LicenseCompass

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT License in New Jersey

Quick Answer

To get a School OT license in New Jersey, you need a degree, NBCOT certification, and work experience. Apply through the NJ Department of Education. Note: this covers school-based practice; clinical OT may require a separate license.

Exam
NBCOT
Timeline
3-6 months

Requirements

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT license in New Jersey

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Continuing Education
No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Licensing Agency

Department of Law and Public Safety~Occupational Therapy Advisory Council

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT Salary in New Jersey

Entry Level

$66,470

Median

$103,340

Experienced

$151,720

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT in New Jersey.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — NBCOT

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency.

  4. 4

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 3-6 months.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT Licensing in New Jersey: What to Know

New Jersey's COS listing is specifically for School Occupational Therapist, indicating this license type is through the Department of Education rather than a general health care license. Description is null. A degree, third-party exam (NBCOT), and work experience are required. No CE or criminal record prohibitions are noted. This may not cover clinical OT practice outside of schools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT license in New Jersey?
The process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT license in New Jersey?
You need to pass the NBCOT. Third-party exam required

Considering another state?

Compare OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT requirements across states.

View all states →

Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 15, 2026.