Do You Have to Pay Full Price Again to Retest for Nbcot

You worked hard to make your way through occupational therapy school, passing each course and graduating with flying colors. At present yous have one concluding hurdle on your road to OT certification: the NBCOT OTR. This exam tests your knowledge on a broad range of OT-related content areas, and with merely iv hours to complete it, you need to know your stuff to pass.

Over a quarter of OTs fail the NBCOT OTR on their start try, only yous tin can avert their fate with the right mix of information, tactics, guidance, and expert advice. Whether you're on your second attempt or you lot're a first-fourth dimension test-taker, these strategies for success can help y'all navigate the NBCOT OTR exam from get-go to stop.

What is the NBCOT OTR Test?

If you want to work equally a board-certified occupational therapist, you must commencement pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) OTR examination. The test is administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc., and exam-takers can find examination centers throughout the U.South. To pass the NBCOT OTR, examinees must score at least a 450 out of a possible 600. x,697 occupational therapists took the OTR exam in 2019 and received a 73% pass rate, while 7,177 occupational therapy assistants took the COTA exam during the same twelvemonth and received a 61% pass charge per unit.

Eligibility

It's important to brand sure yous're eligible to sit for the NBCOT OTR earlier registering for the exam. Because the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy as well administers the COTA exam for occupational therapy administration, information technology'due south central to sympathise the eligibility differences.

OTR candidates must graduate with an entry-level occupational therapy degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy plan.
COTA candidates must graduate with an entry-level occupational therapy degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

Length & Format

The NBCOT OTR exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions answered over 4 hours. Single-response questions enquire you to pick the all-time 1 answer while the multi-response requires them to pick the three best answers out of a possible half-dozen. A farther department provides a responsive yes/no format.

Afterward arriving at the testing center, y'all can decide to watch a tutorial before starting which does non cutting into your four hours of testing time. While you lot are immune to take a break, the clock does not stop, and you must complete the same check-in procedures when yous arrived to re-enter the classroom.

How is the NBCOT OTR Scored?

The NBCOT OTR uses a criterion-referenced scoring system, essentially meaning the test is pass/fail. Performance is ranked on a scale between 300-600, with 450 being the minimum score needed to pass. The exam consists of 170 multiple choice questions and a iii-problem clinical simulation test department. Scoring is unique in that points are not deducted if you cull an incorrect answer. This means that even if you lot aren't sure about a question, you should still try to answer information technology rather than leaving it bare. The NBCOT OTR does not provide test scores immediately after the exam ends, instead sending an official feedback report with information most terminal scores via email or in the mail.

NBCOT OTR Pattern

Ensuring yous feel properly prepared for the NBCOT OTR test is one-half the battle. To exercise this, you'll demand to sympathise what you volition encounter on examination solar day and how to navigate each section of the test with confidence and calm.

Domain #1	Evaluation & Assessment	Evaluation & Assessment Acquire information regarding factors that influence occupational functioning on an ongoing basis throughout the occupational therapy procedure. 25% of the exam	25% of the exam
Domain #2	Analysis & Interpretation	Analysis & Interpretation Formulate conclusions regarding customer needs and priorities to develop and monitor an intervention programme throughout the occupational therapy procedure. 23% of the examination	23% of the test
Domain #3	Intervention Direction	Intervention Management Select intervention for managing a client-centered programme throughout the occupational therapy process. 37% of the exam	37% of the exam
Domain #4	Competency & Practice Direction	Competency & Exercise Direction Manage professional activities of self and relevant others as guided by evidence, regulatory compliance, and standards of practice to promote quality care. xv% of the examination	xv% of the exam

Source: NBCOT Content Outline for the OTR Test

Question Breakdown

The NBCOT OTR test consists of 2 sections. The clinical simulation test section and a single-response multiple choice section. Getting used to this format tin can take some fourth dimension, so nosotros provide a few examples of what to expect on test day.

Single Response Multiple Choice Items

As the proper noun suggests, these questions ask yous to cull the one correct respond among 4 possible answers. Students should choose the respond which works all-time based on the information provided in the question. Cheque out the sample questions beneath, along with the correct answers to those questions in bold.

Sample Question #i:

During which job would a stereognosis deficit secondary to a CVA be MOST Evident? (NBCOT Exam Handbook)

Sample Answer #1:

A: Getting coins from a pocket

B: Pouring water into a cup

C: Putting on a pair of socks

Sample Question #2:

A patient presents with stroke involving the hypothalamus. Which of the following are not indicative of hypothalamus function? (NBCOT Exam Questions)

Sample Answer #2:

A: Maintains body homeostasis

B: Sensation of pain

C: Thirst center

D: Control of hormone secretion

Clinical Simulation Test (CST) Items

CST questions include an opening scenario with four sections of questions based on information technology. Students must cheque the "yes" or "no" box next to each answer to progress. They receive contextual information on the yes answers to help them move through the remainder of the scenario.

