Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant Licensure in Connecticut
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Timeline 6-9 weeks
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Initial Costs $290
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Renewal Costs $205
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CE Requirements 18 Hours
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Compact No
How to apply
To secure your Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in Connecticut, you'll be working with the Connecticut Department of Public Health. You will submit your application through eLicense Online. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Hit Submit on the Application: Head over to the eLicense portal to create your account and start the "Initial Application." You'll answer a series of questions about your history and pay the application fee. This gets your file open so the Board can start matching your documents as they arrive.
- Request Your Transcripts: Contact your OTA program and have them send your official transcripts directly to the Department of Public Health. These must come straight from the school—copies you send yourself won't be accepted.
- Verify Your NBCOT Scores: Log in to your NBCOT account and request a score transfer (or "Verification of Certification") be sent to Connecticut. If you passed the exam within the last year, the state might be able to pull this electronically, but requesting the official transfer is the safest bet to avoid delays.
- Verify Existing Licenses: If you hold (or have ever held) a license in another state, you'll need to request official verification from each of those boards. Most states use the NURSYS equivalent for therapy or have an online portal for this; just make sure the verification is sent directly to the Connecticut DPH.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo (head and shoulders), your Social Security Number, and your employment history for the application.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (from your school), NBCOT Score Transfer/Verification, and License Verifications from other states.
- Exams: You just need your passing NBCOT scores. Connecticut does not currently require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for COTAs.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Connecticut:
- Application Fee: $190
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $75 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $25 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $290
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Connecticut Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens biennially and is due by July 31 of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $205.
Note: While the state offers a 90-day grace period, your license becomes void on the 91st day, so it is best to renew on time to avoid reinstatement fees.
CE Requirements
18 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: there is currently no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 18 contact hours through distance learning.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be provided or approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association (ConnOTA), or a regionally accredited institution of higher education. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they are AOTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- Cultural Competency (1 contact hour)
- Jurisprudence: No specific law exam is required for renewal, but you are responsible for remaining current on the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: Courses related to business management, marketing, personal development, or investment are strictly excluded and do not count toward your total.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new graduate or a traveler recently licensed in Connecticut, you are exempt from continuing education requirements for your first license renewal.
Reporting: Connecticut uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates unless specifically requested by the Department of Public Health. You must maintain your records and certificates for at least 3 years following the renewal date.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Department of Public Health Occupational Therapy Licensure:
- Address: 410 Capital Avenue Mail Stop # 12APP PO BOX 340308 Hartford, CT 06134-0308
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (860) 509-7603
- Fax: (860) 707-1984
- Email: dph.alliedhealth@ct.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 Connecticut, you'll be working with the Connecticut Department of Public Health. You will submit your application through eLicense Online. Before you start, I recommend initiating your background check and transcripts to get the ball rolling.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Hit Submit on the Application: Head over to the eLicense portal to create your account and start the "Initial Application." You'll answer a series of questions about your history and pay the application fee. This gets your file open so the Board can start matching your documents as they arrive.
- Request Your Transcripts: Contact your OTA program and have them send your official transcripts directly to the Department of Public Health. These must come straight from the school—copies you send yourself won't be accepted.
- Verify Your NBCOT Scores: Log in to your NBCOT account and request a score transfer (or "Verification of Certification") be sent to Connecticut. If you passed the exam within the last year, the state might be able to pull this electronically, but requesting the official transfer is the safest bet to avoid delays.
- Verify Existing Licenses: If you hold (or have ever held) a license in another state, you'll need to request official verification from each of those boards. Most states use the NURSYS equivalent for therapy or have an online portal for this; just make sure the verification is sent directly to the Connecticut DPH.
What You'll Need & Key Details
- Documents to Have Ready: A recent passport-style photo (head and shoulders), your Social Security Number, and your employment history for the application.
- Items to Request: Official Transcripts (from your school), NBCOT Score Transfer/Verification, and License Verifications from other states.
- Exams: You just need your passing NBCOT scores. Connecticut does not currently require a separate Jurisprudence Exam for COTAs.
Initial Costs
Here is the breakdown of what you can expect to spend to get licensed in Connecticut:
- Application Fee: $190
- Background Check / Fingerprinting: $75 (approximate)
- Jurisprudence Exam: $0
- Verifications: $25 (approximate)
- Total Estimated Initial Cost: $290
Note: Fees are subject to change by the Board, but this gives you a solid estimate to plan your budget!
Renewals
When to Renew: Connecticut Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant renewal happens biennially and is due by July 31 of odd-numbered years.
Cost: The renewal fee is approximately $205.
Note: While the state offers a 90-day grace period, your license becomes void on the 91st day, so it is best to renew on time to avoid reinstatement fees.
CE Requirements
18 Contact Hours required every 2 years.
Deadline: The last day of your birth month every two years.
Live vs. Online: Great news for Travel Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant CEUs: there is currently no limit on home-study or online courses. You can complete all 18 contact hours through distance learning.
Provider Restrictions: Courses must be provided or approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Association (ConnOTA), or a regionally accredited institution of higher education. General portals like MedBridge are widely accepted as they are AOTA-approved providers.
Mandatory Topics
- Cultural Competency (1 contact hour)
- Jurisprudence: No specific law exam is required for renewal, but you are responsible for remaining current on the Connecticut Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
Excluded Topics: Courses related to business management, marketing, personal development, or investment are strictly excluded and do not count toward your total.
New Licensee Rule: If you are a new graduate or a traveler recently licensed in Connecticut, you are exempt from continuing education requirements for your first license renewal.
Reporting: Connecticut uses an audit-based system. You do not need to submit certificates unless specifically requested by the Department of Public Health. You must maintain your records and certificates for at least 3 years following the renewal date.
Board Information
Need to reach out with questions or send in documents? Here are the direct details for the Department of Public Health Occupational Therapy Licensure:
- Address: 410 Capital Avenue Mail Stop # 12APP PO BOX 340308 Hartford, CT 06134-0308
- Website: Visit Board Website
- Phone: (860) 509-7603
- Fax: (860) 707-1984
- Email: dph.alliedhealth@ct.gov
Ready to start? Click here to go directly to the Application Portal.