testing Accommodation request after the ATT letter has been issued, the
candidate must complete and submit a Reactivation/Reissue of Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter form, available online
at www.nbcot.org. If a candidate granted Special Testing Accommodations has taken and failed the examination and
reapplies, the request for accommodation(s) must be checked on the exam application each time an application is
submitted.
Candidates with a special accommodation(s) MUST call Prometric to schedule their examination. Candidates with a
special accommodation(s) are NOT able to schedule their examination online.
For further information regarding Special Accommodations, download the Special Testing Accommodations for
Candidates with Disabilities Handbook and Request form from www.nbcot.org (click on Examination Candidates).
Direct specific questions to:
e-mail: accommodations@nbcot.org
phone: 301-990-7979
After the Application: What’s Next?
Required Documentation
Applicants who were approved to take the certification examination through the NBCOT Occupational Therapy
Educational Determination (OTED) process are not required to submit any further documentation, as this requirement
was met during the OTED process.
Applicants who graduate with an accredited occupational therapy degree within the U.S. (or its territories) must
submit the following documents to NBCOT:
1. Official Final Transcript or Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF)
2. Fieldwork Verification (for certain graduates only—see below for details)
See below for more details about these document requirements. The application process is not complete without this
documentation on file at NBCOT. These documents should NOT be sent to NBCOT until the candidate’s application
has been submitted to NBCOT.
1. Official Final Transcript or Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF)

U.S. graduates who are taking the examination for the first time must request that the school registrar submit
documentation to NBCOT that confirms eligibility for admission to the examination. Either of the following is
accepted:
a. Official Final Transcript: Please see box on page 10 for a list of information that must be included on the
transcript.
b. Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF): The ACVF may be submitted in the event that the official transcript
is not final. The ACVF request can be found in the Appendix and online at www.nbcot.org, under Examination
Candidates. The policy on page 10 lists the information that must be included on the ACVF.
NBCOT requires this documentation be sent directly from the registrar’s office. The transcript or ACVF must be placed
in an envelope and the registrar’s stamp should be placed across the envelope flap as evidence that the envelope is
sealed. If the candidate will be mailing the transcript/ACVF, the sealed envelope must be placed in another envelope,
as to keep the seal intact. NBCOT recommends that the documentation is sent via traceable mail. The candidate
should retain the mailing receipt, in the event proof of mailing and receipt is necessary.
Documentation should be mailed to:

NBCOT®, Inc.
12 South Summit Avenue, Suite 100
NBCOT will also accept secure PDF transcript documents that are e-mailed directly from the registrar’s office. These
documents should be sent to transcripts@nbcot.org. The following will not be accepted: a student copy—marked
“student copy,” “issued to student,” or other similar language; a photocopy; a letter; or a fax of the transcript.
2. Fieldwork Verification By the Academic Program Director (if applicable)

There are currently three U.S. programs that award the Occupational Therapist degree before the required fieldwork
is completed:
23906–Ohio State University
20609–University of Southern California
20103–Tuskegee University
Applicants graduating from these programs must request that their program director submit to NBCOT documentation
that verifies the successful completion of fieldwork.
Pictured left:
NATIONALBOARDFORCERTIFICATIONINOCCUPATIONALTHERAPY NATIONALBOARDFORCERTIFICATIONINOCCUPATIONALTHERAPY NBCOT ACVF forms for
OTR (far left) and COTA.
ACADEMICCREDENTIALVERIFICATIONFORM(“ACVF”)FOROTRCANDIDATES ACADEMICCREDENTIALVERIFICATIONFORM(“ACVF”)FOR COTACANDIDATES
The Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF) can be completed by projected graduates of
ACOTE accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant educational programs who are applying to take
ACOTE accredited ENTRY-LEVEL Occupational Therapy educational programs who are applying
the NBCOT Certification Examination in the event that the official final transcript is not available.
to take the NBCOT Certification Examination in the event that the official final transcript is not
This form should not be submitted: 1) Until a Certification Examination Application has been
available. This form should not be submitted: 1) Until a Certification Examination Application has
completed and submitted to NBCOT by the candidate; and 2) No sooner than three (3) months prior
been completed and submitted to NBCOT by the candidate; and 2) No sooner than three (3)
to the candidate’s anticipated graduation date.
months prior to the candidate’s anticipated graduation date.
The candidate’s college/university OTA program director must complete Section 2. Section 3 must be completed by the
The candidate’s college/university OT program director must complete Section 2. Section 3 must be completed by the
candidate’s College/University Registrar who must sign and also include an official embossed seal on the ACVF to verify
the candidate’s completion of the occupational therapy educational program and other college/university requirements.
SECTION1ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYTHEOTASTUDENT
SECTION1ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYTHESTUDENT
Last Name: ______________________________ First Name: ______________________________________

Student ID Number: _______________________ Social Security Number: ____________________________
E-mail address: ___________________________________________________________________________
E-mail address: ___________________________________________________________________________
College/University Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Degree Title:________________________________________________
Degree Title:_____________________________________________________________________________________
SECTION2ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYOTAPROGRAMDIRECTOR
SECTION2ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYOTPROGRAMDIRECTOR
________________________________________________ has completed the Academic and Fieldwork requirements of our
___________________________________________ has completed the Academic and Fieldwork requirements of our
school’s ACOTE accredited ENTRY-LEVEL Occupational Therapy educational program. school’s ACOTE accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant educational program.
NBCOT School Code: _______________ Date of Graduation: ______/______/_20_____ NBCOT School Code: _______________ Date of Graduation: ______/______/_20_____
NameofProgramDirector:__________________________Signature:___________________________________ NameofProgramDirector:__________________________Signature:___________________________________
SECTION3ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYCOLLEGE/UNIVERSITYREGISTRAR SECTION3ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYCOLLEGE/UNIVERSITYREGISTRAR
Icertifythat__________________________________WILLBEorHASBEEN Icertifythat__________________________________WILLBEorHASBEEN
Official Stamp/Seal
Official Stamp/Seal
awardedanACOTEaccreditedOccupationalTherapydegreeonthedatestated awardedanACOTEaccreditedOccupationalTherapyAssistantdegreeonthe
inSection2ofthisformandthatallobligationstothiscollege/universityand datestatedinSection2ofthisformandthatallobligationstothis
requirementsforgraduationhavebeensatisfiedbythestudent. college/universityandrequirementsforgraduationhavebeensatisfiedbythe
student.
Signature: _______________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________
Title: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Title: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Mail form to: NBCOT, Inc. 12 S. Summit Avenue, Suite 100 Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
Effective 11/2008
Effective 11/2008
NBCOT Academic Credentials Verification Policy

• Exam candidate must complete Section 1 of the ACVF.
• Candidate’s college/university OT program director must complete Section 2 of the ACVF.
• College/university registrar must complete Section 3 of the ACVF to verify the candidate’s completion of the
occupational therapy educational program, including both academic and fieldwork requirements, and that the
college/university graduation requirements have been satisfied. The ACVF must also state the conferred degree
title and degree date.
The ACVF should not be submitted: 1) Until a Certification Examination Application has been completed and
submitted to NBCOT by the candidate; and 2) No sooner than three (3) months prior to the candidate’s anticipated
graduation date.
Within one (1) month after graduation, an Official Final Transcript from their college/university that indicates the
date of graduation and degree earned must be received by NBCOT.
The examination results of candidates applying to take the OTR® or COTA® certification examination using an
Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF) will be made available to the candidate during the reporting cycle that
the candidate completed the certification examination.
Additionally, at the request of the candidate, their examination results will be sent to regulatory agencies of their
choosing.
The Official Final Transcript must include ALL of the following:

▪ Candidate’s full name
▪ Title of the entry-level degree/certificate
▪ Candidate’s social security number OR student awarded in Occupational Therapy
identification number
▪ The date on which the degree/certificate was
▪ Name of the institution awarding the awarded/conferred. The degree/certificate must
occupational therapy degree/certificate have been awarded. Transcripts with a post-dated
▪ Listing of all courses completed and required graduation date will not be accepted.
for the degree/certificate ▪ The registrar’s official seal or stamp
▪ Identification of the major: either “occupational
therapy” or “occupational therapy assistant”
If the transcript does not contain all of this information, the candidate will be notified by
NBCOT that the application cannot be processed until the information is received.
Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter
Upon confirmation of eligibility to examine, the candidate will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter by e-mail (or
regular mail, if no e-mail address has been provided). The ATT Letter authorizes the candidate to take the certification
examination. Please Note: The ATT Letter will be sent to the e-mail address on the candidate’s account. It is the
candidate’s responsibility to keep their e-mail address current with NBCOT. The ATT Letter will include:
The contact information for Prometric, so the candidate can schedule an examination date
Details on how to schedule an examination date with Prometric
Information on how to reschedule or cancel an examination, should that become necessary
The examination application is valid for one (1) year from date of submission. The ATT Letter is active for 90 days. If
the candidate does not take the examination within this 90-day period, the candidate may choose to reactivate the
ATT Letter for an additional 90 days. In general, the ATT Letter can be reactivated as many times as necessary during
the one-year period. There is a fee for each reactivation of the ATT Letter. After one year, the ATT Letter may no longer
be reactivated—a new examination application must be submitted.
Reactivation of the ATT Letter may be requested online, by logging onto the applicant’s account, or by submitting the
appropriate form, available on the NBCOT website at www.nbcot.org.
Scheduling the Certification Examination

