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General Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the fee for licensure/certification?
A. The initial license/certificate fee changes monthly because the fee is pro-rated based on the month the fee is submitted and the applicant's birth month and birth year. Applicants will be notified by the Board of the correct initial license/certificate fee to submit once their application is approved.

Q. When will my license/certificate expire?
A. Your license will always expire on the last day of your birth month. If you were born in an even year, your license/certificate will expire every two years in the even years. If you were born in an odd year, your license/certificate will expire every two years in the odd years.

Q. Is there a grace period for practice after my license/certificate expires?
A. No. Your license/certificate must be renewed by the expiration date or you must cease practicing. Practicing with an expired license will subject you to a citation and fine or other disciplinary action.

Q. When will I receive a renewal notice for my license/certificate?
A. Renewal notices are sent out approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date of the license/certificate. Therefore, it is extremely important that you notify the Board immediately of any change in your mailing address.

Q. My license/certificate expires tomorrow. I sent my renewal payment in one week ago. When will I get my new license/certificate?
A. It is important to remember that it takes anywhere from 4-6 weeks to process your license/certificate renewal. This is indicated on the renewal notice, which is sent to all practitioners approximately 90 days prior to the expiration date. The program within the Department of Consumer Affairs that processes your renewal also does so for all professional licenses within California. To ensure your license/certificate is renewed prior to its expiration, it is advisable that you submit your renewal payment at least six weeks before the expiration date.

Q. What is the fee for a limited permit?
A. The fee for a limited permit is $75.00, which is then applied toward the initial license/certification fee if the candidate passes prior to the expiration date of the limited permit.

Q. What is the fee for a duplicate/replacement license?
A. The fee for a duplicate/replacement license is $15.00. The Board must receive a Request for Duplicate License/Certificate/Permit indicating the reason a duplicate license is needed.

Q. What is the fee for written license/certificate verification?
A. The fee for written license/certificate verification is $15.00.

Q. How can I obtain written verification of my license/certificate?
A. You may send your written request to the Board at 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2050, Sacramento, CA, 95815, along with a check or money order in the amount of $15.00 made payable to CBOT.

Q. What are the continuing education requirements?
A. Practitioners are required to complete 12 professional development units (PDUs) each year as a condition of license/certificate renewal. Beginning January 1, 2007, license/certificates are being transitioned to a biennial renewal. License/certificate holders in a biennial renewal cycle will be required to complete 24 PDUs for license renewal. The 24 PDUs can be taken anytime within their two-year renewal period. The regulations are available on the Board's web site under the "Laws and Regulations" link.

Q. How do I change my address?
A. The Board must receive an Address Change Request in writing indicating both the old and new addresses. California Code of Regulations section 4102 requires notification to the Board within 30 days of the change of address. You may submit your change of address via fax at (916) 263-2701, or mail your request to 2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 2050, Sacramento, CA, 95815.

Q. I am from out of state/country. How can I get an application?
A. You can access the application online at www.bot.ca.gov; however, you will need to call 1-800-952-5210 to have fingerprint cards sent to you to allow the Board to conduct a criminal background check. A complete application package can also be mailed to you by contacting the Board.

Q. What are the requirements for a foreign trained occupational therapist?
A. Occupational therapists trained outside of the United States are required to complete the educational and supervised fieldwork requirements set forth in the Occupational Therapy Practice Act (OTPA) section 2570.6 and successfully complete the entry-level certification examination administered by NBCOT. There are no occupational therapy assistant programs recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists. Only US graduates of occupational therapy assistant programs can take the NBCOT certification examination. Additionally, by law, before the Board can issue a license/certificate, the applicant must have a US Social Security Number.

Q. How do I go about changing my name due to marriage/divorce/court decree?
A. The Board must receive a Name Change Request in writing, along with a copy of your marriage license, divorce papers, or court decree, along with a check or money order in the amount of $15 made payable to CBOT. The $15 fee covers the cost of issuing a replacement pocket license. If you do not wish to receive a new pocket license, you do not need to send $15.

Q. Where can I go to get my fingerprints done? Is there a number to find a Live Scan site?
A. There are two methods available for submitting fingerprints. The first method is by rolling fingerprints on two fingerprint cards obtained from the Board, which can be accomplished at a local law enforcement agency. It takes about 3 to 6 weeks for the Board to receive the background results using this method.

The second method is through a process called "Live Scan" that electronically scans and transmits your fingerprints from the Live Scan site to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The live scan method is the one recommended by the Board because the processing time is approximately 72 hours. Live Scanning, however, can only be performed in California, and may not be available in some parts of the State. A complete listing of Live Scan sites is available on the DOJ web site at:
http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.php.

Q. I have had a conviction in the past. Will that affect my getting licensed?
A. The Board's primary responsibility is consumer protection. To that end, the Board has the authority to deny a license due to a conviction of a crime or offense substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of a licensee/certificate holder. In considering whether to issue or deny a license/certificate, the Board considers the nature of the crime/act, the length of time that has lapsed since it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. If a license/certificate is denied, the applicant is entitled to due process under the law in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Q. Am I required to carry or post my pocket license?
A. No. The Practice Act does not require that you carry or post your pocket license.

Q. How can I contact NBCOT?
A. NBCOT can be contacted via their web site at www.NBCOT.org, or by telephone at (301) 990-7979.

Q. How can I contact the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC)?
A. OTAC can be contacted via their web site at www.otaconline.org, or by telephone at (916) 567-7000.

Q. I am from out of state. Is there a grace period for me to work in California without a California license?
A. The law allows an OT or OTA who holds a valid license in another state to work in California for 60 calendar days from the date they submit an application to the Board. The OT or OTA must work in association with a California-licensed OT.

Q. Can aides make any documentation in a medical record?
A. It is the responsibility of the supervising OT to document the medical record. However, the aide may document the client-related services he or she provided, which would be co-signed by the supervising OT.

Q. Do we need to continue to be certified by NBCOT in order to renew our license?
A. No. However, NBCOT owns the trademarks OTR and COTA. If you wish to use those letters, you must maintain certification with NBCOT or you will be violating trademark laws.

Q. Now that I'm licensed/certified, what letters do I put after my signature?
A. OTPA section 2570.18 lists all the abbreviations you may use once you are licensed/certified. However, keep in mind that NBCOT owns the trademarks OTR and COTA.

Q. I am going to place my license/certificate in inactive status. How do I reactivate it?
A. To reactive your license/certificate you must submit the active renewal fee. You must also certify that you have completed the equivalent of one renewal period of continuing competency.