Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Credential: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Credentialing Agency: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
Renewal Period: 3 years
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) validates individuals ability to provide services for people suffering from mental, physical, emotional or developmental impairments. Occupational therapist assistants work under the direction of occupational therapists in a variety of healthcare settings, including outpatient treatment centers and clinics. They monitor patients' activities, record progress and document billing. This is a mid level certification. Applicants must hold an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy program recognized by NBCOT and complete all fieldwork requirements to qualify to sit for the exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education: Associates
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 3 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
12 South Summit Avenue
Suite 100
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
Phone: (301) 990-7979
Fax: (301) 869-8492
Email: info@nbcot.org
Education and/or Training REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must hold an associate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program recognized by NBCOT and complete all fieldwork requirements.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credential has the following other requirements:
- Applicant must agree to abide by the NBCOT Candidate/Certificant Code of Conduct.
-
Applicants who have graduated from an occupational therapy program within the U.S. (or its territories) must submit the following documents to NBCOT:
- Official Final Transcript or Academic Credential Verification Form (ACVF).
- Fieldwork Verification.
- Special Testing Accommodations application and supporting documentation (if applicable).
Additional details related to documentation required can be obtained from NBCOT Certification Examination Handbook and Application.
Written Exam
- Assist the OTR to acquire information regarding factors that influence occupational performance throughout the occupational therapy process (32%)
- Implement interventions in accordance with the intervention plan and under the supervision of the OTR to support client participation in areas of occupation throughout the occupational therapy process (60%)
- Uphold professional standards and responsibilities to promote quality in practice (8%)
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) examination:
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Renewal Period: 3 years