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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Total cost: $720
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
26 hrs
CE Hours
$720
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
At least 2 months of occupational therapy work under the 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: 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 specifically limited by statute
Supervision Type
General supervision
Initial Supervision Period
Direct supervision initially during first employment period
Ongoing Requirements
Periodic face-to-face meetings with supervising OT required; frequency varies by setting
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 | $180 |
NBCOT Exam Fee Paid directly to NBCOT | $540 |
License Fee Included in application fee; includes $100 application + $75 initial license + $5 unlicensed activity fee | $180 |
Renewal Fee | $60 |
NBCOT Renewal Fee Online renewal every 3 years to maintain NBCOT certification | $65 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application/license fee ($180) and NBCOT exam ($540) | $720 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years)
Renewal Period
26 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
NBCOT Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$60
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
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 Florida with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Florida requires 26 CE hours per renewal cycle, including a mandatory 2 hours in medical errors prevention. The $180 application fee comprises three separate fees ($100 application, $75 initial license, $5 unlicensed activity). Florida has the largest elderly population in the US, creating high demand for OTAs. Licenses uniquely expire on February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Florida requires 26 CE hours per 2-year cycle, including 2 hours in medical errors prevention.
Application fee of $180 breaks down to: $100 application + $75 initial license + $5 unlicensed activity fee.
Licenses expire February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Delinquent renewal requires $115 ($60 renewal + $55 delinquent fee).
Florida is NOT a member of the OT Licensure Compact.
Florida requires Level 2 background screening for all OT licensure applicants.
OTA requirements in nearby states
See how Florida compares: OTA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ OT Compact Compact State — Florida 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 Florida.
OTA Schools in Florida
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Florida? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your OTA license to Florida →
Florida requires the NBCOT COTA exam for occupational therapy assistants. OTAs must practice under Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) supervision. All licensing is managed through the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.