College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

Practicing Occupational Therapy in Ontario

Preparing to work as an OT in Ontario requires that you register with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) so please be sure to contact them to begin the registration process in advance of when you wish to start work.

Be reminded that the College will grant “provisional registration” to graduates who are awaiting the results of, or the opportunity to write, the national certification exam. You will find that a requirement of COTO is that applicants provide evidence of professional liability insurance coverage that provides for a sexual abuse therapy and counselling fund. OSOT’s Professional Liability Insurance Policy meets and exceeds all the requirements of the College.

Provisional Registration

Can I work as an OT before I pass the certification exam?

• Yes.  COTO will grant you a Provisional Practising Certificate of Registration if you:
  
  
  • register with COTO and meet all the eligibility requirements except for successfully completing the National Certification Exam.
  
  
  • are registered to write the next available National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE). Use the Statement of Candidacy Request Form from CAOT to prove this. This form requires your school to confirm that you have completed your MScOT degree.
  
  
  • have an offer of employment where you will be supervised by an OT. Use the Provisional Supervision Agreement Form from COTO to prove this. It must be signed by both the potential employer and supervising OT.
  
  
• More Info: COTO, Provisional Practising Certificates of Registration. 



• After you pass the NOTCE, you will be eligible for the General Practising Certificate of Registration.