Occupational Therapist - Credentialing

1). Complete education & certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy .

Successfully complete the academic requirements and supervised internship of an accredited educational program in occupational therapy.

2). Complete and submit the application form, including all required documentation.

An applicant for permanent certification may apply for a temporary certificate at the same time but must pay both fees and meet the following conditions:

(a) Be a graduate of an approved school and be scheduled to take the national certification examination or be awaiting examination results.

 

(b) Practice during the period of the temporary certificate shall be in consultation, at least monthly, with an occupational therapist who shall at least once each month endorse the activities of the person holding the temporary certificate.

Please note: if a temporary certificate is desired, an applicant must be applying for both the temporary and permanent certificate at the same time. Applications may be submitted prior to graduation. However, no credential will be issued until all requirements have been met for licensure.

3). Pass required examinations.

• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Examination for Occupational Therapist
• Open book examination on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code.

The passing score for Occupational Therapy is 88%. You will receive your exam name, password, and applicant ID which you will use as your student ID to take this test after you submit your application.

•  You cannot access the entire exam using a Mac computer.

•  You must use internet explorer as your browser.

•  Go to http://exam.drl.wi.gov

•  Select: “ test launching ”

•  Your instructor is “gsp”

•  If you are unable to access the exam, try again later. Refresh your internet explorer browser.

•  The answers to the exam questions are in the codebook which is free and online at http://drl.wi.gov . It may be helpful to print out the chapters from the “excerpts of the Wisconsin Administrative Code.”

•  The exam is un-timed. You may exit and return to the test any time over the next 3 months. Exit by clicking the “X” at the top right hand corner of any screen.

•  Do not click “done” until you are ready to submit the exam. If you accidentally click done before you are ready to submit your exam, just go back in and start again. Your first score will be deleted.

•  Print out a copy of your score report and retain it for your own records.

•  Additional technical or exam content-related questions can be directed to: gail.pizarro@wisconsin.gov

• Oral examination, if needed. See Chapter OT 2.03, Wis. Admin. Code.

 

Listing of Oral Exam Dates

4). Board review of application, determination to grant credential.

Check the FAQ's to determine if a credential can be transferred from other States/Countries.

 

Important Renewal Change for Occupational Therapists

Wisconsin Act 28, of the State Budget Bill has changed the renewal date.

This change occurred due to the creation of a new appropriation for all Medical Examining Board related professions.

In order for the Department to implement the “new” date, the renewal fee and continuing education hours have been pro-rated based on the beginning date of the “new” two year cycle.

 

Current Renewal date: 10-31-09

CE required as of 10-31-09: 24 hours

Pro-Rated Renewal Fee Due by 10-31-09: $59.00

New Renewal Date: 5-31-11 (odd year)

Pro-Rated CE hours required for New Date: 19 hours

Full Renewal Amount Due on New Date: $75.00

 

Common Denial Reason: Not nationally certified. May have disciplinary action in another state, a history of drug or alcohol abuse.

Convictions of crimes or pending charges may be grounds for denial of license if the circumstances of the conviction or charge are substantially related to professional practice.