National Certification Exam Information

The Certification Exam

• The National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE) assesses academic knowledge and professional behaviour of people wanting to become occupational therapists in Canada
• The NOTCE is administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
• Passing the NOTCE is a required element of eligibility for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and must be completed to practice with a non-provisional (i.e., general) license in Ontario 
• Learn more about the NOTCE

When is the exam, and when do I register?

• Typically, the NOTCE is offered three times a year in April, September, and December.
• Exam locations and registration deadlines.

How much does the exam cost?

• The NOTCE costs $755.00 (plus the provincial taxes applicable to your exam site)
• More Info: Exam Fees

How do I prepare for the certification exam? 

• Trust yourself! Canadian graduates are well prepared to write the entry level exam. 
• To understand the exam’s format, blueprint, and procedures, CAOT recommends you read the following documents: 
  • National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE) Resources
  • Profile of Occupational Therapy Practice in Canada (2012)
  • For those looking for more, CAOT sells exam preparation materials
• More Info: FAQ’s about the NOTCE