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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Total cost: $820
Governing Authority
Alaska State Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
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 specified in statute
Supervision Ratio
24 hrs
CE Hours
$820
Total Initial Fees
ACOTE-Accredited Education
VerifiedDegree Required
Associate's degree or higher from ACOTE-accredited OTA program
ACOTE Accredited
Required
Program Length
2 years (Associate's degree)
Fieldwork Requirement
Minimum 60 hours of supervised field experience as part of practicum or paid work experience
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: 14/100
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 specified in statute
Supervision Type
General supervision
Initial Supervision Period
Direct supervision during temporary permit period until full licensure
Ongoing Requirements
Supervising OT must be available for consultation and must periodically review OTA's work
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 closer 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 | $150 |
NBCOT Exam Fee Paid directly to NBCOT | $540 |
License Fee Initial OTA licensure fee | $130 |
Renewal Fee Biennial renewal fee for OTA | $130 |
NBCOT Renewal Fee Online renewal every 3 years to maintain NBCOT certification | $65 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application fee ($150), initial license fee ($130), and NBCOT exam ($540) | $820 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
NBCOT Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$130
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
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 Alaska with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Alaska combines its OT and PT boards into a single State Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy. Fingerprinting and background checks became mandatory for all applicants in August 2024. OTAs can satisfy CE requirements by maintaining current NBCOT certification instead of completing the 24 CE hours.
Alaska OT licensing is managed by a combined Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
As of August 31, 2024, fingerprinting and criminal background checks are required for all OT license applicants.
Current NBCOT certification can be submitted in lieu of CE hours for renewal.
Alaska is NOT a member of the OT Licensure Compact.
The board has 7 members: 3 PTs (or 2 PTs + 1 PTA), 3 OTs (or 2 OTs + 1 OTA), and 1 public member.
Not mentioned; PT Compact active as of May 1, 2025 — no OT Compact reference
Seven members: three licensed physical therapists or two physical therapists and a physical therapist assistant; three licensed occupational therapists or two occupational therapists and one occupational therapy assistant; and one public member with no direct financial interest in the health care industry.
OTA requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska (you) | $820 | 112–126 wks | |
| Washington | $706 | 112–126 wks | → |
| Hawaii | $726 - $819 | 112–126 wks | → |
See how Alaska compares: OTA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Alaska 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 Alaska.
OTA Schools in Alaska
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Alaska? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your OTA license to Alaska →
Alaska requires the NBCOT COTA exam for occupational therapy assistants. OTAs must practice under Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) supervision. All licensing is managed through the Alaska State Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.