Sample Question #ane:

A first grade teacher reports that a 7-yr-sometime student has difficulty with grade-level class work that primarily requires the use of fine motor skills to complete. A social history reveals the student lives with both parents and has an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who attends the aforementioned school. The OTR is scheduled to complete an initial screening to make up one's mind the appropriateness of schoolhouse-based occupational therapy services for this student. What actions should the OTR take every bit office of this screening process? (NBCOT Clinical Simulation Sample)

Sample Reply #one:

A: Ask the parents if they have observed the educatee displaying autistic behaviors at home or at play

B: During a session in the designated OT room, have the student copy several words from an age-appropriate volume

C: Observe the student during typical classroom activities

D: Ask the school nurse if the student has had a recent routine visual acuity examination

E: Compare the educatee's corrected age to a developmental growth chart

F: Review the student'due south initial kindergarten screening results

G: Review several of the student'south contempo written assignments and drawings

Sample Question #2:

You are going hiking in the mountains and desire to wearing apparel appropriately for the current atmospheric condition. Which questions should you inquire to determine the weather conditions? (NBCOT Sample Tutorial)

Sample Answer #2:

A: Does the weather forecast phone call for precipitation during the mean solar day?

B: Is it currently windy or calm?

C: Are the weather condition forecasters typically accurate with their predictions?

D: What is the current temperature in the mountain?

Eastward: What is the expected high and low temperature for the area?

F: What is the average atmospheric precipitation for the hiking area?

10 Strategies for NBCOT OTR Exam Success

Acing the NBCOT OTR exam is office cognition, part strategy. Coming up with actionable steps both while studying and during the test tin can help you stay focused, stay calm under pressure, and do your best with the fourth dimension you're given. Check out some of our all-time tips and strategies below.

Take Simulated Practice Exams

Simulating the weather of your actual exam day tin assistance you recognize and prepare for whatever eventualities and become comfortable with the timed nature of the test. Several different timed and untimed practice tests can be found online, both free and for a fee. Taking a practice test subsequently you finish studying for each exam subject field area tin can help yous seal that noesis in, while taking a full, timed do examination at the finish of each week tin aid yous recognize what you know well and what still needs some work. To simulate testing day, make sure you follow all cheque-in protocol, exit the clock running during any breaks, and take the exam in a room with no distractions.

Employ Practice Question Banks

Practice exams provide a skillful benchmark for seeing how your prep work is progressing, but everyday studying is best served past going through question banks. Several test prep companies provide these, as does the American Occupational Therapy Clan. When first beginning your test prep, trying questions from each section of the examination can help y'all found a baseline and figure out which areas need the most work. From there yous can create a study schedule that provides ample time for your weakest areas. Practice question banks also assistance you develop a wider understanding of the types of questions to expect on the bodily exam.

Join the NBCOT Facebook Support Grouping

The American Occupational Therapy Association provides the NBCOT Exam Prep Info Middle on Facebook, which currently has more than 33,000 members. Here you can share your tips for studying and acing the exam, gain tips and insider tricks from those who've already taken the test, and inquire questions along the way. The group has dozens of posts each 24-hour interval and offers the support you lot demand to feel confident and prepared when testing day comes around. The group as well provides a "Files" section for various study schedules, guides, and other helpful materials that can exist easily accessed.

Meet OT Miri

OT Miri provides a comprehensive and regularly updated occupational therapy community and resources center for students, examination takers, and occupational therapists/occupational therapy assistants. Miri offers exam-taking strategies, videos, study notes, and stories from others on how they passed the test. In one case you take the test and pass information technology, yous can also access guides on landing your showtime OT job, keeping upwards with standing pedagogy, and thriving after you lot graduate. Miri works hard to go on the content free and attainable for all users and provides an inspirational story of going from missing the minimum score cutoff to passing the test with ease.

Plan for the Questions You Can't Answer

Despite all your hard work and dedication to preparing for the NBCOT, inevitably at that place will be some questions that you simply don't know the respond to. Planning ahead for this situation is the best strategy for success and tin can help you lot avert wasting precious time that could become towards questions you experience more confident well-nigh. When studying, note which section yous experience you understand the least. Try to prioritize that area in the weeks leading upwardly to the test, merely likewise know your limitations. When you meet questions that yous know you cannot answer, do your all-time to eliminate the evidently wrong answers and make an educated guess. Afterwards that, movement on and focus on the future rather than the by.

Give Yourself Enough Time

To fairly set for the NBCOT OTR exam, you need at to the lowest degree viii-10 weeks of study time. This timeline doesn't take into account additional responsibilities such as a full-fourth dimension job, school, and whatever other personal responsibilities. Certain, you can try to cram for the test in a couple weeks, only examinees typically practise far better on the test if they give themselves enough time to really learn the cloth and develop sound strategies rather than trying to memorize everything. Start studying early and schedule your examination far enough out that you don't feel stressed leading up to it.

