NBCOT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NBCOT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. An OT discovers a colleague is billing for services not rendered. The OT is obligated to: → Report it to a supervisor or appropriate authority
2. The ethical principle of autonomy in OT practice requires the therapist to: → Respect the client's right to self-determination and informed decision-making
3. Which frame of reference uses a hierarchical neurodevelopmental sequence as the basis for intervention and is associated with Berta Bobath? → Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT)
4. Which assessment tool uses direct observation of task performance to measure both motor and process skills? → AMPS
5. The occupational therapist suspects a child may have somatodyspraxia during an initial evaluation. Which area of the evaluation should the OT concentrate on? → New motor task planning
6. Which client factor refers to the individual's values, beliefs, and spirituality as they relate to occupational performance? → Values, Beliefs, and Spirituality
7. According to NBCOT's Certificant Code of Conduct, when must a certificant self-report to NBCOT? → When charged with or convicted of any crime related to professional practice
8. Which legislation ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public facilities and services in the US? → ADA
9. A COTA implements interventions without OTR supervision as required by state law. This violates which ethical principle? → Justice
10. Which intervention approach focuses on changing activity demands or environment rather than the client's underlying impairments? → Compensation/Adaptation
11. A therapist uses meaningful cooking tasks with a client with depression to increase engagement and mood. This intervention primarily uses: → The therapeutic power of occupation to improve mental health outcomes
12. Which documentation must be completed before OT services begin under Medicare regulations? → Initial evaluation and plan of care
13. Telehealth OT services are most appropriate for which type of intervention? → Education, coaching, and home program review with appropriate clients
14. Which theoretical framework emphasizes the dynamic interaction between the person, environment, and occupation in influencing occupational performance? → Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model
15. A therapist uses dynamic assessment with a child to determine not just current performance but also the child's potential with assistance. This is based on: → Zone of Proximal Development
16. Which approach to intervention focuses on enhancing quality of life and occupational well-being in individuals without identified illness? → Health Promotion
17. Which activity analysis component examines the physical, cognitive, and social demands inherent in a task? → Activity demands analysis
18. Which setting would most likely employ an OT to assess workplace ergonomics and prevent repetitive strain injuries? → Industrial or occupational health setting
19. An OT selects a frame of reference to guide intervention. What is the PRIMARY purpose of using a frame of reference rather than a conceptual model? → Frames of reference provide specific postulates for evaluation and intervention change
20. When an OT uses the Model of Human Occupation to guide practice, which assessment would BEST capture the client's volition subsystem? → Volitional Questionnaire (VQ)
21. A child avoids playground equipment that requires her feet to be off the ground. What does this conduct probably indicate? → Gravitational insecurity
22. A therapist documents that a client requires 'minimum assistance' for dressing. This means the client provides approximately: → 75% or more of the effort
23. Gary Kielhofner developed which occupation-based model that uses concepts of volition, habituation, and performance capacity? → Model of Human Occupation (MOHO)
24. Fidelity in AOTA ethics refers to an OT's obligation to: → Be loyal and follow through on commitments to clients and the profession
25. A therapist maintains a dual relationship by providing OT services to a close personal friend. This is problematic because: → It creates a conflict of interest that may compromise objectivity
26. A therapist conducts a kitchen assessment with a client following TBI. This is an example of which assessment approach? → Performance-based naturalistic assessment
27. Which pediatric assessment measures the degree to which a child's disability limits participation in daily activities? → Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)
28. Under NBCOT guidelines, which behavior would most likely result in disciplinary action against a certificant? → Practicing in a state without a valid license
29. According to IDEA, occupational therapy in school settings must be provided: → As a related service when necessary to benefit from special education
30. A therapist working in early intervention serves children ages: → 0–3 years