Country edition: USA Beta
USA · Exams · Licensing exams

NBCOT exams (OTR and COTA)

NBCOT's national certification exams for occupational therapists (OTR, 180 items) and occupational therapy assistants (COTA, 190 items) are four-hour, computer-based tests at Pearson centers. Scores are released on set weekly score dates.

OTR exam180 items
COTA exam190 items
Time4 hours
Score datesWeeklye.g. Oct 22 and 29, 2026
Test datesFees and fee helpOfficial practice

Made by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Who: Graduates of occupational therapy (OTR) and OT assistant (COTA) programs. Checked on the owner's own pages, 21 Oct 2026.

Who takes it

  • NBCOT certifies only those who show the knowledge of occupational therapy needed for safe, effective entry-level practice.
    NBCOT
    NBCOT Exam (score dates)National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

Format and sections

A timed, four-hour, computer-based exam taken in person at a Pearson test center.

NBCOT
NBCOT Certification Exam Handbook (PDF)National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
Checked
21 Oct 2026
View source

ExamItems
OTR (occupational therapist)180: three- and four-option single-answer multiple choice plus six-option multi-select scenario sets
COTA (occupational therapy assistant)190: three- and four-option single-answer multiple choice plus six-option multi-select items
  • Each exam mixes scored items with unscored field-test items, chosen to match the OTR or COTA content outline.
    NBCOT
    Foundations of the NBCOT Exam (development, scored and field-test items)National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

Scoring

  • Exams are scored on set score dates. Take the exam at least three days before the score date you want; in October 2026 the score dates are the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.
    NBCOT
    NBCOT Exam (score dates)National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

Fees and fee waivers

  • The handbook lists service fees: one free score transfer and one eligibility confirmation notice with your application, then $35 each; $115 to reissue an Authorization to Test; $40 to process a refund. The exam fee is not printed in the handbook or on the exam pages we opened.
    NBCOT
    NBCOT Certification Exam Handbook (PDF)National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

Test dates

  • No national dates: book with Pearson after your Authorization to Test; you can reschedule or cancel up to 48 hours before the appointment.
    NBCOT
    NBCOT Certification Exam Handbook (PDF)National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

Official practice

  • NBCOT offers study tools: the StudyPack, practice tests that give a scaled score like the real exam, and animated Practice Sims.
    NBCOT
    NBCOT Exam Information (content outline, practice tools)National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
    Checked
    21 Oct 2026
    View source

Used by these careers and colleges

Next on this site

Sources

Where these facts come from

Official and primary sources only, each checked on the date shown. Rules on testing, aid, licensing and immigration change, so confirm a detail with its source before you rely on it.