Prometric cannot schedule an examination until the candidate has received the ATT Letter; please do not contact
Prometric until you have the ATT Letter in-hand.
A list of Prometric Test sites can be found online at www.prometric.com.
Candidates are encouraged to locate a test site and schedule their
examination online. If a candidate chooses to call Prometric instead, the
Call Center should be contacted, rather than the individual Prometric
offices. Prometric’s contact information will be included on the candidate’s
ATT Letter.
NOTE: Candidates with a special accommodation(s) must call Prometric to

schedule their examination. Candidates with a special accommodation(s)
cannot schedule their examination online.
Candidates can schedule examinations through
the Prometric Call Center.
Name Changes and Address Changes

Name Change (First-time Candidates)
When a candidate’s legal name changes AFTER the examination application has been submitted, the new name must
be updated with NBCOT®. This is especially important because the name given on the examination application is the
name that is printed on the ATT Letter. When a candidate arrives at the Prometric Test Center, they are required to
present identification. This identification must match the name that is listed on the ATT Letter; otherwise, the candidate
will not be admitted to the test site. The examination is then considered forfeited, the ATT Letter is voided, and the
candidate will need to obtain a new ATT Letter. Name changes cannot be made at the test center.
To make a name change request, before the ATT Letter is issued:

1. Complete a Name Change Request form, available online at www.nbcot.org.
2. Submit copies of the legal documentation that reflects the name change. See request form for list of accepted
documents.
3. Mail or fax form and documentation to NBCOT, at the address listed on the form.
To make a name change request, after the ATT Letter is issued:
1. Complete a Reactivation/Reissue of Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter form, available online at www.nbcot.
org. Be sure to include the reactivation fee.
2. Submit copies of the legal documentation that reflects the name change. See request form for list of accepted
documents.
3. Mail or fax forms, payment, and documentation to NBCOT, at the address listed on the form.
Name Change (Repeating Candidates)

Individuals planning to repeat the certification examination who have had a legal name change since the last exam
administration, must contact NBCOT by telephone or email for instructions prior to submitting an online examination
application. Applicants do not have the ability to change their name online, so if an individual applies with payment
prior to NBCOT updating their record, the application becomes pre-approved in the previous name.
If an individual applies online prior to contacting NBCOT to update their name in the system, there is an administrative
fee to correct the online account. Payment in the form of a check, money order, or credit card (Visa/MasterCard) will
be required with submission of proper name change documentation to NBCOT. To obtain a name change request form,
follow the instructions above.
Applicants submitting paper exam applications may submit proper name change documentation, along with exam
fees, to NBCOT.
Address Change
When a candidate’s address changes AFTER the application has been submitted, the new address must be updated
on the application. Address changes can only be made to the application BEFORE the ATT Letter is generated (online
applicants are encouraged to access their application online to update their address). Once the ATT Letter is issued,
address changes cannot be made to the application. The next opportunity to change an address will be at the Prometric
Test Center on the day of the examination. Keep in mind: This applies to address changes only; name changes cannot
be made at the test center. Address changes may also be made if and when an ATT Letter is reactivated/reissued.
Preparing for the Certification Examination

NBCOT offers a number of study tools to assist candidates with their exam preparation
including study guides, online tests, and packages. The tools are designed to help
candidates assess their examination readiness, focus study efforts in appropriate areas,
and become familiar with the areas tested on the examination.
The official NBCOT study tools are the only OTR and COTA certification examination
study tools designed exclusively by NBCOT test development professionals. For details
visit www.nbcot.org, click on the Exam Candidate tab, then Exam Preparation Tools.
You may also purchase study guides using the order form included on page 38 of this FREE Examination Readiness Tools
handbook.
The NBCOT OFFICIAL OTR Study Guide The NBCOT OFFICIAL COTA Study Guide
Note: NBCOT does not administer, approve, endorse, or review preparatory
SECTION 1
® ®
SECTION 1
® ®
courses relating to the NBCOT certification examinations.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Adult Learning
Adult Learning
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION

New!
¥ Assess your readiness for the OTR exam Information ¥ Assess your readiness for the COTA exam Includes
¥ Study Tips and Test-Taking Strategies on clinical 100 sample
simulation Includes ¥ Study Tips and Test-Taking Strategies
multiple-choice
¥ SpeciÀcs of the NBCOT exam testing 150 sample ¥ SpeciÀcs of the NBCOT exam items with
items with
rationales and
rationales and
references!
references!
A Publication of the A Publication of the

ʀ Section One - Adult Learning 1 www.nbcot.org ʀ ʀ Section One - Adult Learning 1 www.nbcot.org ʀ
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
NBCOT Official Study Guides for OTR and COTA
The Certification Examination: What to Expect
Arriving at the Test Center
Exam candidates should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled exam time. Upon check-
in, candidates are required to present three (3) forms of non-expired ID in order to test.
• Candidate must present one (1) form of Primary ID which is defined as an official government-issued ID
bearing both a photograph and a legible signature.
• Candidate must present two (2) forms of Secondary ID which must be imprinted with the examinee’s name
and must bear the examinee’s legible signature.
Acceptable forms of Primary ID are limited to the following which must include a photo and signature:
• State driver’s license
• Military ID card
• State ID card
• Passport
What to Bring
• State driver’s permit
• Green card (permanent resident card) Three forms of identification:
√ Must match name on ATT letter
Photo must be current; signature on ID must match the name on the ATT
√ One must be government-issued
Acceptable forms of Secondary ID are limited to: photo ID with signature
• Credit card √ Signatures must be CLEAR
• ATM card
• Employee ID card
• Voter registration card
• Student ID card
• Green card (permanent resident card)
(Social Security cards are not acceptable)
NOTE: All forms of identification must be original. The name on the candidate’s identification must match the name
on the candidate’s ATT Letter. A candidate cannot be admitted to the test site without the required documentation.
Candidates are also required to sign the roster.
Legal Name Changes: If there is a discrepancy caused by a

recent name change in marital status, a copy of the marriage
license/certificate or divorce decree IS NOT acceptable at the
Test Center. The candidate will not be allowed to take the
certification examination.
For security and convenience, NBCOT® uses the Candidate

Identity Management System (biometrics) at all Prometic Test
Centers. At check-in, the candidate’s identification information
will be recorded, and two fingerprints will be taken. Once the
check-in process is complete, the candidate will be seated in
the test center.
Examination Content
The OTR® and COTA® examinations are constructed based on the results of practice analysis studies. The studies
identify the domains, tasks, knowledge and skills required for occupational therapy practice relative to the respective
credential. The ultimate goal of a practice analysis study is to ensure that there is a representative linkage of examination
content to practice. The periodic performance of practice analysis studies assists NBCOT with evaluating the validity
of the test specifications that guide content distribution of the credentialing examinations.
The following charts present the domain areas and proportion of test items established for the OTR and COTA
blueprints beginning January 2, 2009.
Percent of
OTR Domain Descriptions
Exam
01 Gather information regarding factors that influence occupational performance 13%
Formulate conclusions regarding the client’s needs and priorities to develop a client-centered
02 28%
intervention plan
Select and implement evidence-based interventions to support participation in areas of
03 occupation (e.g., ADL, education, work, play, leisure, social participation) throughout the 39%
continuum of care
04 Uphold professional standards and responsibilities to promote quality in practice 20%
Percent of
COTA Domain Descriptions
Exam
Gather information and formulate conclusions regarding the client’s needs and priorities to
01 33%
develop a client-centered intervention plan
Select and implement evidence-based interventions to support participation in areas of
02 occupation (e.g., ADL, education, work, play, leisure, social participation) throughout the 47%
continuum of care
03 Uphold professional standards and responsibilities to promote quality in practice 20%
There are multiple task, knowledge, and skill statements for each of the domain areas for the respective credentialing
examinations. See www.nbcot.org for a full report on the validated domain, task, knowledge and skill statements for
the examinations.
Beginning January 2009, the examinations will consist of the following:
OTR: 3 Simulation Test Items and 170 Multiple Choice Test Items
COTA: 200 Multiple Choice Items only
Multiple Choice Items
Each multiple choice item starts with a stem or premise. This is usually in the form of a written statement or question.
Possible response options are listed beneath the stem. From the options listed, there is only ONE correct response,
the other options are distracters. Candidates need to solicit the best response based on the information presented
in the stem.
Example:
During which task would a stereognosis deficit secondary to a CVA be MOST EVIDENT?
1. Getting coins from a pocket*
2. Pouring water into a cup
3. Putting on a pair of socks
4. Opening a pill bottle
*Correct answer
Simulation Test Items (OTR Examination Only)
A simulation test item consists of an opening scene, sections with section headers, and a list of decisions or action statements.
These action statements consist of positive, negative, and neutral statements. An example is shown below:
Pictured left: Example screenshot of