Make a Schedule – And Stick to Information technology

Speaking of timing, creating a study schedule is key to success. You can give yourself half dozen months to written report for the test, but information technology doesn't thing if yous don't really sit down to review textile consistently. At the start of this process, take time to develop a comprehensive schedule based on how many weeks you have before the test, different sections of the test, and the corporeality of time yous can reasonably devote to studying each mean solar day. Post your schedule in a prominent location and check off each study session afterwards you complete it. This will both remind you lot what'due south left to comprehend and assistance you stay motivated through the concluding hurdle.

Work with a Tutor

If your budget allows, consider hiring a professional person tutor who tin can walk through the materials with you, reply outlying questions, and assistance you address areas that need some work. These individuals typically possess both training and a high NBCOT score themselves, meaning they know how to get a practiced score and help others to practice the same. If you struggle to stay motivated and focused, these professionals tin can assistance keep you on track and ensure you do the piece of work needed to earn a score that meets your standards. Different tutoring packages exist, ranging from hourly to total-service.

Notice Your Learning Style

Some students may practice best by purchasing a massive examination prep guide before slowly and methodically working through information technology. You might larn all-time via visual tools such as diagrams, videos, and charts. There is no one time-size-fits-all approach to exam-taking or exam grooming, and so don't allow yourself feel boxed in. Aside from making information technology a more enjoyable procedure, finding your learning style will too pb to ameliorate exam outcomes and ensure you lot're as prepared as possible when test day rolls around.

Avert Mistakes

1 of the worst feelings is getting back an exam and noticing careless mistakes you've fabricated that could have hands been avoided. With the stakes being then high on the NBCOT OTR, circumventing these mistakes is vital. Trying to memorize answers versus taking time to fully sympathize textile never works, equally whatsoever slight alter in the question can make you question the correct answer. Similarly, declining to use the latest edition of a written report resource may result in outdated questions or incorrect information.

Insight from the Good

Affections Gibson received her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology at Charleston Southern University and her associate caste in Occupational Therapy Assistant at Trident Technical College. She plans to work in acute rehab and skilled nursing alongside travel therapy to try out different settings and see the globe. She plans to go back for her doctorate in rehabilitation scientific discipline in a few years to become a university professor.

Q. What are some things that might surprise examinees about the NBCOT test?

A: What surprised me the most was the difficulty level compared to the practice questions. I felt the test questions weren't equally hard or tricky equally I was expecting them to be. They required more analytical skills than I expected.

Q: What are some common mistakes made on the exam?

A: I think a mutual mistake may exist letting nerves and anxiety get the best of you. I truly believe anxiety levels will affect how you test.

Q: Do you lot have any tips or tricks for acing the test?

A: For test prep my best communication would be to do a lot of do questions! Focus on studying the rationales to the answers (right and incorrect) just every bit much every bit you would with the other test contents. Take notes on why the rationale is called, it could be the difference betwixt two answers you lot're stuck on. Study any tips given for breaking down a question. Sometimes a question may requite a lot of information in a scenario but is looking for only a item attribute of the scenario. It's important to focus on fundamental words, the setting, and the stage of the OT procedure the question is asking about. And one more tip, build up your confidence! Talk yourself up and be encouraged! It makes a huge deviation.

Q: What if a student gets a poor score? What should they do?

A: If you go a poor score, first be nice to yourself! It's okay to be disappointed about getting a low score or not passing but don't permit information technology affect how you view yourself. A low score just speaks to needing to accommodate some study habits/resources, not your potential of being a swell OT! The next step taken should be to analyze the score report and run across what feedback is given. If yous determine to take the exam over again, adjust your study routine and find help. Aid may come in the class of a mentor/study grouping or a tutor. There'south a ton of resources out at that place for this test, you just accept to research which fits your learning style and needs the best.

Resources

American Occupational Therapy Association AOTA provides several resources, manufactures, and report materials to help OT and OTA students get ready for the NBCOT.
Certification Test Handbook NBCOT, Inc. provides this comprehensive guide that answers many of the questions you may have about the OTR and COTA exams.
Developing a Successful Study Plan OT Sherry White put together this slideshow on how to create a plan for report that works with your individual needs.
Foundations of the NBCOT Certification Examinations This page serves equally an FAQ for the exam and provides helpful information on many facets of the examination.
How I Passed the NBCOT Examination With a 520 OTR/L Michelle DeJesus shares her path to getting a cracking score afterward only 3 weeks of studying.
How to Report for and Pass the NBCOT in vi Weeks Registered OT Hashemite kingdom of jordan Linnea provides her tips on how to pass the NBCOT with a set schedule.
National Occupational Therapy Certification Test Review and Study Guide Provided by TherapyEd, this report guide is one of the most popular for getting ready for the big exam.
OT Exam Prepper Check out this Apple tree Podcast for tips and tricks on what to expect and how to prepare for the NBCOT.
/r/occupationaltherapy This subreddit provides lively conversation on all things OT, including the NBCOT.
Test Taking Strategy for the OT Exam OT Miri goes through the NBCOT and provides some of her best tips for doing well on test day.

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Source: https://www.edumed.org/online-schools/occupational-therapy-programs/nbcot-exam/