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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Total cost: $740
Governing Authority
Connecticut Department of Public Health - Occupational Therapy Licensure
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
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.
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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
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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 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 |
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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 →
Compare Connecticut with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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 | → |
See how Connecticut compares: OTA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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.
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 →
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.