How to Become an Occupational Therapist in Newfoundland and Labrador
Do you need a licence?
Licence required
You must be registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Therapy Board to work as an occupational therapist in Newfoundland and Labrador or to use a protected title.
- Protected titles
- Occupational Therapist
Show the source
“As proclaimed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Therapists Act (1988), all persons working in Newfoundland and Labrador as an Occupational Therapist MUST be registered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Therapy Board (NLOTB) BEFORE they commence employment.”
From nlotb.ca/registration-services, checked October 10, 2026.
At a glance
- Licence status
- Licence required See the source
- Routes
-
- Trained in Canada: 10 steps, listed one-time fees $547
- Licensed in another province: 7 steps, listed one-time fees $40
- Trained outside Canada: 7 steps
- Annual fees
-
- Annual registration fee: $410
Source
“The annual registration fee is $410.00.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
- Annual registration fee: $410
Your roadmap
Tick each step as you finish it. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
Trained in Canada
0 of 10 done
- Listed one-time fees: $547
- 9 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $410
-
Complete an accredited Canadian occupational therapy program and have an official transcript sent directly to the Board, or an interim letter from the program head if not yet convocated.
Source
“Completion of an accredited Canadian Occupational Therapy program..”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Provide evidence of reasonable skills in reading, listening, and speaking English, either by proof of an occupational therapy degree completed in English at a Canadian university or by formal language testing.
Source
“Applicants must provide evidence of reasonable skills in reading, listening, and speaking English.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Write the mandatory National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
Source
“The NOTCE is a mandatory requirement of registration with NLOTB.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Source
“Applicants require 600 hours of occupational therapy practice in the 3 years immediately before application.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Provide documentation such as a Canadian birth certificate, passport, proof of landed immigrant status, or a valid work permit showing legal authorization to work in Canada.
Source
“To be employed as an occupational therapist in NL, you must have legal authorization to work in Canada.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Provide an insurance certificate showing professional liability coverage of at least $5,000,000 with a legal expenses endorsement before practising.
Source
“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.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Submit a self-declaration, a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Inquiry produced within six months of application, and a Regulatory History Report from each OT regulator you have been licensed by.
Source
“Applicants must submit a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Inquiry, produced within 6 months of application”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Pay the NLAOT membership fee, which is collected together with the NLOTB fee.
Source
“Payment of NLAOT membership fee. This is completed with payment of NLOTB fee.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Provide a copy of your CAOT membership card or membership verification email.
Source
“A copy of your membership card or membership verification email from CAOT.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Complete the online application form, submit all supporting documentation, and pay the registration fees.
- Annual registration fee: $410
Source
“The annual registration fee is $410.00.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated - Temporary License fee: $137
Source
“Temporary License fee is $137.00.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
Source
“Complete the online application form and submit supporting documentation as outlined above.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated - Annual registration fee: $410
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $547
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $547 | 100% |
| One-time total | $547 | 100% |
9 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Annual registration fee: $410
Source
“The annual registration fee is $410.00.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
Licensed in another province
0 of 7 done
- Listed one-time fees: $40
- 6 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $410
-
Ask your current regulatory organization to complete the Labour Mobility Support Agreement Confirmation Form, which sends your transcript or SEAS report, NOTCE confirmation, and language test results to the Board.
- LMSA Confirmation Form request fee: $40
Source
“The Board's fee for this request would be $40.00”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana...
Source
“Ask your current regulatory organization to complete the Labour Mobilty Support Agreement Confirmation Form”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana... - LMSA Confirmation Form request fee: $40
-
Complete the online application form and submit supporting documentation.
Source
“Complete an online application form and submit supporting documentation (see below).”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana... -
Provide proof of identity, work eligibility in Canada, English language fluency, professional liability insurance, a conduct self-declaration with Regulatory History Reports, and evidence of currency hours.
Source
“Applicants for registration must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following registration requirements:”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana... -
Pay the NLAOT membership fee, which the Board collects on behalf of NLAOT.
Source
“Payment of NLAOT membership fee.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana... -
Provide a copy of your CAOT membership card or membership verification email.
Source
“A copy of your membership card or membership verification email from CAOT is required.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana... -
Successfully complete the mandatory National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination, or practise under supervision for up to one year while waiting to complete it.
Source
“Applicants are eligible to practice under supervision, while waiting to successfully complete the NOTCE, for a maximum period of one year.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana... -
Pay the annual registration fee or temporary licence fee by cheque, credit card, or money order.
Source
“The annual registration fee is $410.00. Temporary License fee is $137.00.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana...
Listed fees for this route
One-time total listed: $40
| Fee type | Amount | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Application | $40 | 100% |
| One-time total | $40 | 100% |
6 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Annual registration fee: $410
Source
“The annual registration fee is $410.00.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
Trained outside Canada
0 of 7 done
- 7 steps without a listed fee
- Annual fees: $410
-
Complete the Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) administered by ACOTRO to confirm your education is substantially equivalent to Canadian education, and have the final disposition report sent to the Board.
Source
“To determine your academic equivalency, you must complete the Substantial Equivalency Assessment System, also known as SEAS.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca... -
Complete the online application form and submit supporting documentation.
Source
“Complete an online application form and submit supporting documentation (see below).”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca... -
Provide proof of identity, work eligibility in Canada, English language fluency, professional liability insurance, a conduct self-declaration with Regulatory History Reports, and evidence of currency hours.
Source
“Applicants for registration must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following registration requirements”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca... -
Pay the NLAOT membership fee, which the Board collects on behalf of NLAOT.
Source
“Payment of NLAOT membership fee.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca... -
Provide a copy of your CAOT membership card or membership verification email.
