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Occupational Therapy Assistant
Total cost: $620
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
Maximum of 4 full-time equivalent OTAs per OT; total combination not to exceed 8 OTAs
Supervision Ratio
40 hrs
CE Hours
$620
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
Minimum 2 months of clinical OT work 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: 16/100
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
Maximum of 4 full-time equivalent OTAs per OT; total combination not to exceed 8 OTAs
Supervision Type
Supervision per OT-OTA Supervision Agreement; supervising OT must file agreement with KSBHA
Initial Supervision Period
OT-OTA Supervision Agreement must be filed with KSBHA before OTA begins practice
Ongoing Requirements
Ongoing supervision per filed agreement; OT-OTA Termination of Supervision form required when ending supervisory relationship
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
VerifiedPermitted Activities
Restricted Activities (OTR/L Only)
Supervision Level for Tasks
Tasks performed per OT-OTA Supervision Agreement; routine tasks under general supervision, complex tasks 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 Check, money order, or credit card authorization to KSBHA | $80.00 |
NBCOT Exam Fee Paid directly to NBCOT | $540 |
License Fee Included in application fee | $80 |
Renewal Fee | $80 |
NBCOT Renewal Fee Online renewal every 3 years to maintain NBCOT certification | $65 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application/license fee ($80) and NBCOT exam ($540) | $620 |
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Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedBiennial (2-year) renewal cycle confirmed; expiration date structure consistent with KSBHA renewal dates page
Renewal Period
40 hrs
CE Hours Required
No
NBCOT Renewal
CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$80
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 Kansas with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Kansas requires 40 CE hours per biennial renewal cycle, which is among the highest CE requirements nationally for OTAs. The state mandates that an OT-OTA Supervision Agreement be filed with KSBHA before an OTA can begin practice, and an OT-OTA Termination of Supervision form must be filed when ending the relationship. Kansas has a specific 4:8 supervision ratio (max 4 FTE OTAs, total not exceeding 8). KSBHA uses CE Broker for free CE tracking. Military licensees are fully exempt from renewal requirements during service.
Kansas requires 40 CE hours per 2-year cycle - one of the highest CE requirements nationally for OTAs.
An OT-OTA Supervision Agreement must be filed with KSBHA before an OTA begins practice.
An OT-OTA Termination of Supervision form must be filed when ending a supervisory relationship.
Maximum supervision ratio: 4 full-time equivalent OTAs per OT (total combination not to exceed 8).
KSBHA has partnered with CE Broker for CE tracking at no additional cost to licensees.
Military service members are exempt from renewal fees, CE requirements, and other conditions while in service.
Licenses expire March 31 of odd-numbered years.
License processing takes 6-8 weeks; delays possible if documentation is incomplete.
Kansas is NOT a member of the OT Licensure Compact.
OTA requirements in nearby states
See how Kansas compares: OTA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
✓ OT Compact Compact State — Kansas 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 Kansas.
OTA Schools in Kansas
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Kansas? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your OTA license to Kansas →
Transfer your OTA license from Kansas to: Colorado → | Missouri → | Nebraska → | Oklahoma →
Kansas requires the NBCOT COTA exam for occupational therapy assistants. OTAs must practice under Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) supervision. All licensing is managed through the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts (KSBHA).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.