a simulation test item.
Candidates select the actions that they deem appropriate from the list of actions provided. As the action statement
is selected, a feedback box will appear. Feedback is revealed response-by-response as the candidate makes each
selection, so that a candidate only receives information on the actions they have chosen throughout the course of the
problem.
From the list of actions, a candidate will score points for positive actions and have points deducted for actions that
are negative or hinder the resolution of the presented problem(s). A candidate will neither have points awarded nor
deducted for selecting a neutral action.
Once an action has been selected it cannot be de-selected. Candidates are able to scroll back to see previous screens;
however, actions cannot be added to previous screens once the candidate has progressed to a new screen.
Scoring
Each administration of the NBCOT certification examination is designed to fairly assess the knowledge and skills
required for entry-level practice. The candidate’s total raw score (the total number correct) is converted to a “scaled
score”—on a scale ranging from 300 to 600 points. Scaled scores are used to ensure that scoring on different forms
of the examination have the same meaning. Thus, candidates are not unfairly rewarded or penalized based on test
form differences.
Please allow four (4) weeks for the examination scoring process.
▪ Telephone requests for a duplicate score report are not accepted
▪ Score information will not be released to anyone via telephone, facsimile, or e-mail
▪ No candidate’s score identified by name is released to any party without the candidate’s
prior written authorization
The certification examination is “criterion–referenced,” meaning the minimum passing score of 450 points represents
an absolute standard, and is not dependent on the performance of other candidates taking this administration of the
examination. Every form of the certification examination employs a unique combination of items. In order to compensate
for any fluctuation in the overall level of difficulty from one form of the examination to another, the passing score for
each form is statistically adjusted to balance the level of difficulty. For more information on scoring, please refer to the
NBCOT website at www.nbcot.org.
Score Reports and Certificates

for Certification in Occupational Ther
iona l Board apy, I
The examination scoring process can take up to four (4) weeks. After Nat nc. ®
scoring is complete, the candidate will receive their score information, as
follows: has satisfied the Requirements for Certification and is entitled to
all of the rights and privileges associated with this credential.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST R EGISTERED® (OTR)
Candidates with a Passing Score will receive by mail a report of the total
scaled score on the examination and an official NBCOT® certificate and Certification Number:
Initial Certification:
Chairperson, NBCOT Board of Directors
Certification Valid Through:
wallet card verifying OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR® or

President & CEO, NBCOT
CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA® certification.

This certificate is the property of
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® U 12 S. Summit Avenue, Suite 100 U Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877-4150
Candidates with a Failing Score will receive a score report that includes the total scaled score, along with performance
information for each domain area of the examination. The information on the domain areas is provided for diagnostic
purposes only. Candidates with a failing score may choose to re-take the examination. The score report will include
information about how to register for another examination date (see “Repeating Exam Candidates” section on page 18
for more details).
Upon receipt of the score report, candidates who hold a state-issued limited or temporary permit(s) or license(s) which
allows them to practice are advised to immediately contact the regulatory agency in that jurisdiction to determine
whether their limited or temporary permit/license remains valid. Since the laws and regulations of each jurisdiction
vary, it is essential that the regulatory agency is contacted directly.
Candidates who do not receive their score report within four (4) weeks of taking the examination should submit the
Duplicate Score Report Request form, found online at www.nbcot.org, under “Forms.” Duplicate score reports are
provided at no cost if submitted within 4-6 weeks after examining. Beyond six (6) weeks, the Duplicate Score Report
Request form must be accompanied with the appropriate fee.
For new U.S. graduates that take the exam within one year of graduating, NBCOT reports scores (without names) to the
U.S. occupational therapy education program from which they graduated. Only the names of candidates who pass the
examination will be reported to the program on the list announcing newly certified OTRs or COTAs.
Administrative or Technical Complaints, Examination Results Appeals

Administrative or Technical Complaint: Candidates, who experience an administrative or technical problem at a
Prometric Test Center, must file a complaint immediately with the test center proctor at the Prometric Testing Center.
The candidate must request a confirmation number and case summary. The candidate should contact NBCOT by email
within 24 hours after the incident occurred and provide NBCOT with the confirmation number and case summary.
Administrative or technical complaints must be emailed to credentialingservices@nbcot.org. NBCOT will confirm
receipt of the complaint.
NBCOT cannot address administrative or technical complaints with Prometric if a complaint was not filed at the test
center by the candidate. Examples of administrative or technical complaints include: computer screen freezing; power
failure; approved accommodations not being available; excessive physical disruption within the testing center; or test
not available at scheduled time.
Appeal of Examination Pass/Fail Status: A candidate may appeal their examination pass/fail status. The appeal
must be submitted in writing to NBCOT and must specifically state the reason(s) for the appeal, and why the appeal
should be granted. Failing the examination alone is not sufficient grounds for an appeal. Appeal letters should be sent
to NBCOT by traceable mail – signature of receipt required to:
Dr. Margaret Bent, OTR
Managing Director, Competency Assessment
NBCOT
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
The appeal letter must be received by NBCOT within 14 days of receipt of the online examination pass/fail results.
Correspondence received after this date will not be accepted. Within 21 days of receipt of the appeal letter, NBCOT will
provide a response to the candidate regarding the outcome of the appeal.
Complaints, challenges, or appeals not submitted in accordance with these policies will not be acknowledged.
Cancellation, Rescheduling, Late Arrival or No Show for Scheduled Examination

The following fees apply to examination candidates who reschedule, cancel, arrive late or do not appear for their
scheduled examination:
Category Cancellation/Reschedule Period Cancellation/Rescheduling Fee
No fee. If exam is rescheduled within current

1 30 or more days before scheduled examination date ATT letter activation period, no Reissue/
Reactivation Notice form is required.
$35.00 (contact Prometric’s Candidate Services
Contact Center). If exam is rescheduled within
2 5-29 days before scheduled examination date
current ATT letter activation period, no Reissue/
Reactivation Notice form is required.
A) Less than 5 days before scheduled examination
date; or $175.00 - See NBCOT website (www.nbcot.org)
for an ATT Reissue/Reactivation Notice order
B) Fails to appear for a scheduled examination; or
3 form. This form must be completed and submitted
C) Arrives at the Test Center more than fifteen (15) to NBCOT with payment before the exam can be
minutes after scheduled examination start time for rescheduled.
taking the examination and is refused admission
Within the United States and Canada, candidates with Category 1 or 2 changes must make and confirm all cancellations/
changes through direct contact with Prometric’s Candidate Services Contact Center (“CSCC”) personnel. Leaving a message
on a recorder or a voice mail is NOT an acceptable means to confirm cancellation or examination date change.
Products and Services Refund Policy

Fees for these services are non-refundable:
Official Score Transfer* Online Practice Tests
Confirmation of Examination Online Content Tests
Registration and Eligibility to Hardcopy Study Guides
Examine Notice and Authorization
to Test (ATT) Reactivation/Reissue
*Exception: If the examination application is withdrawn, the Official Score Transfer fees will be refunded.
Application Withdrawal and Refund
The following refund policy only applies to candidates experiencing personal and/or medical emergencies:
Any candidate eligible/approved for a refund of the examination application fee will receive a partial refund. Since the
examination application remains active for one year, in order to receive a partial refund, the candidate must completely
withdraw the examination application within a year of the application date and indicate, in writing, the intention not to
take the examination within a year of the initial application date.
The candidate must request a refund, via certified mail-return receipt requested or other traceable delivery, postmarked
to NBCOT® no later than ten (10) business days after any medical or personal emergency/circumstance occurs.
Documentation of the event/circumstance must be included with the refund request. Refunds will be processed within
30 days from the date NBCOT approves the refund request.
Repeating Examination Candidates

