Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensure in Arizona
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Timeline 9 weeks or more
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Initial Costs $267
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Renewal Costs $70
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CE Requirements 20 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Arizona, you'll be working with the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through their online system, the Thentia Cloud Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check process immediately, as Arizona requires a specific clearance card that can take some time.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Fingerprint Clearance Card: Arizona is unique because the Board does not issue your background check; you must obtain a "Fingerprint Clearance Card" directly from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Head over to the AZ DPS website to apply for this card. If you are out of state, you will likely need to request a physical fingerprint packet, so get the ball rolling on this first.
- Request Verifications & Scores: You need to request your official NBCOT scores be transferred directly to the Arizona Board. Additionally, request official license verifications from every state where you have held a license (current or expired). These must be sent directly from the source to the Board; they will not accept copies from you.
- Submit Your Application: Once you have your documents ready, log in to the Thentia Cloud Portal to complete the "Licensure by Examination" application (unless you meet the specific residency requirements for Universal Recognition). You will upload your documents, attest that you have read the statutes, and hit submit.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A digital copy of a document proving citizenship (like your Passport or Birth Certificate), your Social Security Number, and your valid Fingerprint Clearance Card number.
- Items to Request: Official NBCOT Score Transfer and Official License Verifications from all prior states.
- Exams: Arizona does not require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for COTAs. Instead, you will attest on your application that you have read and understand the Board's statutes and rules.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arizona:
- Application Fee: $200
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $67 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0 (if applicable)
- Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $267
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arizona Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by the date of issuance (your license anniversary date).
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $70.
Note: Watch out—this state does not have a grace period, so your license expires immediately if not renewed on time!
CE Requirements
20 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month every two years (even years if born in an even year, odd years if born in an odd year).
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Arizona currently has no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 20 contact hours through online platforms.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the clinical practice of occupational therapy. The board accepts courses from AOTA-approved providers and regionally accredited colleges. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted for meeting these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
- Jurisprudence: While not required for every renewal, you are responsible for remaining current on the Arizona Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: Business, management, marketing, social work, or courses designed for laypeople (like basic CPR/First Aid) do not count toward your professional contact hours.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new grad or newly licensed in Arizona, your contact hours are prorated at a rate of 0.83 hours per month for the period between initial licensure and your first renewal.
Reporting: Arizona is an Audit-based state. You do not need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, but you must maintain documentation of your completed hours for at least 2 years following the renewal period.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners:
- Address: 1740 W Adams St Ste 3407 Phoenix, AZ 85007-2662
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (602) 589-8353
- Fax: (602) 589-8354
- Email: ot.info@otboard.az.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.
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How to Apply
To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Arizona, you'll be working with the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners. You will submit your application through their online system, the Thentia Cloud Portal. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check process immediately, as Arizona requires a specific clearance card that can take some time.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Get Your Fingerprint Clearance Card: Arizona is unique because the Board does not issue your background check; you must obtain a "Fingerprint Clearance Card" directly from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Head over to the AZ DPS website to apply for this card. If you are out of state, you will likely need to request a physical fingerprint packet, so get the ball rolling on this first.
- Request Verifications & Scores: You need to request your official NBCOT scores be transferred directly to the Arizona Board. Additionally, request official license verifications from every state where you have held a license (current or expired). These must be sent directly from the source to the Board; they will not accept copies from you.
- Submit Your Application: Once you have your documents ready, log in to the Thentia Cloud Portal to complete the "Licensure by Examination" application (unless you meet the specific residency requirements for Universal Recognition). You will upload your documents, attest that you have read the statutes, and hit submit.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A digital copy of a document proving citizenship (like your Passport or Birth Certificate), your Social Security Number, and your valid Fingerprint Clearance Card number.
- Items to Request: Official NBCOT Score Transfer and Official License Verifications from all prior states.
- Exams: Arizona does not require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for COTAs. Instead, you will attest on your application that you have read and understand the Board's statutes and rules.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Arizona:
- Application Fee: $200
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $67 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0 (if applicable)
- Verifications: $0 (if the board charges to verify other licenses)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $267
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Arizona Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens every two years and is due by the date of issuance (your license anniversary date).
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $70.
Note: Watch out—this state does not have a grace period, so your license expires immediately if not renewed on time!
CE Requirements
20 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month every two years (even years if born in an even year, odd years if born in an odd year).
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: Arizona currently has no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 20 contact hours through online platforms.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be relevant to the clinical practice of occupational therapy. The board accepts courses from AOTA-approved providers and regionally accredited colleges. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted for meeting these requirements.
Mandatory Topics
- No specific mandatory topics—choose what interests you!
- Jurisprudence: While not required for every renewal, you are responsible for remaining current on the Arizona Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: Business, management, marketing, social work, or courses designed for laypeople (like basic CPR/First Aid) do not count toward your professional contact hours.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new grad or newly licensed in Arizona, your contact hours are prorated at a rate of 0.83 hours per month for the period between initial licensure and your first renewal.
Reporting: Arizona is an Audit-based state. You do not need to submit certificates at the time of renewal, but you must maintain documentation of your completed hours for at least 2 years following the renewal period.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners:
- Address: 1740 W Adams St Ste 3407 Phoenix, AZ 85007-2662
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (602) 589-8353
- Fax: (602) 589-8354
- Email: ot.info@otboard.az.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.