Health Related Professions

Massachusetts
Occupational Therapist

Applications for licensure can be found on the Health Professions Licensing Portal. If this is your first time using this portal, please visit Health Professions Licensing System User Guide for information on how to get started.

Table of Contents

Transcripts and Verifications

To send your transcript/verification, please choose one of the two following options:

  • Electronic Transcripts/ Verifications: PCS will accept final official electronic transcripts and official verifications received directly from the primary source (such as the School, Parchment, the National Student Clearinghouse, or State Licensing Board)  via secure server to otlicense@pcshq.com
  • Transcripts via Postal Mail: PCS will accept final official electronic transcripts and official verifications received directly from the primary source (such as the School, Parchment, the National Student Clearinghouse, or State Licensing Board) directly to PCS at:
    ATTN: MA Board of Allied Health
    C/O MA Allied Health Coordinator
    P.O. Box 198689 Nashville, TN 37219

Examination Information

Examination Type

  • ‍‍Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR)
  • Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Exam Dates and Sites

  • Contact NBCOT online for details.

Eligibility Requirements

Initial License and Reciprocity

  • Applicant must read and understand the Code of Massachusetts Regulations 259, chpt 3; this is a signature requirement on the application.
  • Applicant must show proof of passing the NBCOT certification examination or NBCOT certification. 
  • Official transcripts with degree conferral and documentation of all academic and fieldwork requirements must also be submitted.
  • All applicants are allowed to practice ONLY AFTER a permanent license has been issued.
  • Applicants who currently hold a license to practice occupational therapy in another state and wish to apply for licensure in Massachusetts, as well as those already certified by NBCOT.
  • Contact NBCOT 
  • NBCOT will issue a new Authorization to Test letter with instructions on how to contact Prometric Test Centers to schedule their examination.
  • Completion of the NPDB Self-Query is to be uploaded to your online application. For more information, please visit https://www.npdb.hrsa.gov/faqs/sq3.jsp  

Grade Information

  • NBCOT issues scores. Score Transfer /certification confirmation will be sent within three business days of approval of the request.  
  • For initial examinees, please see the following for score release guidelines https://www.nbcot.org/scoring   

Licensure Information

PCS, on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Health Professionals, offers the following licenses:

  • Occupational Therapist
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants

License numbers can be viewed by visiting: https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/

License numbers are posted on the MA board’s website once all requirements, including the CORI background check, have been met.

Please have this form completed and notarized before submitting your application for licensure. You will upload the completed form to your online application before submission.   CORI FORM

  • The MA Boards of Allied Health and Multi Board will not currently accept digital signatures on notarized documents.  
  • The MA Boards of Allied Health and Multi Board will currently accept digital notarization only from notaries outside of Massachusetts.  

Contact Information

Applicants may contact Professional Credential Services to obtain information, ask questions about application processing or receive status updates.

Professional Credential Services (PCS)

Attn: MAOT Coordinator
P.O. Box 198689
Nashville, TN 37219-8689

Phone: 877-364-3926
email: otlicense@pcshq.com

For couriers other than the US Postal Service, CLICK HERE.

Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Health Professionals

‍250 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: 617-624-6148
Board Website

For information on the national professional association, contact:

American Occupational Therapy Association

‍PO Box 31220
Bethesda, MD 20824-1220
Phone: 301-652-2682 or 800-377-8555
‍www.aota.org

National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy

‍800 S. Frederick Avenue, Suite 200
Gaithersburg, MD 20877-4150
Phone: 301-990-7979
‍www.nbcot.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • I am having difficulty opening some of the forms. What can I do?
    ‍    Most of the forms are viewable only in Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available free of charge.
  • How long does it take to process my application?
    ‍    Please allow up to 3 weeks for processing once all documentation has been received. To check the status of your application 24/7, you may log in to your Health Profession Licensing Portal account.