National & State Licensing

In order to practice as an occupational therapist within the United States you must be licensed both nationally and within the state in which you are practicing. Each state has specific rules and regulations that must be followed in order to obtain licensure. First of all, the applicant must have graduated from an accredited occupational therapy program. After graduating, the student must pass the national certification exam (NBCOT). Once the exam has been successfully completed and passed, the title of Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) is given. There are specific state guidelines and regulations for licensure so it is recommended that you check your state’s licensing board for up to date information.

While it is mandatory to be licensed to practice as an occupational therapist, a certification is voluntary for occupational therapy assistants. Even thought the certification is voluntary, some states do require addition classes , registration and certificates. These additional requirements vary from state to state and therefore you must contact you local licensing board for more information.


If an occupational therapist assistant does decide to become certified, they can take the NBCOT for OTA’s. This is a national exam that sometimes meets state regulations for OTA’s as well. If the OTA or student passes this exam they can now be considered a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Some states require additional education-related classes and certificates for occupational therapy assistants.. A list of state licensure regulations for OT’s and OTA’s can be found by doing a simple search online. (BLS, 2009)
　
For information regarding state licensure in Florida visit: Florida Board of Occupational Therapy


For information regarding the NBCOT exam visit: National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy



AOTA Certification
If you would like to improve your professional development as an OT you may choose to become specialized in an area of your choice.  With additional training you may earn a Board or Speciality Certification in one of eight areas.  These areas include:

• Gerontology 
• Mental Health
• Pediatrics
• Physical Rehabilitation
• Driving and Community Mobility
• Environmental Modification
• Feeding, Eating, and Swallowing
• Low Vision

The bold areas are areas in which either OT's or OTA's may earn a Specialty Certification. Only OT's may earn Board Certifications for the first four items listed. (AOTA, 2010). Click here for more information about becoming competent in one of these areas.

In order for OT's to remain competent, they must participate in continuous professional development and education.  Continuing education allows OT's to remain up to date with the latest research and it's typically a requirement necessary to maintain licensure. Also, "Self-assessment is an important part of developing a professional development plan and continuing competence" as well (AOTA, 2010).