In most countries, in order to work as an occupational therapist, or OT, you must first obtain certification from a national or local government agency that is authorized to issue such credentials. While the certification process varies slightly from country to country, there is a core set of requirements that are consistent across the board. Here are a few things you should know if you’re serious about getting your occupational therapy certification.
Before you can start the process of obtaining your occupational therapy certification, you must first complete all required courses and earn a degree from an accredited institution of higher learning. The successful candidate must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, depending on the type of credentials required. Countries around the world are increasingly requiring potential therapists to have a master’s degree associated with a select program or programs that have been recognized and recommended the governing agency.
Students pursuing a course of study in order to become a certified occupational therapist should double-check with the appropriate government agency to ensure that the courses are approved and will meet the current educational requirements. Not all programs are affiliated with accredited universities or colleges, so don’t assume yours is. This will allow you to make any necessary changes to your occupational therapy course selection before wasting a lot of time and money.
Following the completion of your occupation therapy degree, you must submit a formal application to sit for the certification exam. The occupational therapy school that awarded your degree can often assist you with the application process. Remember that many jurisdictions only offer the exam at specific times throughout the year. By starting the application process as soon as possible, you can reduce the time it takes to take the exam and obtain your occupational therapy certification.
While you wait for your occupational therapy certification exam to be scheduled, review any preparatory materials that may be available. This will enable you to concentrate on and review aspects of your occupational therapy education that are likely to appear on the exam. However, make certain you are up to date on all aspects of your chosen profession. As new treatment methods and other essentials become available, jurisdictions update their exams on a regular basis. Make sure you’re up to date on what’s going on in the industry so you can get the best certification rating possible.
Don’t get discouraged if you don’t pass the occupational therapy certification exam the first time. Examine the sections where you struggled and consider any possible reasons for your failure. Learn from your mistakes and apply what you’ve learned to the next available examination. While many jurisdictions only allow candidates to take the exam once within a certain time frame, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to take it again in less than a year.