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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Total cost: $820
Governing Authority
Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (also referred to as 'Arizona State Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners')
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
OTA
Credential
Required
NBCOT Exam
Required
Supervision
Not specifically limited by statute
Supervision Ratio
12 hrs
CE Hours
$820
Total Initial Fees
ACOTE-Accredited Education
VerifiedDegree Required
Associate's degree from ACOTE-accredited OTA program
ACOTE Accredited
Required
Program Length
2 years (Associate's degree)
Fieldwork Requirement
Level II fieldwork — minimum 680 hours of supervised fieldwork
Accepted Alternatives
OTAs must graduate from an ACOTE-accredited (Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education) associate’s degree program that includes Level II fieldwork. Some states may accept foreign-educated applicants who meet equivalent standards.
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National Certification Exam
VerifiedRequired
NBCOT COTA Exam
Administered By
National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
190
Questions
4 hrs
Time Limit
Scaled score of 450 or higher
Passing Score
$540
Exam Fee
Format: Computer-based; 190 questions (multiple-choice + multi-select); 4 hours. Scoring: scaled 300-600, pass = 450. Provider: Pearson VUE.
The NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) COTA exam is the national certification examination for occupational therapy assistants. Most states require passing this exam for initial licensure.
Overall licensing difficulty: 12/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for the NBCOT COTA certification exam.
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OTR/L Supervision
Mostly verifiedSupervision by OTR/L Required
Supervisor Credential
Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT)
Supervision Ratio
Not specifically limited by statute
Supervision Type
General supervision
Initial Supervision Period
Direct supervision during limited license period prior to full licensure
Ongoing Requirements
Supervising OT must be available for consultation; periodic review of OTA work required
OTAs must practice under the supervision of a licensed and registered occupational therapist (OTR/L). Supervision ratios, types (direct, general, routine), and frequency requirements vary by state.
OTA Practice Scope
Mostly verifiedPermitted Activities
Restricted Activities (OTR/L Only)
Supervision Level for Tasks
Routine tasks under general supervision; complex or new interventions require direct supervision
OTAs implement treatment plans under OTR/L supervision. They may perform treatment implementation, documentation, and patient education, but evaluation, treatment planning, and discharge planning are typically reserved for the supervising OTR/L.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Nonrefundable application fee | $150 |
NBCOT Exam Fee Paid directly to NBCOT | $540 |
License Fee Initial OTA license fee | $130 |
Renewal Fee | $70 |
NBCOT Renewal Fee Online renewal every 3 years to maintain NBCOT certification | $65 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application fee ($150), OTA license fee ($130), and NBCOT exam ($540) | $820 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
NBCOT Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$70
Regulatory Board
OTA licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require continuing education covering occupational therapy practice, ethics, and specialized topics. Some states also require maintaining NBCOT certification.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
OT Compact Member
Yes
Endorsement Available
Yes
Compact Details
OT Compact is ACTIVE and partially operational. Covers both OTs and OTAs. Live states accepting applications as of early 2026: IN (Mar 9, 2026), MN, OH, WV (Jan 12, 2026). Apply through otcompact.gov (not state boards).
Reciprocity Type
Endorsement, Universal License Recognition, and OT Compact
Additional Requirements for Transfer
The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) allows OTAs to practice across member states with a compact privilege. Non-compact states may accept out-of-state credentials through endorsement or require a full application.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Arizona with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Arizona requires only 12 CE hours per 2-year renewal cycle, one of the lowest requirements nationally. The state also offers Universal License Recognition as an alternative pathway for out-of-state practitioners, and waives initial license fees for applicants below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Arizona requires only 12 CE hours per 2-year cycle, among the lowest nationally.
Arizona offers Universal License Recognition for out-of-state licensees.
The Board has 60 days to review applications per Arizona Administrative Code R4-43-205.C.
Arizona is a member of the OT Licensure Compact.
Fee waivers available for applicants whose family income does not exceed 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
'If your previous year's income was below 200% of the Federal poverty level, you may qualify for a fee waiver.'
OTA requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona (you) | $820 | 112–126 wks | |
| California | $639 | 112–126 wks | → |
| Colorado | $676 | 112–126 wks | → |
| Nevada | $840 | 112–126 wks | → |
| New Mexico | $650 | 112–126 wks | → |
See how Arizona compares: OTA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ OT Compact Compact State — Arizona is a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. Licensed otas from other member states may be eligible for expedited practice privileges.
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Arizona.
OTA Schools in Arizona
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Arizona? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your OTA license to Arizona →
Transfer your OTA license from Arizona to: California → | Colorado → | Nevada → | New Mexico → | Utah →
Arizona requires the NBCOT COTA exam for occupational therapy assistants. OTAs must practice under Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) supervision. All licensing is managed through the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (also referred to as 'Arizona State Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners').
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.