Any candidate who fails the examination may apply for another examination administration. The re-application
process is the same as the initial application process. Detailed instructions can be found in the candidate’s score
report.
When re-applying, the following should be noted:
There is a 45-day waiting period after the last examination date before the candidate may test again.
The candidate must submit a new application in order to re-test. Instructions will be included with the
candidate’s score report.
If the candidate has had a name change since the last exam administration, the candidate must follow the
instructions on page 12, “Name Change (Repeating Candidates),” prior to submitting an application for the
certification examination. Failure to do so could result in an administrative fee later to correct a name on
the Authorization to Test (ATT) letter.
If re-applying online, the candidate should log onto his/her existing account, using the e-mail address
and password that was selected when initially setting up the account. A new account should not
be created. A fee will be assessed for duplicate accounts. After logging on, click the Re-Apply button.
Please Note: The candidate must wait 15 business days after the previous test date to gain access to the
Re-Apply button. This button will only appear on the candidate’s account if the candidate is eligible to re-
apply at that time.
A new application fee will be assessed. New fees will also be assessed for score reporting, confirmation
notices, or any other services.
If the candidate previously tested on an ACVF, an official final transcript must be submitted within one (1)
month of graduation. The transcript must include the date of graduation and degree earned.
Any candidate who previously provided the official final transcript to NBCOT does not need to re-submit the
transcript, unless requested by NBCOT to do so.
Upon determination of eligibility to examine, the candidate will receive a new ATT Letter, with a new 90-day testing
eligibility period.
Testing Irregularities
The examinee is not allowed to use ANY electronic device during the examination and/or break, or to bring any hard
copy documentation to the Prometric Testing Center, or store such documentation in the on-site locker. Electronic
devices include, but are not limited to, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cameras, or digital watches. If
she/he is found using such device during any part of the test administration process, the Testing Center Administrator
(TCA) will require the examinee to step out of the test administration area. The TCA will inform the examinee that she/
he has violated test center rules and that a report will be filed. The TCA will file a detailed Candidate Proctor Report
(CPR) with NBCOT, including the make/model of the prohibited item (if applicable). The examinee will be dismissed
and the exam terminated. The examinee’s eligibility status for future exams will be reviewed/considered by NBCOT.
Examination Security
NBCOT implements standardized procedures for the purposes of securely developing and administering the OTR®
and COTA® certification examinations.
NBCOT® Certification Renewal:
Keeping Your Credential Active!
Upon initial NBCOT certification, a certificate is valid for a period of three (3) years. Certification renewal is required to
maintain active certification.
The requirements for certification renewal are:

a completed Certification Renewal Application
the appropriate renewal application fee
accrual of required Professional Development Units (PDU): certificants accrue 36 PDU in the three (3) years
between their initial certification date and the renewal due date
abidance by the NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct
Fulfilling the certification renewal requirements entitles a certificant to continue using the OTR® or COTA® credential.
Why Renew?
One of the best values of certification renewal is the continued use of the NBCOT credential. The OTR and COTA
credentials are representative of practitioners who satisfy national standards in education, experience, and
professional conduct, and demonstrate that they possess the knowledge and skills to practice and be accountable
for the delivery of professional services. In a recent NBCOT survey(1), certificants identified the top reasons for
maintaining certification as recognition of…
Value (2) OTR COTA

Credibility 91% 91%
Practice standard attainment 86% 90%
Professional commitment 86% 88%
Accountability 86% 87%
Accomplishment 78% 83%
Specialized knowledge 76% 86%
Recognition from employers 78% 80%
(1) Permission was granted from the Certification Board of Perioperative Nursing for NBCOT to use the Perceived Value of
Certification Tool (PVCT).
(2) Values reflect the essence of the value statements appearing on the PVCT.
How to Renew Certification

There are two ways to renew certification:
1. Submit an online application at www.nbcot.org
2. Complete and mail in a paper application
Prior to a certificant’s renewal due date, NBCOT sends a courtesy reminder notification
and certification instructions. For this reason, it is essential that the candidate maintain OTR
their current contact information with NBCOT, including email address.

Your
Certification Pin
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
CREDENTIALS ESSENTIALS ™
Upon renewal, all certificants receive an updated certificate and wallet identification card,
a certification lapel pin, and the new Credentials Essentials Toolkit. The toolkit contains
everything certificants need to promote certification from job searches through career
advancement. Included in the toolkit are customizable resources, including press release
templates and Tell-A-Friend email templates. Individuals achieving initial certification in
2009 will also receive the toolkit along with their certification documents.
Summary Of Exam Candidate Requests
Page
Service Request Service Requirements
Reference
Name change before ATT letter is Complete Name Change Request form and submit with copies of legal
11
issued (first-time candidate) documentation reflecting name change.
Name change after ATT letter is Complete Request/Reissue of Authorization To Test (ATT) Letter form, with
12
issued (first-time candidate) fee, and copies of legal documentation reflecting name change.
Must contact NBCOT by telephone or email for instructions prior to
submitting online exam application; if candidate applies online prior
Name change (repeating candidate) 12
to contacting NBCOT, administrative fee is assessed to correct online
application.
There is a 45-day waiting period after the last examination date before the
Repeating examination candidates 18
candidate may test again.
New address changes can only be made to application before the ATT letter
is generated. New address must be updated on exam application. Once ATT
Mailing address change letter is issued, next opportunity to change address will be at Prometric Test 12
Center on day of exam. Address change may also be made if/when an ATT
letter is reactivated/generated.
Online applicants must provide a valid (working) e-mail address that is
Email address change capable of receiving e-mail from NBCOT. It is candidate’s responsibility to 7
keep e-mail address current with NBCOT.
ATT letter is active for 90 days. If candidate does not take exam within this
90 days, ATT letter can be reactivated for additional 90 days. An additional
Reactivation of ATT letter fee is required. Reactivation of ATT letter may be requested online, by 11
logging onto the candidate’s account, or by submitting the appropriate form,
available on the NBCOT website.
Exam score report request to
state regulatory boards (prior to Request when submitting exam application. A fee for each state is required. 8
submitting exam application)
Exam score report request to state Complete Official Score Transfer Request form (available at www.nbcot.org).
regulatory boards (after submitting A fee for each state is required. Increased fee after exam application has 8
exam application) been submitted.
Confirmation of Exam Registration
and Eligibility to Examine Notice
Request when submitting exam application. A fee for each state is required. 7
Request (prior to submitting exam
application)
Confirmation of Exam Registration
Complete Confirmation of Exam Registration and Eligibility to Examine
and Eligibility to Examine Notice
Notice Request form (available at www.nbcot.org). A fee for each state is 7
Request (after submitting exam
required. Increased fee after exam application has been submitted.
application)
Based on Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct (candidate must agree

If charged with and/or convicted of to when signing exam application attestation statement), candidate must
a felony prior to submitting exam respond affirmatively to appropriate character question on exam application,
7
application or prior to issuance of or if prior to issuance of ATT letter, must notify NBCOT of felony charge and/
ATT letter or conviction. If candidate fails to inform NBCOT, disciplinary action may
result.
Based on Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct (candidate must agree
If charged with and/or convicted of a to when signing exam application attestation statement), candidate must
7
felony after ATT letter is issued notify NBCOT of felony charge and/or conviction. If candidate fails to inform
NBCOT, disciplinary action may result.
Appendix
Appendix Contents
Please visit www.nbcot.org for a list of Frequently Asked Questions
regarding the Certification Examination Handbook and Application.
Examination Application Procedures Checklist ................ 23

Academic Credentials Verification Form ............................ 25
2009 Certification Examination Application ..................... 29
U.S. School Codes (OT) ....................................................... 34
U.S. School Codes (OTA)...................................................... 36
NBCOT Study Tools Order Form .......................................... 38
NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct ............... 39
Examination Application Procedures Checklist
Completing the NBCOT® Examination Application and Submitting Fees:
I have read the NBCOT Certification Examination Handbook.

