AOTA - Pediatric

The Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP) is offered by the Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

If you’re an occupational therapist who loves working with pediatric patients, board certification from the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is a great way to take your career to the next level.

Becoming an occupational therapist who is board certified in pediatrics (BCP) shows patients and employers that you have the skills and knowledge to work with this special patient population. 

Working with kids is much different than working with adults, and the BCP exam tests your ability to analyze and apply information and skills to a pediatric specialty. 

The four-hour exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. It’s offered continuously. 

This exam has an application fee of $525 for AOTA members and $650 for non-members. Re-take fee is $225.

PSI Services administers the exam, and it has testing centers all over the country. You can register for the test online or call (855) 579-4642 to register by phone.

To be eligible for this certification, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Certification or license in good standing with a regulatory or credentialing body recognized by the AOTA

• Work as an occupational therapist for a minimum of three years (two years if participating in an AOTA-Approved Fellowship Program)

• 3,000 hours of work experience in the certification area within the 5 years leading up to the exam, which can include teaching, administration, consultation, case management, research, supervision, community programs, or direct patient intervention

• 500 hours of experience delivering occupational therapy services (paid or unpaid) to patients in the last 5 years

You must also verify that you have been an occupational therapist for at least three years. The AOTA accepts the following forms of verification:

• Copy or scan of a certificate from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) showing the initial certification date as a registered occupational therapist

• Verification of Certificate form from the NBCOT

• Copy of scan of a state license showing the original date of licensure

• Verification of licensure date from your state

If you are participating in an AOTA-Approved Fellowship Program, you only need two years of experience instead of three, but you will have to verifythat you completed the program.

You must also complete a Verification of Experience Hours form, whether you work for someone else or are self-employed.

Finally, you will have to attest that all of the information and documentation provided is correct to the best of your knowledge and that you are in compliance with the code of ethics.

After you submit your application, allow as many as 10 business days for a response. The AOTA may deny your application or contact you for more information. If you are rejected, you will receive a refund for the application fee, minus a $100 service charge. If you are approved, you have 90 days to schedule your exam. 

This certification is good for five years. To renew, you must maintain a license in good standing and have at least 1,500 hours of experience in pediatric occupational therapy within the last five years. You also need at least 60 professional development hours in your certification area. These may include academic coursework, mentorship, fieldwork, teaching, independent learning, and more. 

Renewal Fees

• AOTA members: $250

• Non-members: $375

The AOTA has a comprehensive handbook online for people who want to take this exam and a suggested list of reading materials to prepare. There are also resources available about recertification.

AOTA also has a video posted online to answer any questions you might have about the BCP exam.

The AOTA also offers the following certifications:

• Board Certification in Gerontology (BCG)

• Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)