Certifications can be a powerful tool to show employers you know your stuff. However, not all certifications are created equal.

We've compiled a list of the most common certifications for occupational therapists. Not only will obtaining these certifications give you a leg up for job hunting, they will also increase your overall value.

8 Best Occupational Therapist Certifications

1. Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)

Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)

2. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
Course That Help You To Prepare For Certification
Fundamentals of Occupational Therapy (OT)
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4.6
(61)

3. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 
Certifying Website
Certified Nurse Assistant

4. Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT)

The Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT®) is the most prestigious certification available to a hospitality training executive. It is part of an elite group of hospitality professionals who by combining education and experience with dedication to the industry have achieved a high level of expertise.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
Certifying Organization
American Hotel and Lodging...

5. Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)

6. Certified Program Evaluator (CPE)

A CPE is an individual trained to evaluate and certify undergraduate court reporting programs. The CPE assists the school through the rigorous certification process and performs the official evaluation. If you are committed to helping shape the future of the reporting and captioning professions, consider becoming a CPE. Only CPEs may participate in the NCRA Program Certification Process. NCRA has simplified the process of obtaining certification by reconfiguring the program as a Web-based online course of study. The two seminars that you are required to take can be found in NCRA's E-Seminars catalog on this Web site.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? 

7. Certified Planning Engineer (CPE)

Our AAPM Global Board of Standards issues the CPE Certified Planning Engineer - Board Certification to qualified applicants who have met our commission requirements of: Education, Training, Experience, Industry Knowledge, Ethics, and Continuing Education.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying Website
Certified Planning Engineer
Certifying Organization
American Academy of Project...

8. Medical Assistant (MA)

A Medical Assistant (MA) is an integral member of the health care delivery team, qualified by education and experience to work in the administrative office, the examining room and the physician office laboratory. The Medical Assistant, also a liaison between the doctor and the patient, is of vital importance to the success of the medical practice.

Certification Details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
  • Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying Organization
American Medical Technologists

What is the best certification for a Occupational Therapist?

The Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) certification is most common among occupational therapists. This certification is awarded by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. this certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience. To become a certified occupational therapist with Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR), you need to pass the exam. Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience. Renew certification every 5 year.

What are Some of the Most In-Demand Certifications For Occupational Therapists?

We analyzed online job postings to determine the most commonly asked-for certifications. The most popular certification requirement is Occupational Therapist Registered. By holding this certification, you will gain a more-competitive resume that will look impressive to potential employers.

Best Certifications

Occupational therapists are most likely to hold a combination of the following certifications: Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), and Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

online courses for Occupational Therapists that you may like

If you are not ready to pass the certification program but still want to improve your skills, these online courses may help.

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1. Essentials of Palliative Care

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This course starts you on your journey of integrating primary palliative care into your daily lives. You will learn what palliative care is, how to communicate with patients, show empathy, and practice difficult conversations. You will learn how to screen for distress and provide psychosocial support. You will learn about goals of care and advance care planning and how to improve your success with having these conversations with patients. Finally, you will explore important cultural...

2. Trauma Emergencies and Care

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Welcome to Trauma Emergencies and Care. In this course, you will learn about some of the mechanics and physics of trauma on the human body, and how this can cause injury. You will continue to expand your new vocabulary with medical terminology, and learn how to describe the different injuries you may see. You will also learn about the trauma system itself- and when it is important to transport patients to a trauma center. Then we will dive into specific injuries based on what part of the body...

3. Occupational Therapy Introduction - ACCREDITED CERTIFICATE

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How to become occupational therapist, basic Psychology, Physiology & Anatomy, working with disabilities, children adults...

4. ISO 45001. Occupational Health & Safety management system

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Build a career in occupational health & safety. Learn the requirements of ISO 45001...

5. Traditional herbal medicine in supportive cancer care: From alternative to integrative

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Please join us for an exciting and innovative journey, examining one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of the oncology setting: Traditional Herbal Medicine in Supportive Cancer Care. This course is presented with short lectures offering a wide range of issues related to the principles and practice of herbal medicine in cancer care. The course includes interviews with leading world experts from the field of Integrative Oncology, from the U.S. and Canada, as well as Europe, the...

6. Health After Cancer: Cancer Survivorship for Primary Care

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This course presents basic principles of cancer survivorship to primary-care physicians. Developed by a team of experts in caring for cancer survivors, and narrated by a primary-care physician, this course provides practical tips and tools that can be easily integrated into medical practice. You will learn about the complex physical and psychosocial needs and concerns of the growing number of cancer survivors, along with the key role that primary care physicians have in guiding these patients...

7. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Art Therapy

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Become Professional Art Therapist with this Therapeutic Art Therapy Course / Masterclass for Healing and Life Coaching...

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9. Value-Based Care: Managing Processes to Improve Outcomes

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10. Symptom Management in Palliative Care

coursera

This course should be taken after the Essentials of Palliative Care course and continues building your primary palliative care skills – communication, psychosocial support and goals of care. You will learn how to screen, assess, and manage both physical and psychological symptoms. You will explore common symptoms such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and distress and learn specific treatments. You will continue to follow Sarah and Tim’s experience and learn cultural competencies critical for optimal...

11. Introduction to Solution Focused Therapy

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Learn Solution Focused Therapy To Empower Clients & Improve Outcomes Ideal For Social Workers, Coaches & Therapists...

12. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

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Learn SFBT skills for creative conversations and better outcomes. With video of live sessions...

13. Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Comprehensive Review

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Welcome to Acute and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Comprehensive Review This course, offered by the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, is designed to inform primary care physicians and general otolaryngologists, as well as nurses, physician assistants and medical assistants, about the differences between acute and chronic rhinosinusitis and how to distinguish and treat them. It is also applicable to individuals who wish to broaden...

14. Massage Therapy

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15. Bowen Therapy NO MASSAGE Healing Certificate Course (8CEU)

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16. Professional Cupping Therapy Massage Certificate Course

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17. Introduction to CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

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19. Understanding & Working With Autistic Clients in Therapy

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