Loading...
Loading...
How to become an OTA in Connecticut. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Governing Authority
Connecticut Department of Public Health - Occupational Therapy Licensure
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
85% of data points are verified against official sources. 6 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
OTA
Credential
Required
NBCOT Exam
Required
Supervision
Not specifically limited by statute
Supervision Ratio
18 hrs
CE Hours
$740
Total Initial Fees
ACOTE-Accredited Education
VerifiedDegree Required
Associate's degree in occupational therapy assisting from a program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)
ACOTE Accredited
Required
Program Length
2 years (Associate's degree)
Fieldwork Requirement
Satisfactorily completed at least eight (8) weeks of supervised field work experience at a recognized educational institution or a training program approved by the educational institution where the academic requirements were met
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.
Browse approved ota training programs to find the right fit.
Browse OTA study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
National Certification Exam
VerifiedRequired
NBCOT certification examination
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: 13/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Browse study guides
OTA Exam Prep Books
Partner links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides for the NBCOT COTA certification exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
OTR/L Supervision
VerifiedSupervision by OTR/L Required
Supervisor Credential
Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT)
Supervision Ratio
Not specifically limited by statute
Supervision Type
General supervision with continuous availability of direct communication
Initial Supervision Period
Temporary permit holders must practice under direct supervision of a CT-licensed OT
Ongoing Requirements
Continuous availability of direct communication between OTA and OT; regularly scheduled review of practice; predetermined plan for emergency situations with alternate OT designated
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 with continuous communication availability; 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 Combined application and license fee | $200 |
NBCOT Exam Fee Paid directly to NBCOT | $540 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $200 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal | $200 |
NBCOT Renewal Fee Online renewal every 3 years to maintain NBCOT certification | $65 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application/license fee ($200) and NBCOT exam ($540) | $740 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$940
Study guides & supplies
OTA Exam Prep Books
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$940
Average OTA salary in Connecticut: $71,210/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 5 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
18 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
NBCOT Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$200
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
No
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 (out-of-state license)
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 →
Connecticut requires only 8 weeks of supervised fieldwork, shorter than the typical 16 weeks in most states. The state requires 18 CE contact hours per 2-year cycle, and CE hours cannot be carried over between periods. Supervision uniquely requires a predetermined emergency plan designating an alternate licensed OT.
Connecticut requires only 8 weeks of supervised fieldwork, shorter than many states.
18 contact hours of continuing competency required per 2-year renewal period.
CE hours from one period cannot be carried over to the next period.
Temporary permits available for recent graduates awaiting exam results.
Connecticut is NOT a member of the OT Licensure Compact.
Supervision requires continuous availability of direct communication and an emergency plan with an alternate OT.
Continued competency completed in one registration period shall not be carried over to a subsequent registration period
OTA requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut (you) | $740 | 112–126 wks | |
| Massachusetts | $640 | 112–126 wks | → |
| New York | $687 | 112–126 wks | → |
| Rhode Island | $680 | 112–126 wks | → |
Connecticut ranks #45 out of 51 for lowest ota licensing fees ($740). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Connecticut is not currently a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact. OTA licensees must apply through standard reciprocity or endorsement. See which states are in the OT Compact →
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Connecticut.
OTA Schools in Connecticut
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#15 of 51
Cost
#45 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Occupational Therapy Assistants (SOC 31-2011)
Entry Level
$61,850
25th percentile
Median
$71,210
+4% vs. national avg ($68,340)Experienced
$75,440
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
860 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Occupational Therapy Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+16.5%
Very High DemandNew Jobs
+7,800
over 10 years
Annual Openings
5,000
per year (avg.)
47,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Occupational Therapy Career Ladder+43% salary growth potential
You are here
Occupational Therapy Assistant
$71,210
Associate degree in OTA + NBCOT-COTA
You are here
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Associate degree in OTA + NBCOT-COTA
$71,210
Master's/Doctorate in OT + NBCOT-OTR
$102,080
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
NBCOT COTA Exam — 2024National rate
83%
Overall Pass Rate
Approximately 83%, varies by program (80-90% range).
Source: NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) (2024)
Pass rates are approximate national averages and may vary by state, exam provider, and candidate preparation.
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 112–126 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health - Occupational Therapy Licensure — Licensing Requirements
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Connecticut Department of Public Health - Occupational Therapy Licensure — Licensing Requirements
Moving to Connecticut? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your OTA license to Connecticut →
Transfer your OTA license from Connecticut to: Massachusetts → | New York → | Rhode Island →
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Connecticut requires the NBCOT COTA exam for occupational therapy assistants. OTAs must practice under Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) supervision. All licensing is managed through the Connecticut Department of Public Health - Occupational Therapy Licensure.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.