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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Total cost: $593
Governing Authority
Arkansas State Medical Board - Occupational Therapy Examining Committee
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
$593
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 2 months of supervised field experience under direct supervision of a licensed OT
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: 11/100
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
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
OTAs must inform the board of their current supervising OT at all times
Ongoing Requirements
OTA must keep the board informed of their current supervising OT in Arkansas; supervision agreement on file
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
Must practice only under the supervision of a licensed OT; complexity of task determines level of supervision needed
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 | $50 |
NBCOT Exam Fee Paid directly to NBCOT | $540 |
License Fee Annual license fee; remarkably low compared to other states | $3 |
Renewal Fee Annual renewal | $3 (implied — same fee structure; renewal fee amount not separately itemized in the application packet but consistent with the license fee) |
NBCOT Renewal Fee Online renewal every 3 years to maintain NBCOT certification | $65 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application fee ($50), license fee ($3), and NBCOT exam ($540) | $593 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual; must be renewed on or before the last day of the birth month. There is no grace period.
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
NBCOT Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$3
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 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 Arkansas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Arkansas has the lowest OTA license fee in the nation at just $3 per year. Licensing is managed through the Arkansas State Medical Board rather than a standalone OT board. Renewal is annual (based on birth month) rather than biennial, and OTAs must file a supervision form identifying their current supervising OT.
Arkansas has one of the lowest OTA license fees in the nation at $3 annually.
OT licensing is handled by the Arkansas State Medical Board, not a standalone OT board.
License renewal is ANNUAL, not biennial - renews on last day of birth month.
OTAs must keep the board informed of their current supervising OT at all times.
Arkansas is a member of the OT Licensure Compact.
A $25 late fee applies for expired license reinstatement.
$25.00 late fee to reinstate license
OTA requirements in nearby states
See how Arkansas compares: OTA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ OT Compact Compact State — Arkansas 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 Arkansas.
OTA Schools in Arkansas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Arkansas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your OTA license to Arkansas →
Transfer your OTA license from Arkansas to: Louisiana → | Mississippi → | Missouri → | Oklahoma → | Tennessee → | Texas →
Arkansas requires the NBCOT COTA exam for occupational therapy assistants. OTAs must practice under Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) supervision. All licensing is managed through the Arkansas State Medical Board - Occupational Therapy Examining Committee.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.