Graduates of accredited U.S./U.S. Territories Program: I am “cleared for graduation” (i.e., graduation is
certain) or I have been awarded the degree/certificate, and I have completed the required fieldwork BEFORE
submitting my examination application.
Graduates of other NBCOT-recognized OT Programs (including internationally-educated): My eligibility
determination review application is complete, and I have been approved by NBCOT to submit an examination
application.
If applying online for the first time, I have set up a new account with my valid/working e-mail address (username)
and password. If I have an existing online application account, I have logged on with my username and
password and then I have clicked on the “Re-Apply” button or the “Reactivate” link.
If applying with a paper application, submit payment by mail to NBCOT lockbox address (refer to exam
application).
If I want NBCOT to send an Official Score Transfer or Confirmation of Examination Registration and Eligibility
to Examine Notice to a regulatory entity or employer, I have indicated so on my application.
If applying online, I have printed out the receipt/invoice for my records as proof of successfully submitting the
application. If submitting a paper application, I have made a copy for my records.
I have paid all applicable fees.
If I have had a name change at any time prior to taking the certification examination, I have sent to NBCOT a
Name/Address Change Request, the appropriate legal documentation, and fee.
Graduates of Accredited U.S. Programs:

I have requested my registrar to mail my official final transcript or ACVF to NBCOT in a sealed envelope.
Note: This must be requested AFTER the application has been submitted.
If I have attended an academic program that awards the degree before the completion of fieldwork, I have
made sure that the fieldwork verification has been sent to NBCOT.
Requesting Special Testing Accommodations (available to candidates taking the exam in the U.S. only)
If I have a professionally diagnosed disability covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and I wish
to request testing accommodations, I have submitted the required special accommodations application and
documentation.
Note: This must be done AFTER the application is submitted, but before the ATT Letter is issued.
Scheduling with Prometric
I have contacted the Prometric Call Center to schedule my appointment. Note: An examination date cannot
be scheduled without an ATT Letter in hand.
If I need to cancel/reschedule my examination date, I will follow the procedures outlined on page 17 of this
handbook.
NATIONALBOARDFORCERTIFICATIONINOCCUPATIONALTHERAPY
ACADEMICCREDENTIALVERIFICATIONFORM(“ACVF”)FOROTRCANDIDATES
ACOTE accredited ENTRY-LEVEL Occupational Therapy educational programs who are applying
to take the NBCOT Certification Examination in the event that the official final transcript is not
available. This form should not be submitted: 1) Until a Certification Examination Application has
been completed and submitted to NBCOT by the candidate; and 2) No sooner than three (3)
months prior to the candidate’s anticipated graduation date.
The candidate’s college/university OT program director must complete Section 2. Section 3 must be completed by the
SECTION1ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYTHESTUDENT
E-mail address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Degree Title:_____________________________________________________________________________________
SECTION2ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYOTPROGRAMDIRECTOR
___________________________________________ has completed the Academic and Fieldwork requirements of our

school’s ACOTE accredited ENTRY-LEVEL Occupational Therapy educational program.
NBCOT School Code: _______________ Date of Graduation: ______/______/_20_____
NameofProgramDirector:__________________________Signature:___________________________________
SECTION3ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYCOLLEGE/UNIVERSITYREGISTRAR
Icertifythat__________________________________WILLBEorHASBEEN
Official Stamp/Seal
awardedanACOTEaccreditedOccupationalTherapydegreeonthedatestated
inSection2ofthisformandthatallobligationstothiscollege/universityand
requirementsforgraduationhavebeensatisfiedbythestudent.
Signature: _______________________________________________
Title: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Effective 11/2008
NATIONALBOARDFORCERTIFICATIONINOCCUPATIONALTHERAPY
ACADEMICCREDENTIALVERIFICATIONFORM(“ACVF”)FOR COTACANDIDATES
ACOTE accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant educational programs who are applying to take
the NBCOT Certification Examination in the event that the official final transcript is not available.
This form should not be submitted: 1) Until a Certification Examination Application has been
completed and submitted to NBCOT by the candidate; and 2) No sooner than three (3) months prior
to the candidate’s anticipated graduation date.
The candidate’s college/university OTA program director must complete Section 2. Section 3 must be completed by the
SECTION1ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYTHEOTASTUDENT
E-mail address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Degree Title:________________________________________________
SECTION2ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYOTAPROGRAMDIRECTOR
________________________________________________ has completed the Academic and Fieldwork requirements of our

school’s ACOTE accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant educational program.
NBCOT School Code: _______________ Date of Graduation: ______/______/_20_____
NameofProgramDirector:__________________________Signature:___________________________________
SECTION3ͲͲTOBECOMPLETEDBYCOLLEGE/UNIVERSITYREGISTRAR
Icertifythat__________________________________WILLBEorHASBEEN
Official Stamp/Seal
awardedanACOTEaccreditedOccupationalTherapyAssistantdegreeonthe
datestatedinSection2ofthisformandthatallobligationstothis
college/universityandrequirementsforgraduationhavebeensatisfiedbythe
student.
Signature: __________________________________________
Title: ______________________________________ Date: _________________
Effective 11/2008
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), Inc.
2009 Certification Examination Application
OTR® and COTA®
I am a graduate from a program: within the U.S. or its territories outside the U.S.
I am a: first-time applicant repeating test-taker
Date of Birth:
First Name:
Middle Name:
Last Name:
Maiden Name (if applicable):
Mailing Address:
State Approved
City: “Licensure Only”
Candidate:
State/Province:
_______________
Postal Code: Country:
Exam
Phone: home work mobile
COTA
Phone: home work mobile OTR
Phone: home work mobile
First-Time
Social Security Number: Repeat
If no SSN, you must provide NBCOT Student ID# below.
Student ID Number:
This is the number assigned by school for U.S. graduates; assigned by NBCOT for OTED approvals (including internationally-educated).
Email Address (must be active):

Choose a Password:
This password can be used to check your application status online.
Gender: Male Female
African; Black; African American (non-Hispanic) Latin American; South American; Central American
American Indian or Native American; Inuit or Aleut Mexican; Mexican American; Chicano
Ethnicity: Asian; Asian American; Pacific Islander Multi-racial
Caucasian or White (non-Hispanic) Puerto Rican; Puerto Rican American
Hispanic or Hispanic American Other
Age: under 21 21-25 26-29 30-39 40 or above
2009 NBCOT® Examination Application Page 29

Name:
Exam Level: CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA®

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR®
U.S. School Code (see pages 34-37): Graduation Date (mm/yyyy):
Academic Credential (choose one)

U.S. Graduates:
Entry-Level Master’s Degree
OTR Credential: Entry-Level Doctoral Degree
COTA Credential: Associate Degree Certificate
OTED Approvals
(including internationally-educated): Entry-Level Master’s Degree Equivalence (OTR Credential)
In the event that my education program director requests my certification examination score, I hereby grant permission
to release my score. Please check one:
Yes, I grant permission to release my score to my education program director upon their request.
No, I prefer not to release my score.
Have you ever...

been charged with or convicted of a felony? (NOTE: Certificants must answer affirmatively if records,
Yes No
charges, or convictions have been pardoned, expunged, released or sealed.)
had any professional license, registration, or certification denied, revoked, suspended, or subject to
Yes No
probationary conditions by a regulatory authority or certification board?
been found by any court, administrative, or disciplinary proceeding to have committed negligence,
Yes No
malpractice, recklessness, or willful or intentional misconduct which resulted in harm to another?
been suspended and/or expelled from a college or university? Yes No
If you answer “yes” to any of the character questions, you must submit all of the following:
1. A written explanation of the events regarding the incident or question to which you answered “yes”
2. Copies of any official documentation related to the incident
3. Any additional information or documentation you may wish to include, such as remedial measures taken since
the incident.
All documentation must be submitted to and reviewed by NBCOT® before the examination application will be approved.
Mail documentation to:
NBCOT, Inc.; Attn: Qualifications and Compliance Review

Page 30 2009 NBCOT® Examination Application

Name:
By submitting this exam application, you are attesting to having read and understood the following NBCOT®
Certificant Attestation Statement and the information provided in the NBCOT Certification Examination Handbook.
Please read this statement carefully.
I have read, understand, and agree to adhere to the provisions of the current edition of the NBCOT Certification
Examination Handbook, the NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the “Code of
Conduct”), and the NBCOT Procedures for Enforcement of the NBCOT Code of Conduct (hereinafter referred to as the
“Procedures”), all of which can be found on the NBCOT website at www.nbcot.org. By signing below, I am attesting that
the information I submit in this application and in any required accompanying or subsequent documentation is true
and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Additionally, I understand that persons who apply for certification as an OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR®
or CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA® or persons who have been certified by NBCOT, are subject
to the Code of Conduct and the Procedures. I understand that from time-to-time NBCOT may amend its requirements,
policies, and procedures for initial certification, certification renewal, and Procedures for Enforcement of the Code
of Conduct. During my three-year certification cycle, I agree to notify NBCOT in writing of any violation of the Code
of Conduct (e.g. felony charge and/or conviction, suspension, or revocation of a license to practice occupational
therapy).
I agree to hold NBCOT, its directors, officers, employees, and agents free from any damage or complaint by reason
of any action taken in connection with the score or score given with respect to this or any other NBCOT certification
examination, or the failure of NBCOT to issue me certification. I understand that if it is confirmed I was not eligible
at the time I examined, my examination score will be voided. If it is ever determined that I was a participant in any
testing irregularity, such as use of any electronic device during the examination and/or break, or cheating, to include
discussing, transmitting or copying a test item(s) or answer(s) to a third-party, before, during or after the examination, my
certification or eligibility status with NBCOT may be changed. Further, I understand that if I need to file an examination
administrative or technical complaint that I must file such a complaint on-site at the Prometric Test Center, and must
request a confirmation number and case summary. I also agree to notify NBCOT in writing of any address and/or
name change within thirty days (30) after the change becomes effective. If requested to do so, NBCOT may verify my
certification status. I hereby consent to NBCOT’s release of any information regarding this application, my examination
eligibility, my examination administration, or my certification status to any academic institution, employer, regulatory
agency, or other party that may inquire in writing.
Signature: Date:
Please print name here:
I am requesting Special Testing Accommodations for the certification examination, due to a documented disability.
My initial Special Testing Accommodations application and required medical documentation was submitted
to NBCOT for review within one (1) year of my current exam application date. I am requesting identical
accommodations previously approved by NBCOT. (If you are requesting different or additional accommodations,
you must complete the full accommodations process).
Please submit a completed Special Testing Accommodations Application and supporting documentation to NBCOT.
The handbook and application can be found online at www.nbcot.org.
Note to Repeating Examination Candidates: If you took the exam with accommodations prior to 2006, you must submit
a new Accommodations application.

