IllinoisOTA License Requirements

Program Length

2 years (Associate's degree)

Fieldwork Requirement

Minimum 3 months of supervised fieldwork under a licensed OT

Accepted Alternatives

• •Foreign-educated applicants must have credentials evaluated by a NBCOT-approved agency

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.

Administered By

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

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.

Supervision Type

General supervision for routine tasks; direct supervision for complex cases or less experienced OTAs

Initial Supervision Period

Direct supervision for less experienced OTAs; level determined by client complexity and OTA experience

Ongoing Requirements

Periodic oversight ensuring all services align with professional standards

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.

Restricted Activities (OTR/L Only)

Supervision Level for Tasks

Routine tasks under general supervision; complex cases or less experienced OTAs require direct, physically present 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.

CE Topics

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.

Additional Requirements for Transfer

• •Current NBCOT certification or proof of passing score
• •Verification of licensure from original state
• •Background check

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.