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How to Verify an Occupational Therapy Assistant License (COTA)

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) require national certification as a COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant) through NBCOT and a state license in most states. Here is how to verify both credentials.

· 6 min read

Quick answer

Verify COTA certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) at nbcot.org using the free practitioner search. Also verify the state license with the state OT licensing board, which is required separately in most states.

OTA vs. OT: understanding the distinction

Occupational therapists (OT/OTR) hold a master's or doctoral degree and are the primary providers responsible for evaluations and treatment planning. Occupational therapy assistants (OTA/COTA) hold an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program and implement treatment plans under OT supervision.

Both OTs and OTAs must hold NBCOT certification (OTR and COTA respectively) and a state license. When verifying an OTA, confirm both credentials separately. Do not accept NBCOT OTR certification as equivalent to COTA certification.

NBCOT COTA certification

The COTA credential is issued by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). To earn it, candidates must complete an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, complete fieldwork requirements, and pass the NBCOT COTA examination.

To verify NBCOT certification:

  1. Go to nbcot.org
  2. Select “Verify a Practitioner” from the main navigation
  3. Search by name or certificate number
  4. Confirm: COTA credential, certification status, and expiration date
  5. Check for any disciplinary actions listed in the record

NBCOT certification renewal

NBCOT certifications are renewed every three years through professional development units (PDUs). The certification number persists across renewals but the expiration date must be current. An expired NBCOT certification does not automatically revoke a state license, but it may affect employment eligibility and state renewal requirements.

State licensure for OTAs

All U.S. states regulate occupational therapy assistants, though the specific license title varies (Licensed OTA, Certified OTA, Registered OTA, or OTA License). State licenses are issued by the state OT licensing board, often housed under the state department of health or health professions board.

To verify a state OTA license, search the state health professions license lookup portal for occupational therapy assistants. Most states use the NBCOT certification as the basis for state licensure, so the credentials are linked but must be verified independently.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) maintains a state regulation directory at aota.org that links to each state's OT licensing board.

Supervision requirements

OTAs must practice under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist (OTR). Supervision levels vary by state (general, routine, or close supervision) and by practice setting. When hiring an OTA, also verify that a supervising OTR is identified and that their credentials are current.

An OTA working without a supervising OTR, or in settings where unsupervised practice is not permitted by state law, is practicing outside their scope.

Red flags

  • COTA not found in NBCOT practitioner search at nbcot.org
  • Expired NBCOT COTA certification (3-year renewal cycle)
  • No state OTA license in a state that requires licensure
  • Presenting OTR (occupational therapist) credentials when hired as an OTA
  • No supervising OTR identified for OTA-only positions
  • Disciplinary action or sanction in NBCOT or state licensing records
  • Degree from a non-ACOTE-accredited OTA program

Verification checklist

  • 1. Verify COTA certification at nbcot.org — confirm Active status and current expiration
  • 2. Check NBCOT record for disciplinary actions or sanctions
  • 3. Verify state OTA license with the state OT licensing board
  • 4. Confirm the state license is active and matches the credential level (OTA, not OT)
  • 5. Verify that a supervising OTR is identified and their credentials are current
  • 6. Check OIG exclusion list for Medicare/Medicaid settings

Verify OTA program accreditation

OTAs must graduate from an ACOTE-accredited program. Use VerifyED to confirm whether a school's OTA program is accredited and legitimate.

Search Schools and Accreditation →