New Applicant: Canadian Educated

Steps in the Registration Process

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following requirements:

1. Education

Completion of an accredited Canadian Occupational Therapy program..

Evidence Required:

1. An official transcript from the university must be sent directly to NLOTB.
2. If you have not convocated, an original letter from your occupational therapy program head or designate, which confirms that you have met all the requirements (including 1000 hours of fieldwork) for graduating with a degree in occupational therapy, is accepted as interim verification. This must be sent directly to NLOTB from the university. An official transcript must be forwarded from the university to the NLOTB within 30 days of convocation.

2. English Language Proficiency

Effective communication is essential for providing safe and effective care in the practice of occupational therapy. Applicants must provide evidence of reasonable skills in reading, listening, and speaking English.

Evidence Required:

The English language proficiency requirement can be met if the applicant provides one of the following:

1. Proof of completion of occupational therapy degree in English from a Canadian university.
2. If occupational therapy degree was not completed in English, proof of formal language testing for English language as outlined in SEAS Language Readiness Assessment – Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (acotro-acore.org)

3. National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE)

The NOTCE is a mandatory requirement of registration with NLOTB. The examination ensures that all individuals entering the profession of occupational therapy have met a minimum standard in the written application of academic knowledge and professional behavior. This exam is administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). You must apply to CAOT to write the NOTCE.

Applicants requiring accommodations must submit a request in writing to CAOT; please see CAOT's Accommodation Policy for details. There are resources to help you prepare to write the exam: www.caot.ca 

Applicants may be eligible to practice under supervision for a period of up to one year, while waiting to successfully complete the NOTCE.

Evidence Required:

1. A copy of your exam result, or certificate must be uploaded with your application.
2. If you have not successfully completed the NOTCE you may apply for a provisional license and practice under the supervision of a mentor. You must provide:
   • Proof that you are scheduled to write in the next sitting.
    
   • A completed Mentorship_Agreement_Form_2024.pdf

4. Currency Hours

It is important that you practice occupational therapy to maintain your skills and keep up to date with changes in practice.  Applicants require 600 hours of occupational therapy practice in the 3 years immediately before application.  This requirement is met if you have graduated from an occupational therapy program in the past 18 months.

Evidence Required:

1. A self-declaration made on your application form which includes details of occupational therapy practice hours completed 3 years before the application. Additional employment details may be requested by the Registration Committee.
2. Proof of graduation within an 18-month period prior to application.

5. Eligibility to Work in Canada

To be employed as an occupational therapist in NL, you must have legal authorization to work in Canada.  Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and individuals with Canadian work permits have the right to work in Canada.

Evidence Required:

1. A Canadian birth certificate, a Canadian passport, proof of landed immigrant resident status, or copy of a valid work permit. Documentation may be uploaded with your application as a PDF.

6. Demonstration of Professional Liability Insurance

Every occupational therapist practicing in NL must have professional liability insurance coverage to a minimum of $5,000,000.00 with a legal expense’s endorsement for investigation of complaints by a regulatory body prior to engaging in the practice of occupational therapy.

Professional liability insurance for OTs can be purchased through CAOT, if you are a member of CAOT.  See the CAOT website for more information. 

Evidence Required:

1. An insurance certificate outlining the details and dates of coverage uploaded with your application as a PDF.

7. Proof of Identity

The name you provide on your application form will be the name that is documented on the Board Register and must be the same name as which your clients and colleagues will know you. Your registration card, certificate, and tax receipt and all correspondence from the Board will all be issued in this name.

Evidence Required:

1. Government issued photo ID such as a Passport or Driver’s License.
2. Name Changes: If your name has changed, you must list all your previous names.  If any of the documents in your application were issued under a previous name, you must include an official document (such as a marriage license) that verifies your name change.

8. Demonstration of Good Conduct and Regulatory History

The Board has an obligation to protect the public and needs to be satisfied that you do not pose a danger to clients. You are required to declare any of the following:

1. Any disciplinary finding as an occupational therapist or in another profession in NL or another jurisdiction.
2. Any breach or violation of any provision of the Criminal Code of Canada or a similar code or law of any other jurisdiction.
3. If you are currently the subject of an investigation or charge in relation to such an alleged breach or violation and if you have ever been convicted of such a breach or violation and/or have entered into a settlement agreement or plea deal to resolve any such alleged breach or violation; and/or been discharged after being found guilty or pleading guilty to a charge or charges in relation to any such breach or violation;

Evidence Required:

1. A self-declaration made on your application form. If you answer yes to any of the declarations, the Board will ask you to send more information, such as a transcript of the criminal record. The Board will use this information to decide if you are eligible for registration and, if applicable, determine if conditions should be imposed on your registration.
2. A Vulnerable Sector Check inquiry: Applicants must submit a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Inquiry, produced within 6 months of application from either:
   • The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary: RNC Vulnerable Sector Screening Criminal Records Screening Certificate & Vulnerable Sector Check – Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
   • Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Vulnerable sector checks | Royal Canadian Mounted Police or
   • Another police force located in the municipality of the applicant’s place of residence.
   • A police certificate issued by the federal government for immigration to Canada. More information is available on the Government of Canada website. Home - Canada.ca
3. A Regulatory History Report from each OT regulatory organization you have been licensed. Complete the top part of the Regulatory History Form, send it to each of your previous regulatory or licensing organizations, and ask them to complete the form and forward it to the Board. If there is an area of concern identified by one of your previous regulators, you will be contacted by the Board. You will be asked to provide more information regarding the nature and timing of the offense or concern and how the issue has been managed or resolved. Your eligibility for registration will depend on the nature, timing and severity of the issue.

9. Membership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Occupational Therapists (NLAOT)

The Occupational Therapists Regulations Section 5(1)(e) requires membership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Occupational Therapists (NLAOT).

NLOTB currently collects membership fees on behalf of NLAOT and provides NLAOT with your contact information.

Evidence Required:

1. Payment of NLAOT membership fee. This is completed with payment of NLOTB fee.

10. Membership with Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)

The Occupational Therapists Regulations Section 5(1)(e) requires membership with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).

Evidence Required:

1. A copy of your membership card or membership verification email from CAOT.

11. Application for Registration

Complete the online application form and submit supporting documentation as outlined above.  The application form is a legal document. You must answer all sections completely and accurately.  Unless indicated, all supporting documentation may be uploaded electronically.

Evidence Required:

1. A completed online application form. Incomplete application forms will not be processed.

Payment of Fees

The annual registration fee is $410.00. Temporary License fee is $137.00. Payment may be made by cheque, credit card, bank draft or e-transfer. Funds are payable to the NLOTB, in Canadian funds and e-transfers to kim.doyle@nlotb.ca

Remember

You cannot begin working as an Occupational Therapist in Newfoundland & Labrador until you have received notice from the Board that your application has been approved.

This includes orientations and job shadowing.

Completed Applications are typically completed within 5 business days once ALL required documents are on file.