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National Certification Examination

Many provinces require international graduates to pass the national certification examination administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).

The CAOT National Certification Examination ensures that all individuals who practise occupational therapy in Canada meet a minimum standard in the following areas:

1. Understanding of the theory behind occupational therapy;
2. Understanding of how to treat patients in different practical situations;
3. Standards for professional behaviour.

National Certification Examination Information and Tips:

• Information for international graduates who want to write the national certification examination - click here.

• To learn more about the national certification examination format and content, click here.

• The national certification examination is held twice per year on the second Saturday of July and the first Saturday of November. For application deadlines and fees, click here.
   
• The CAOT national certification exam is based on Canadian occupational therapy practice, which may be different from occupational therapy practice in other countries. International graduates are advised to review Canadian occupational therapy publications to learn more about the profession in Canada.

• Visit  Frequently Asked Questions for more information on the national certification examination and to view the resource list that CAOT advises exam candidates to review when studying for the exam.Many of these books and others are available at the CAOT on-line store or may also be available at university or hospital libraries.

For assistance available to prepare for the National Certification Examination, click here. 

Please note: Many provincial regulatory organizations allow international graduates who have not yet passed the national certification exam to practise under a provisional license, as long as they are supervised. Please contact your provincial regulatory organization for more information.