Changes to the NBCOT® Exam Format: What This Means

As the saying goes, “The only thing constant in life is change.”  As of January 2, 2024, the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) will usher in a series of updates to the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)® certification exam. These changes ensure candidates are tested not only on their knowledge, but also on their ability to make informed decisions and apply their skills effectively in real-world scenarios. This helps align the exam with the ever-evolving landscape of occupational therapy. 

Let’s dive into what these updates entail and explore effective strategies for preparing for the most current NBCOT® exam format.

NBCOT® OTR Exam Overview

The National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) Certification is designed to ensure that practitioners have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competence to provide high-quality care to clients. Passing this exam is a necessary step in the process of becoming a certified occupational therapist. These occupational therapy certifications signify a dedication to quality care and a commitment to the highest standards of public safety, ethical conduct, and ongoing professional growth. 

The NBCOT® certification exams are pass/fail with scores ranging from  300 to 600. This is because the exam is designed to gauge whether or not a student has at least the minimum level of competence to practice as a certified occupational therapist. In order to successfully pass the exam, students must receive a score of at least 450. 

What’s New to the NBCOT® Format

As part of its effort to continually ensure practitioners are equipped with the knowledge necessary to provide the highest level of patient care and align content to a constantly evolving healthcare landscape, the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®) conducts a practice analysis every five years. Here is a high-level overview of the updates to come for the OTR® exam as a result of the 2022 analyses.

1. New Exam Vendor: The NBCOT® has decided to transition the administration of the OTR® exam from Prometric to Pearson VUE after December 18, 2023. This change enhances the overall exam administration process by addressing the unique testing accommodation needs of candidates effectively.
2. More Items: As part of the new format, the OTR® exam will consist of 180 items timed at four hours. These items include a blend of three- and four-option single-response multiple-choice questions, as well as six-option multi-select scenario sets. 
3. Scenario-Based Items: The exam will now feature single-response multiple-choice items and scenario sets. These scenario sets are designed to evaluate the same core knowledge areas as the previous CSTs (Clinical Simulation Tasks) but come with a fresh approach. Each scenario set begins with an engaging opening scene, followed by four related items. These changes aim to create a more robust assessment experience while also improving accessibility for testing accommodations.

NBCOT® Exam Prep Strategies 

As changes approach in the new year, it’s natural for occupational therapy students to feel a bit uncertain about what lies ahead. With the OTR® exam playing a pivotal role in your journey to becoming a certified occupational therapist, TrueLearn has proactively taken the initiative to align our Occupational Therapy Question Bank to the new NBCOT® exam format. 

The OT SmartBank is a comprehensive preparation tool with over 1,800 practice questions mapped to the NBCOT® exam content outline and memorable 2-3 minute videos proven to increase performance by 331%. Scenario-based questions are just one of the newest enhancements to match the new format. To get a sneak peek at all the exciting developments coming to the OT SmartBank and to enjoy an exclusive discount, download our PDF today.

*OTR® is a trademark of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT®). This content is not endorsed or approved by NBCOT®.