Name:
Please send an Official Score Transfer to the jurisdiction(s) selected below. I have included the $40 fee for EACH score
report. Please Note: No state will receive a report unless it is marked here and the additional payment for EACH state
marked is enclosed. ONLY the states listed below accept score reports.
Alabama Georgia Michigan North Carolina Tennessee

Alaska Idaho Minnesota North Dakota Texas
Arizona Illinois Mississippi Ohio Vermont
Arkansas Indiana Missouri Oklahoma Virginia
California Iowa Montana Oregon Washington
Colorado Kansas Nebraska Pennsylvania West Virginia
Connecticut Louisiana Nevada Puerto Rico Wisconsin
Delaware Maine New Jersey Rhode Island Wyoming
District of Columbia Maryland New Mexico South Carolina
Florida Massachusetts New York South Dakota
Please send a Confirmation of Examination Registration and Eligibility to Examine Notice to the following third parties.
I have included the $45 fee for EACH notice requested. Please Note: When a confirmation notice is requested for a
third party, the candidate will receive a copy at no extra charge. Fees for confirmation notices will not be refunded.
Please Note: ONLY the states listed below accept confirmation notices.
Alabama Idaho Minnesota New York Tennessee

Alaska Illinois Mississippi North Dakota Texas
Arizona Indiana Missouri Ohio Virginia
Arkansas Kansas Montana Oklahoma Washington
California Kentucky Nebraska Oregon West Virginia
Delaware Louisiana Nevada Pennsylvania Wyoming
District of Columbia Maine New Hampshire Puerto Rico
Florida Maryland New Jersey Rhode Island
Georgia Massachusetts New Mexico South Dakota
Attn:
Company Name:
Address:
City: State: Postal Code/Zip:
Attn:
Company Name:
Address:
City: State: Postal Code/Zip:
Important Notes:
A Confirmation of Examination Registration and Eligibility to Examine Notice cannot be generated until the Examination Application
and the Official Final Transcript/ACVF have been received and reviewed by NBCOT®. Some candidates will also need to submit fieldwork
verification (see "Required Documentation" section of this handbook for more details).
The fee for the confirmation notice is non-refundable. Before making a request for this form, candidates should ensure that the third party
requires that this notice be sent to them.
Page 32 2009 NBCOT® Examination Application
Examination Application/Study Tools
NBCOT offers a range of products to aid in test

preparation. From hard copy to online study guides
and practice tests, we can help you get prepared for
the exam. For more details on NBCOT Study Tools,
see pages 12 and 38 of this handbook.
Service Fees:
Examination Application Fee $520
Official Score Transfer Request $40 per score report
Confirmation of Examination Registration and

Eligibility Notice $45 per notice
Returned Check Fee $35
NBCOT® Application Payment

Name:
Street Address: Each Qty. Amount
Application Fee $520 x =
City: Official Score Transfer $40 x =
State/Province: Postal Code: Confirmation Notice $45 x =
Country: Total Payment =
Phone:
E-mail:
Payment: Check Money Order Visa MasterCard

Please make checks and money orders payable to “NBCOT.” Mail all of these items, in one envelope, to:
Checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank.
Credit Card Number: NBCOT, Inc.

P.O. Box 64971
Expiration Date: Baltimore, MD 21264-4971
Credit Card Holder’s Name: Is everything enclosed?
Card Holder’s Address (required): • Completed application, including
signature on Attestation Statement
• Payment
I authorize the amount indicated above to be charged to my credit card. • Any required documentation
Signature of Cardholder (required)

U.S. School Codes (for individuals who are applying for examination eligibility through
completing a U.S. education only)
Occupational Therapy
ALABAMA GEORGIA MARYLAND

20107 Alabama State University 21303 Brenau University 22408 Towson University
20103 Tuskegee University 21307 Columbus State University MASSACHUSETTS
20101 University of Alabama, at Birmingham 21301 Medical College of Georgia 22519 American International College
20104 University of South Alabama 22523 Bay Path College
IDAHO
ARIZONA Boston University, Sargent College
21602 Idaho State University 22502
of H & R Sciences
20303 Midwestern University - Glendale
ILLINOIS 22524 Salem State College
Arizona School of H.S., A.T. Still Univ. of
20302 21712 Chicago State University
H.S. 22514 Springfield College
ARKANSAS 21718 Governors State University 22509 Tufts University-BSOT
20501 Univ. of Central Arkansas 21717 Midwestern University-Downers Grove 22511 Worcester State College
CALIFORNIA 21713 Rush University MICHIGAN
California State University- 21706 University of Illinois at Chicago 22613 Baker College Ctr for Graduate Studies
20624
Dominguez Hills
INDIANA 22601 Eastern Michigan University
20621 Dominican University of California
21801 Indiana University 22618 Grand Valley State University
20605 Loma Linda University
22614 Saginaw Valley State University
20615 Samuel Merritt College 21802 University of Indianapolis
22609 Wayne State University
20608 San Jose State University 21803 University of Southern Indiana
22610 Western Michigan University
20609 University of Southern California, LA IOWA
MINNESOTA
COLORADO 21903 Saint Ambrose University
22708 College of St. Catherine
20802 Colorado State University KANSAS
22712 College of St. Scholastica
CONNECTICUT 22001 University of Kansas Medical Center
22707 University of Minnesota
20903 Quinnipiac University
KENTUCKY
22714 University of Minnesota - Rochester
20907 Sacred Heart University
22102 Eastern Kentucky University
MISSISSIPPI
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
22103 Spalding University 22802 University of Mississippi Medical Center
21101 Howard University
LOUISIANA MISSOURI
FLORIDA
Louisiana State University H.S. Center– 22912 Maryville University
21205 Barry University 22202
New Orleans
22906 Rockhurst University
21204 Florida A & M University Louisiana State University H.S. Center–
22205
Shreveport 22907 St. Louis University
21216 Florida Gulf Coast University
21202 Florida International University MAINE 22901 University of Missouri-Columbia
21207 Nova Southeastern University 22304 Husson College 22902 Washington University School of Medicine
21201 University of Florida 22301 University of New England Washington University (entry-level
32902
doctoral)
21214 University of Saint Augustine for H.S. Lewiston-Auburn College, University of
22303 NEBRASKA
Southern Maine
University of Saint Augustine for H.S.
31214 23103 College of St. Mary
(entry-level doctoral)
Creighton University (entry-level
33102
doctoral)
TENNESSEE
NEVADA OHIO 24707 Belmont University
23203 Touro University—Nevada 23903 Cleveland State University 34707 Belmont University (entry-level doctoral)
23906 Ohio State University 24708 Milligan College

