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?
  • Please note the special scheduling arrangements in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Typically, the NOTCE is offered twice a year in July and November
  • For Canadian graduates, exam and registration dates are generally as follows:

Exam Date   Registration Opens        Registration Closes 
 
First Saturday in July (after July 1)          		  
 Mid-March		  
      Mid-May
Third Saturday in November  Mid-July       End of September

More Info: Exam locations and exact registration start dates and deadlines

How much does the exam cost?
  • The NOTCE costs $555.00 (plus the provincial taxes applicable to your exam site)
  • More Info: Exam Fees

How do I prepare for the certification exam?