Certification & Licensure Eligibility

Graduates of the program will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination.

As part of the certification process, every candidate must undergo a character review. There are eight character questions as part of the examination. Candidates who answer “Yes” to any of the eight questions must submit to a background check. Please refer to the Certification Exam Handbook for specific information about the character review process.

There is a fee to apply. For pricing information, follow this link.

Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure. Before applying for licensure, candidates may request a review of their criminal history to determine eligibility for licensure. For specific information, follow this link and select “Request a Criminal History Evaluation Letter.” A fee is required for the evaluation.

Helpful Links

• ACOTE Standards and Interpretive Guide
• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Eligibility (NBCOT)
• Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBOTE)
• Texas Occupational Therapy Association (TOTA)