“To be internationally recognized, by all relevant stakeholders, as the premier organization for certifying occupational therapy practitioners.” The agency is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland and has about thirty to forty employees. It was founded in nineteen eighty six. Every state in the US requires an initial certification from NBCOT before they will grant a license to an occupational therapist. This is true as well in Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and Guam. Because they are associated with years of exemplary service by the NBCOT, certifications are accredited by the American National Standards Institute or ANSI. The Board also received an accreditation from the National Commission on Certifying Agencies or NCCA. A board of directors governs NBCOT ; this board is made up of professional Occupational Therapists Registered. Members of the public and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants are also board members. This board provides the management and the strategic vision for the agency. Board members are nominated and elected by the OTR and COTA members. NBCOT maintains complete impartiality in their duties regarding the certification process. A link to their impartiality statement can be found on page six of the follow along PDF manual. In general, the statement acknowledges the importance of impartiality in the certification process. The procedures, policies, and structure of the organization itself are designed to handle any conflict of interest claims. They ensure that the process is objective for everyone.
WHAT IS THEIR ROLE? NBCOT is also responsible for maintaining a professional code of conduct and ethical behavior by occupational therapists. Their job is to promote these standards and ensure that they are maintained by every therapist. This code of conduct must be followed by every certified occupational therapist and any applicant for the exam. Professionals and “would be” occupational therapists must disclose any disciplinary action, as well as legal or criminal actions against them. The
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