COTA Corner is a new feature that strives to answer commonly asked questions from those of you pursuing careers as Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. For our inaugural post, Sherrell Powell, EdD, MA, OTR/L, Professor, LaGuardia Community College, answers questions on certification and why it is important.
Q: How do I become certified?
A: In order to practice in New York Sate you need to have graduated from an approved occupational therapy assistant program and be granted licensure from the New York State Licensure Board. You also become eligible to apply for certification by examination by applying for certification by exam from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Successful completion of the certification exam allows you to use the initials 'COTA'.
The certification exam is offered electronically on an ongoing basis. It consists of 200 multiple choice questions to be completed in four hours. If you have special needs you may be granted extra time, a reader, or be allowed to take the exam with pencil and paper. Verification of special needs will be required.
The examination fee is currently $400. Your application fee can be submitted online using NBCOT's website, nbcot.org. Practice exams are offered online for $42. You are individually responsible for completing the application and paying all of the fees. NBCOT requires verification of graduation. You must send an official transcript from your college verifying your graduation.
Q: Is certification important?
A: Yes, certification is important for a variety of reasons:
1. It verifies to the public and a potential employer that you are certified in a body of knowledge along with your peers nationwide.
2. Many employers require the COTA designation as a hiring requirement.
3. Although certification is not needed to practice in New York Sate at the present time, it may be required in the future as practice laws are changing - which have a direct impact on reimbursement rates and who can administer therapy to clients.
Q: How long after I finish school should I take the certification exam?
A: You should take the certification exam as soon as possible after graduation. Statistics have shown that taking the exam within a year after graduating is a good predictor of a positive outcome. Preparation for the exam should have begun when you entered your first occupational therapy class by taking good notes and reading your required texts and references. NBCOT also provides a list of suggested texts to use in preparation for the exam.
Are you a COTA with questions? Submit them for answers to tr.marketing.01@gmail.com.
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