Source
“A copy of your membership card or membership verification email from CAOT is required.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca... -
Write the mandatory National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
Source
“The NOTCE is a mandatory requirement of registration with NLOTB.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca... -
Pay the annual registration fee or temporary licence fee by cheque, credit card, or money order.
Source
“The annual registration fee is $410.00. Temporary License fee is $137.00.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca...
Listed fees for this route
No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with NLOTB
7 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.
Annual fees Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total.
- Annual registration fee: $410
Source
“The annual registration fee is $410.00.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
Requirements
Education
Applicants must have completed an accredited Canadian occupational therapy program, including 1000 hours of fieldwork.
Source
“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”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
Experience
Applicants require 600 hours of occupational therapy practice in the 3 years immediately before application, or graduation from an occupational therapy program within the past 18 months.
Source
“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.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educatedApplicants registered in another jurisdiction require 600 hours of practice in the past 3 years, or must complete a re-entry program.
Source
“Applicants require 600 hours in the past 3 years. If you have not met this requirement, you will need to complete a re-entry program.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana...
Police check
Applicants must submit a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Inquiry produced within 6 months of application.
Source
“Applicants must submit a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Inquiry, produced within 6 months of application”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
Insurance
Applicants must have professional liability insurance coverage of at least $5,000,000 with a legal expenses endorsement before practising.
Source
“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.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
Good character
Applicants must provide a Regulatory History Report from each OT regulatory organization they have been licensed with, and eligibility depends on the nature, timing and severity of any concerns.
Source
“A Regulatory History Report from each OT regulatory organization you have been licensed.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated
Other
Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada, such as Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid work permit.
Source
“Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and individuals with Canadian work permits have the right to work in Canada.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educatedApplicants must demonstrate English language proficiency in reading, listening, and speaking.
Source
“Applicants must provide evidence of reasonable skills in reading, listening, and speaking English.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educatedInternationally educated applicants must have education substantially equivalent to that of an occupational therapist educated in Canada.
Source
“The Board must confirm that your education is substantially equivalent to that of an occupational therapist educated in Canada.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca...
Already licensed in another province?
Extra steps
Applicants registered in another Canadian jurisdiction must complete the LMSA Confirmation Form process and successfully complete the NOTCE, though they may practise under supervision for up to one year while waiting to complete it. Source
“Applicants are eligible to practice under supervision, while waiting to successfully complete the NOTCE, for a maximum period of one year.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana...
Complete LMSA Confirmation Form
Source
“Ask your current regulatory organization to complete the Labour Mobilty Support Agreement Confirmation Form”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana...Complete the NOTCE
Source
“Successfully complete the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE)”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana...
Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with NLOTB
Credential assessment
Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS)
academic equivalency
Source
“To determine your academic equivalency, you must complete the Substantial Equivalency Assessment System, also known as SEAS.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca...
Exams
-
National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE)
Source
“The NOTCE is a mandatory requirement of registration with NLOTB.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated -
Jurisprudence Knowledge Assessment Test (JKAT)
Source
“Jurisprudence Knowledge Assessment Test (JKAT)”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca... -
Competency Assessment Interview
Source
“Competency Assessment Interview”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca...
Language tests
No minimum test score stated by the regulator Check with NLOTB
Exemptions: Applicants who completed their occupational therapy degree in English at a Canadian university, or who completed the SEAS process, do not need to send language test scores to the Board. Source
“Applicants applying through the SEAS process do not require language test scores to be sent to the Board as these are included in the SEAS disposition letter.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca...
Canadian experience
Not stated by the regulator Check with NLOTB
Supervised practice
Not required
Applicants waiting to complete the NOTCE may practise under supervision for a maximum of one year, and provisional registrants must have a mentorship agreement with a fully licensed occupational therapist. Source
“Applicants are eligible to practice under supervision, while waiting to successfully complete the NOTCE, for a maximum period of one year.”
nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana...
Demand and pay
| Where | Low | Median | High | Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $37.60 | $45.70 | $51.39 | Moderate (3 of 5) |
| Canada | $36.17 | $46.00 | $55.00 | — |
Wages by region and job outlook in Newfoundland and Labrador
Occupational therapists in other provinces and territories
- British Columbia Licence required
- Alberta Licence required
- Saskatchewan Licence required
- Manitoba Licence required
- Ontario Licence required
- Quebec Licence required
- New Brunswick Licence required
- Nova Scotia Licence required
- Prince Edward Island Licence required
- Yukon Licence required
- Northwest Territories Licence required
- Nunavut Licence required
Sources checked
- Registration Services - Newfoundland & Labrador Occupational Therapy Board nlotb.ca/registration-services · fetched October 10, 2026
- New Applicant: Canadian Educated - Newfoundland & Labrador Occupational Therapy Board nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-canadian-educated · fetched October 10, 2026
- Currently Registered in Another Canadian Jurisdiction - Newfoundland & Labrador Occupational Therapy Board nlotb.ca/registration-services/currently-registered-in-another-cana... · fetched October 10, 2026
- New Applicant: Educated Outside of Canada - Newfoundland & Labrador Occupational Therapy Board nlotb.ca/registration-services/new-applicant-educated-outside-of-ca... · fetched October 10, 2026
Frequently asked questions
2
Do you need a licence to work as an occupational therapist in Newfoundland and Labrador?
Yes. Registration with the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Therapy Board is required to practise in Newfoundland and Labrador, and to use the title Occupational Therapist.
Which exams are required?
National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE), Jurisprudence Knowledge Assessment Test (JKAT), Competency Assessment Interview.
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