LICENSURE IN NEW JERSEY FOR NEW GRADUATES

Thank you to Sheryl Brown for this information.

Please note there are two agencies involved in your licensure (NBCOT and NJ State Occupational Advisory Council) however ONLY the state issues a license and number, upon completion of all requirements of both agencies.

It is our experience that it is best to start with your application to NBCOT for testing.  Once you have completed your NBCOT application, then you can start with the state application.

You will have up to 90 days from the date that is printed on your Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter from NBCOT to test after registering for the exam.

NBCOT

301-869-7979

https://secure.nbcot.org/nbcot/login/login.aspx

• We highly suggest you print the NBCOT^® Certification Examination Handbook and Application http://www.nbcot.org/webarticles/anmviewer.asp?a=69&z=15
• You must complete the NBCOT application before sending transcripts to NBCOT (transcripts must indicate that you graduated from an accredited OT program)
• You are required to have a working email address
• Complete the online application once started - you cannot save incomplete applications
• You must pay for the application once it is completed
• We highly suggest you print your application payment receipt (credit card payments) or payment invoice (if paying via check)
• NBCOT will send you a confirmation email after your online application has been received. If you have not received this email, please contact NBCOT. (this is just to confirm that NBCOT received your application)
• Once your complete application is processed, you will receive Authorization to Test (ATT) Letter confirmation letter in the mail. You will need this confirmation letter to sit for the exam
  • Completed application includes – all the documents that NBCOT requires you to submit.
• After you receive the ATT letter, you can go to NBCOT.com to schedule your exam. 

You can contact NBCOT if you want a paper application.

If you are interested in taking the exam before graduation, please see www.NBCOT.org for more information.

The following resources were used to compile the above information:

Cottrell, R.P. (2004). Occupational Therapy Course Manual. Illinois: International

    Educational Resources, Ltd.

New Jersey Licensure

973-504-6570

• You can print the application from http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/occup/otpacket.pdf
• Instructions are included in the application - follow the instructions as they are written (there is a fee involved in application)
  • If you require fingerprinting and a background check, the state will send you information on this process, after they review your application.
  • Fingerprinting and background checks for teaching certificates or substitute teaching certificates are not accepted.
  • Do not leave anything blank on the application, if something does not apply to you indicate an “N/A” or “Does not apply”
• Once the state has received your application, you may have your transcripts submitted. Transcripts must indicate that you graduated from an accredited OT program and must come directly from the institution.
• We highly suggest you send any written communication to the state via certificated mail or another system for tracking/confirming your mail.
• The state will send you a checklist confirming items they have received, as well as those missing in your file.

You may contact the state for information about Temporary License information

AFTER YOU TAKE THE EXAM

• NBCOT will send your scores directly to the state
• You may be required to send a letter of activity to the state, and will be noted in the “other” category on the checklist. This letter will inform the state of your activities since the date of application to present. Your list of activities includes, but is not limited to, employment, studying, job interviews, and vacations.
  • The letter must have a date
  • The letter must have your written signature
• Once the state has processed your complete application with the letter of activity, you will receive a certified letter. 
  • This letter will inform you if you have been accepted or not. 
  • If you have been accepted, payment for license instructions and important license information will be included. 
  • The return receipt post card from the US postal service (it is a green postcard that you will be required to sign) must be sent back to the state.
  • Once that postcard is received your application can go through final process for your license number

Note:

• The information above was the process in 2006. Since this process can change, please email NJOTA with updated information
• This page is meant to assist/educate new graduates with the application process. If someone has specific questions or received a letter of ineligibility they will have to contact the agency directly.