Occupational therapists are required to be certified by a regulatory board to practice. The type of certification varies from state to state. (AOTA, 2004)

National Level

When an occupational therapist graduates from college, they are required to take and pass and initial examination through the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). The NBCOT provides an initial examination for occupational therapy assistants as well. Once this is passed, a therapist can use Occupational Therapist Registered, or OTR, after their name as credentials. This certification is valid for three years and then can be renewed every three years for continued use of the OTR credentials (NBCOT, 2005).

State Level

Most state require the initial NBCOT examination for their registration or licensure. However, renewal through NBCOT is not required typically for continued state certification (AOTA, 2004). Registration and licensing laws differ from state to state and Michigan requires registration. The current registration laws, R338.1191-338.1200, which define occupational therapy certification were put into effect in 1994 (State of Michigan, 1994). An occupational therapist is defined in the Public Health Code, 338.18301, which is described as "an individual who diminishes or corrects pathology in order to promote and maintain health through application of the art and science of directing purposeful activity designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance the performance of individuals and who is registered in accordance with this article (State of Michigan, 1978).