NEW HAMPSHIRE
24705 Tennessee State University
23302 University of New Hampshire 23917 Shawnee State University
24710 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
NEW JERSEY 23916 University of Findlay
University of Tennessee Health Science
23403 Kean University 23914 University of Toledo 24704
Center
23405 Richard Stockton College of NJ 33914 University of Toledo (entry-level doctoral) TEXAS
23404 Seton Hall University 23915 Xavier University
24812 Texas Tech University-HSC
NEW MEXICO OKLAHOMA
23502 University of New Mexico Texas Woman’s University-
University of Oklahoma at Schusterman 24809
24005 Denton, Dallas and Houston
Health Sciences Center
NEW YORK
24818 University of Texas at El Paso
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences
23604 Columbia University 24001
Center 24829 University of Texas HSC at Laredo
23623 D’Youville College OREGON 24810 University of Texas HSC at S.A.
23622 Dominican College 24103 Pacific University University of Texas Medical Branch-
24808
Galveston
23610 SUNY Downstate Medical Center PENNSYLVANIA
24821 University of Texas Pan-American
23609 University at Buffalo, SUNY 24221 Alvernia University
UTAH
23630 Ithaca College 24219 Chatham University
24902 University of Utah
23624 Keuka College 24209 Misericordia University
VIRGINIA
23637 Long Island University 24216 Duquesne University
23629 Mercy College 25111 James Madison University
24202 Elizabethtown College
23634 New York Institute of Technology 25110 Jefferson College of Health Sciences
24218 Gannon University
23611 New York University 25105 Shenandoah University
24230 Philadelphia University
23626 Sage Colleges 25102 Virginia Commonwealth University
24229 Saint Francis University
23628 Stony Brook University WASHINGTON
24207 Temple University
25305 Eastern Washington University
23625 Touro College-Bay Shore 24211 Thomas Jefferson University
25302 University of Puget Sound
23632 Touro College-New York City
24210 University of Pittsburgh
25303 University of Washington
23615 Utica College
24227 University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
WEST VIRGINIA
23616 York College, of CUNY
24217 University of Scranton
25401 West Virginia University
NORTH CAROLINA
PUERTO RICO
WISCONSIN
23701 East Carolina University
25904 University of Puerto Rico-San Juan 25511 Concordia University Wisconsin
23708 Lenoir-Rhyne College
SOUTH CAROLINA 25505 Mount Mary College
23702 University of North Carolina @ Chapel Hill
24502 Medical University of South Carolina 25514 University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse
23711 Winston-Salem State University
SOUTH DAKOTA 25508 University of Wisconsin-Madison
NORTH DAKOTA
24601 University of South Dakota 25509 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
23803 University of Mary
WYOMING
23802 University of North Dakota
University of North Dakota at Casper
25601
College
U.S. School Codes (for individuals who are applying for examination eligibility through
completing a U.S. education only)
Occupational Therapy Assistant
ALABAMA GEORGIA MAINE

10108 Wallace SCC at Faulkner SCC 11308 Augusta Technical College 12302 Kennebec Valley Community College
10105 Wallace State Community College MARYLAND
11305 Darton College
ARKANSAS 12410 Allegany College of Maryland
11302 Middle Georgia College
10503 Baptist Health/Pulaski Technical College Community College of Baltimore County
11304 Northwestern Technical College 12409
10502 South Arkansas Community College at Catonsville
HAWAII
CALIFORNIA MASSACHUSETTS
11501 Kapiolani Community College
10616 Grossmont College 12520 Bristol Community College
ILLINOIS
10605 Loma Linda University 12506 North Shore Community College
11705 Illinois Central College
10613 Sacramento City College 12507 Quinsigamond Community College
11721 Lewis & Clark Community College
10619 Santa Ana College 12516 Springfield Technical Community College
11720 Lincoln Land Community College
COLORADO
11714 Parkland College MICHIGAN
10803 Pueblo Community College
11708 South Suburban College of Cook County 12616 Baker College of Muskegon
CONNECTICUT
Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Mar- 12615 Charles Stewart Mott Community College
10905 Briarwood College ket (comprised of John A. Logan,
11716 12611 Grand Rapids Community College
10906 Housatonic Community College Rend Lake, Shawnee CC, and Southeast-
ern Illinois College) 12617 Macomb Community College
10902 Manchester Community College
11711 Wright College 12608 Wayne County. C.C. District-Detroit
DELAWARE
INDIANA MINNESOTA
Delaware Tech and Community College-
11002 11808 Brown Mackie College, Ft. Wayne
Wilmington 12701 Anoka Technical College
11807 Brown Mackie College, South Bend
Delaware Tech and Community College- 12709 College of St. Catherine– Minneapolis
11001
Owens 11805 University of Southern Indiana Northland Community & Technical
12711
FLORIDA IOWA College-E. Grand Forks
11902 Kirkwood Community College MISSISSIPPI
11208 Daytona State College
KANSAS Holmes Community College, Ridgeland
11217 Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences 12804
Campus
11213 Keiser University-Ft. Lauderdale 12007 Newman University
12803 Pearl River Community College
11221 Keiser University-Kendal Campus KENTUCKY
12805 Itawamba Community College
11219 Keiser University-Melbourne 12105 Jefferson Community & Technical College
MISSOURI
11222 Keiser University-Orlando 12104 Madisonville Community College
12915 Ozarks Technical Community College
11223 Keiser University-Pembroke Pines Campus LOUISANA
12904 Metropolitan Comm. College—Penn Valley
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota 12204 Delgado Community College
11215 12909 Sanford-Brown College, Hazelwood
(formerly Manatee Community College)
12203 University of Louisiana at Monroe
11218 Polk Community College 12914 St. Charles Community College
12905 St. Louis Community College, at Meramec
NEVADA OHIO TENNESSEE
College of Southern Nevada, West Cincinnati State Technical 14703 Nashville State Tech. Comm. College
13201 13910
Charleston Campus & Community College
14706 Roane State Community College
NEW HAMPSHIRE 13905 Cuyahoga Community College
TEXAS
13919 James A. Rhodes State College
River Valley Community College (formerly
13303 14815 Amarillo College
New Hampshire Community Tech College) 13920 Kent State University-Ashtabula Campus
Army Medical Department Center and
NEW MEXICO 13913 Kent State University-E. Liverpool Campus 14801
School-Ft. Sam Houston
13503 Eastern New Mexico University—Roswell 13918 Owens Community College 14811 Austin Community College
13501 Western New Mexico University 13909 Shawnee State University
14825 Del Mar College
13912 Sinclair Community College
NEW YORK 14804 Houston Community College
13908 Stark State College of Technology
13605 Erie Community College 14827 Lone Star College - Kingwood
13911 Zane State College
13627 Genesee Community College 14822 Laredo Community College
OKLAHOMA
13635 Jamestown Community College 14817 Navarro College
Caddo-Kiowa Voc-Tech Center/
14004
13606 LaGuardia Community College SW OK State University 14823 Panola College
14002 Oklahoma City Community College
13618 Maria College 14824 South Texas College
14003 Tulsa Community College
13636 Mercy College 14807 St. Philip’s College
PENNSYLVANIA
13619 Orange County Community College Lone Star College - Tomball (formerly
14213 Community College of Allegheny County
14826 Tomball College-North Harris Montgomery
13617 Rockland Community College 14226 Kaplan Career Institute—ICM Campus C.C. District)
13631 Suffolk County Community College 14203 Lehigh Carbon Community College UTAH
13638 SUNY College of Technology at Canton 14204 Mt. Aloysius College 14901 Salt Lake Community College
Pennsylvania College of Technology-
13633 Touro College 14214 VIRGINIA
Williamsport
NORTH CAROLINA PA State University- 15104 Jefferson College of Health Sciences
14232
Berks Campus 15108 Southwest Virginia Community College
13712 Cabarrus College of Health Sciences
14224 PA State University-DuBois Campus
13709 Cape Fear Community College Southwest Virginia Community College at
14215 PA State University-Mont Alto Campus 15112
VA Highlands C.C.
13707 Durham Technical Community College
PUERTO RICO 15109 Tidewater Community College
13705 Pitt Community College
15901 University of Puerto Rico at Humacao WASHINGTON
NORTH DAKOTA RHODE ISLAND 15301 Green River Community College
13801 North Dakota State College of Science 14302 Community College of Rhode Island WEST VIRGINIA
14301 New England Institute of Technology 15402 Mountain State University
SOUTH CAROLINA WISCONSIN
14504 Greenville Technical College 15501 Fox Valley Technical College
14503 Trident Technical College 15503 Madison Area Technical College

15510 Milwaukee Area Technical College
SOUTH DAKOTA
15512 Western Technical College
14602 Lake Area Technical Institute
15513 Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College
WYOMING
15602 Casper College
Are you ready
for the certification examination?
Assess where you stand in your test preparation
Practice taking the exam with sample questions
Focus your study efforts on the areas where you need help
NBCOT® Official OTR® and COTA® Study Guides Online

(Hard Copy) Practice Tests
Newly updated for candidates testing from 2009 onward, the NBCOT® Official
OTR® and COTA® Study Guides contain all the information you need to prepare Visit www.nbcot.org to view a
for exam success! Including up-to-date sections on: range of online tools to help
The NBCOT OFFICIAL COTA Study Guide
SECTION 1
® ®
► Adult learning CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT you prepare for the certification
Adult Learning
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
► Study habits ¥ Assess your readiness for the COTA exam

