Limited Permits

Limited permits are issued to recent graduates in order to allow them to work under supervision while waiting to take the national examination. To qualify, a graduate must apply to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT) within four (4) months of completing the education and fieldwork requirements for licensure/certification.

To apply for a limited permit, go to www.breeze.ca.gov. Please, forward the following documents to the Board:

  • Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from NBCOT;
  • Evidence showing NBCOT Score Report has been requested to be sent to CBOT;
  • Complete LiveScan or fingerprint cards for criminal background check;

Note: Official sealed transcripts are not required for a limited permit, but they are required for licensure/certification. Limited permit holders should submit official transcripts as soon as possible so as not to delay the issuance of the license/certification once they pass the exam. Official transcripts must be received in the original sealed envelope from the OT/OTA program and have the degree and graduation date posted.

Limited permits are valid for three (3) months from the date of issuance, upon notification of a failing score, or two (2) weeks following the expiration of the applicants' eligibility to test, whichever occurs first. The Board encourages graduates to take the exam as soon as possible in order to allow time for the Board to receive the results from NBCOT, prepare the approval letter, and process the payment.

The limited permit holder must request that NBCOT release their exam score to the Board. If the limited permit holder fails the exam, the limited permit will be cancelled immediately, and the fee forfeited. The limited permit holder is required to cease practicing as soon as they receive notification of a failing score.