COTA - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

  • Cost $515-$555
  • Renews every 3 or 4 years

COURSE FORMAT

In Person

About

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is the national certification body for occupational therapy professionals in the United States and administers the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) examination. Passing the COTA exams demonstrates entry-leel competence for candidates meeting the eligibility requirements for certification. All states, the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico require NBCOT certification for licensing and practice. The American National Standards Institute and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies are the accrediting agencies for NBCOT certification programs.

Eligibility

Prerequisites

  • Complete an entry-level occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)

  • Submit an official final transcript from a college/university showing graduation date and degree title or submit the Degree Verification Form

    • Candidates submitting a Degree Verification Form don’t receive exam results until submission of final transcript

Completion Time: 

  • Candidates have 4 hours to complete the COTA exam

  • Candidates have an additional 1.5 hours to complete tutorial, administrative and survey tasks

Cost: 

  • $515 online exam application

  • $385 online reapplication

  • $555 paper application

  • $415 paper reapplication

Course Format

Exam Format

The COTA exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions. Exam topics include:

  • Collaborating and Gathering Information (28%)

  • Selecting and Implementing Interventions (55%)

  • Professional Standards and Responsibilities (17%)

Test Dates

Prometric is NBCOT’s certification exam administration. Candidates may take the COTA year-round at Prometric Test Centers worldwide.

In Person

Exam day instructions

  • Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before exam time

  • Bring two forms of identification

Testing Centers utilize multiple security measures and constantly observe candidates via various methods. No electronic devices are allowed, including cell phones, watches, pagers or recording devices. Candidates are fingerprinted.

Certification

  • Satisfy the prerequisites

  • Create a NBCOT account

  • Apply for the exam

  • Submit the $515 fee 

  • Provide supporting documents

  • Schedule the examination with Prometrics once an Authorization to Test letter arrives via email

  • Take the COTA exam

Renewal

The initial renewal cycle lasts 4 years, then COTAs renew their credentials in three-year cycles. The certification renewal season occurs between January and March each year, regardless of when the candidate passed their initial certification exam.

To maintain their COTA credential, renewal candidates must: 

  • Hold a current, valid, unrestricted and unencumbered COTA certification

  • Earn at least 36 units of competency assessment units or professional development units

  • Agree and sign the NBCOT certification attestation statement

  • Complete the online renewal or paper application

  • Pay renewal fee

Renewal Fees

  • Online Certification Renewal $65

  • Paper Certification Renewal $75

  • Late Fee $25

  • Reinstatement of Certification Renewal Application (within one missed renewal cycle) $125

  • Reinstatement of Certification Renewal Application (outside one missed renewal cycle) $175

Continuing Education

COTA renewal requires earning at least 36 units of continuing education. These units may be a combination of competency assessment units or professional development units in the following categories:

  • Competency Assessment Units

    • 10 activities in the NBCOT Navigator

    • Assess professional skills using NBCOT Self-Assessment tools or similar professional skills assessment tools

    • Develop a Professional Development Continuing-Competency Plan based on professional skills assessments

  • Professional Development Units

    • Professional Service

    • Workshops/Courses/Independent Learning

    • Knowledge Dissemination

Refer to the Renewal Activities document for full information on accepted activities.

Other Resources

The NCCPA offers various resources to help candidates prepare for the COTA exam, including:

Related Certifications

Related certifications include:

  • Occupational Therapist-Registered (OTR

  • Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

  • Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS)

  • Board Certification in Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR)

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Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to retake the COTA certification exam if I don't pass?

If you don't pass the COTA certification, you must pay $385 to reapply for the exam and take it again.

How long must I wait to repeat the COTA exam if I don't pass?

Repeating the COTA exam after you don’t pass requires a waiting period based on how many attempts you’ve already made to pass the exam. Waiting periods include 30 days before making your second or third attempt, 60 days before your fourth through sixth attempts and 6 months before your seventh and any consecutive attempts.

How do I apply for accommodation to take the COTA examination if I have a disability?

If you require accommodations to take the COTA exam, follow the instructions in the NBCOT Testing Accommodations Handbook

When will I receive the results of my COTA examination?

NBCOT sends out notifications within 4 to 6 weeks of taking the COTA examination.

Is the COTA test hard?

All professional certification examinations are challenging. In 2021, 92% of the 4,407 candidates who tested within one year of graduation from an approved occupational therapy assistant program passed the certification examination. However, only 75% of the 4,601 first-year applicants passed on their initial attempt.

Can I earn a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) online?

No you can't earn a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) online.

What other certifications does the NBCOT offer besides the COTA?

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) also offers the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).

What organization offers the COTA?

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) offers the COTA.

What kind of advanced certification could an COTA pursue?

If you hold an COTA, you can pursue the AOTA - Physical Rehabilitation (BCPR), among others.