¥ Study Tips and Test-Taking Strategies
¥ SpeciÀcs of the NBCOT exam
Includes
100 sample
multiple-choice
items with
examinations:
► General test-taking strategies
rationales and
The NBCOT ® OFFICIAL OTR Study Guide
SECTION 1
®
references!
► Exam Readiness Tools

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED
Adult Learning
► Specifics of NBCOT exams (OTR guide includes section on
CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION
New!
¥ Assess your readiness for the OTR exam Information
on clinical
¥ Study Tips and Test-Taking Strategies
clinical simulation testing)

simulation Includes
¥ SpeciÀcs of the NBCOT exam testing 150 sample
items with
► Practice Tests
rationales and
references!
► Sample items with answer key, rationales and references ʀ Section One - Adult Learning
A Publication of the
1 www.nbcot.org
ʀ
► OTR Guide includes additional scenario-format sample

► Content Tests
items with answer key, rationales and references
A Publication of the
ʀ Section One - Adult Learning 1 www.nbcot.org ʀ
Order Online Practice and Content Tests at www.nbcot.org. Click on Exam Candidates --> Exam Preparation Tools
Official NBCOT® Study Tool Order Form Each Qty. Amount

NBCOT Official COTA Study ®
$60 x =
Name: Guide
Street Address: NBCOT Official OTR® Study Guide $60 x =

City:
Shipping & Handling (select one)
State/Province: Postal Code: to U.S./U.S. Territories $8 per guide
=
outside of U.S. $15 per guide
Country:
Phone: Maryland Residents: 6% sales tax =
E-mail:
Total Payment =
Payment: Check Money Order Visa MasterCard

Mail form and payment to: Checks and money orders are payable to “NBCOT.” Checks must be drawn on a U.S. bank.
NBCOT, Inc.
P.O. Box 64971 Credit Card Number:
Baltimore, MD 21264-4971
Expiration Date:
Credit Card Orders — fax to: Credit Card Holder’s Name:
301-869-8492
Card Holder’s Address (required):
Items shipped USPS Priority Mail/International Mail.
Allow 5-6 weeks for delivery. Sorry, rush orders not
accepted. Study Guide orders are non-refundable. I authorize the amount indicated above to be charged to my credit card.
For bulk rates, please visit www.nbcot.org.
Page 38 Signature of Cardholder (required)

NBCOT®Candidate/Certificant
Code of Conduct
Preamble Principle 1
The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy,
Certificants shall provide accurate and truthful
Inc. (“NBCOT,” formerly known as “AOTCB”) is a professional
representations to NBCOT concerning all information
organization that supports and promotes occupational therapy
practitioner certification. This Candidate/Certificant Code of related to aspects of the Certification Program,
Conduct enables NBCOT to define and clarify the professional including, but not limited to, the submission of
responsibilities for present and future NBCOT certificants, i.e., information:
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR® (OTR) henceforth On the examination and certification renewal
OTR, and CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA® applications, and renewal audit form
(COTA) henceforth COTA. Requested by NBCOT for a disciplinary action
It is vital that NBCOT certificants conduct their work in an situation
appropriate and professional manner to earn and maintain the Requested by NBCOT concerning allegations
confidence and respect of recipients of occupational therapy, related to:
colleagues, employers, students, and the public. » test security violations and/or disclosure of
confidential examination material content to
As certified professionals in the field of occupational therapy,
unauthorized parties;
NBCOT certificants will at all times act with integrity and adhere
to high standards for personal and professional conduct, accept
» misrepresentations by a certificant regarding
responsibility for their actions, both personally and professionally, his/her credential(s) and/or education;
continually seek to enhance their professional capabilities, » the unauthorized use of NBCOT’s intellectual
practice with fairness and honesty, abide by all federal, state, property, certification marks, and other
and local laws and regulations, and encourage others to act in a copyrighted materials.
professional manner consistent with the certification standards
and responsibilities set forth below. Principle 2
Certificants who are the subject of a complaint shall
Where the term “certificant” is used, the term “applicant or
cooperate with NBCOT concerning investigations of
candidate” is included in its scope.
violations of the Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct,
including the collection of relevant information.
Principle 3
Certificants shall be accurate, truthful, and complete in any and all communications relating to their education,
professional work, research, and contributions to the field of occupational therapy.
Principle 4
Certificants shall comply with laws, regulations, and statutes governing the practice of occupational therapy.
Principle 5
Certificants shall not have been convicted of a crime, the circumstances of which substantially relate to the practice
of occupational therapy or indicate an inability to engage in the practice of occupational therapy safely, and/or
competently.
Principle 6
Certificants shall not engage in behavior or conduct, unlawful or otherwise, that cause(s) them to be, or reasonably
perceived to be, a threat or potential threat to the health, well-being, or safety of recipients or potential recipients of
occupational therapy services, students or colleagues.
Principle 7
Certificants shall not engage in the practice of occupational therapy while one’s ability to practice is impaired due to
chemical (i.e., legal and/or illegal) drug or alcohol abuse.
Approved June 2002 © copyright 2009, NBCOT, Inc.

Revised February 2003
Revised June 2006
Revised October 2008
http://www.nbcot.org
© 2009 National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. “NBCOT®” (formerly
American Occupational Therapy Certification Board “AOTCB®”) is a service and trademark
of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. “OTR®” is a certification
mark of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc, “COTA®” is a
certification mark of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.
Page
All 40 are registered in the United States of America.
marks www.nbcot.org

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National Board for Certiﬁcation in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®), Inc.

NBCOT® Certification Programs

AOTCB/NBCOT 2009 Examinations

NBCOT Certification Basics

For the purpose of obtaining authorization to take the examination,

The examinations are computer-delivered and candidates are provided

Any questions concerning the application or examination process should

for graduates of other NBCOT-recognized occupational therapy programs

Eligibility Appeal Process

Step 1: Read this Handbook

Step 1: Read this Handbook

Confirmation of Examination Registration and Eligibility to Examine Notice

Special Testing Accommodations (U.S. Testing Only)

1. Official Final Transcript or Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF)

Documentation should be mailed to:

2. Fieldwork Verification By the Academic Program Director (if applicable)

Last Name: ______________________________ First Name: ______________________________________

NBCOT Academic Credentials Verification Policy

The Official Final Transcript must include ALL of the following:

Scheduling the Certification Examination

NOTE: Candidates with a special accommodation(s) must call Prometric to

Name Changes and Address Changes

To make a name change request, before the ATT Letter is issued:

Name Change (Repeating Candidates)

Preparing for the Certification Examination

courses relating to the NBCOT certification examinations.

CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION

A Publication of the A Publication of the

NBCOT Official Study Guides for OTR and COTA

• Credit card √ Signatures must be CLEAR

Legal Name Changes: If there is a discrepancy caused by a

For security and convenience, NBCOT® uses the Candidate

Pictured left: Example screenshot of

Score Reports and Certificates

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST R EGISTERED® (OTR)

Certiﬁcation Valid Through:

wallet card verifying OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTERED OTR® or

CERTIFIED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ASSISTANT COTA® certification.

Administrative or Technical Complaints, Examination Results Appeals

Cancellation, Rescheduling, Late Arrival or No Show for Scheduled Examination

Category Cancellation/Reschedule Period Cancellation/Rescheduling Fee

No fee. If exam is rescheduled within current

Products and Services Refund Policy

Repeating Examination Candidates

The requirements for certification renewal are:

Value (2) OTR COTA

How to Renew Certification

their current contact information with NBCOT, including email address.

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.

Based on Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct (candidate must agree

Examination Application Procedures Checklist ................ 23

Completing the NBCOT® Examination Application and Submitting Fees:

I have read the NBCOT Certification Examination Handbook.

Graduates of Accredited U.S. Programs:

Scheduling with Prometric

Last Name: ______________________________ First Name: ______________________________________

Student ID Number: _______________________ Social Security Number: ____________________________

E-mail address: ___________________________________________________________________________

College/University Name: __________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________ has completed the Academic and Fieldwork requirements of our

NBCOT School Code: _______________ Date of Graduation: ______/______/_20_____

Title: ______________________________________ Date: _________________

Last Name: ______________________________ First Name: ______________________________________

Student ID Number: _______________________ Social Security Number: ____________________________

Last Name: First Name: ________

Last Name: First Name: ________

Student ID Number: _ Social Security Number: ______

NBCOT School Code: _______ Date of Graduation: //_20_____

Title: ______________________ Date: _

Last Name: First Name: ________

Student ID Number: _ Social Security Number: ______

NBCOT School Code: _______ Date of Graduation: //_20_____

Title: ______________________ Date: _