NBCOT Occupational Therapy Certification Proficiency
knowledge test Exam Questions and certified Answers
2024/2025
A client diagnosed with C7 spinal cord injury requires a functional capacity evaluation to
determine whether the client can perform the job of accountant. Which of the following
abilities would be MOST appropriate to assess?
A. Mathematical reasoning
B. Speech clarity
C. Finger dexterity
D. Selective attention - correct answer C. Finger dexterity
A client attending a low back education program is given an ergonomics checklist to
complete. Which item is the BEST to include in an ergonomics checklist?
A. Use wide bases of support when performing tasks.
B. Increase muscle strength for better back stability.
C. Use the dominant body side to complete tasks.
D. Take frequent breaks between tasks and stretch often. - correct answer A. Use
wide bases of support when performing tasks.
A client working at a clothing boutique has made progress in completing simulated work
tasks but is still unable to resume the prior work status. After collaboration with the
OTR®, the OTR® suggests that the COTA® inform the client that the client return to
work on a light duty schedule. Which consequence is MOST likely to result when a
client returns to work on light duty?
A. The client learns how to push through the pain.
B. The employer has lower workers' compensation costs resulting in decreased
occupational therapy services.
C. The client's confidence in his or her abilities to complete job tasks increases.
D. The client receives higher ratings on the reevaluation assessment. - correct answer
C. The client's confidence in his or her abilities to complete job tasks increases.
,A construction worker was referred to occupational therapy as part of a work hardening
program. During the interview, the OTR® discovers that the client is required to lift
construction equipment weighing 20 lb on a frequent basis. At what level of work must
the COTA® create work simulation tasks?
A. Medium
B. Heavy
C. Very heavy
D. Light - correct answer A. Medium
A COTA® has been treating a client who sustained a chemical burn to both hands 6
months ago while cleaning up a spill at the adhesive manufacturing plant where the
client is employed as a janitor. The client has been participating in a work conditioning
program for the past 6 weeks and has made gains in all areas. The client plans to
transition back to full-time, full-duty employment within the next 2 weeks. The COTA®
included instruction in proper body mechanics as part of the client's treatment program
to reduce the client's risk for reinjury. What type of intervention would this treatment
program be considered?
A. Primary intervention
B. Secondary intervention
C. Tertiary intervention
D. Wellness intervention - correct answer C. Tertiary intervention
An OTR® and a COTA® are providing a back injury prevention program for workers at a
food manufacturing plant. The OTR® and COTA® have provided education in proper
body mechanics and on proper equipment use to decrease effort with tasks. Which
component should they also include in the program?
A. Support group to reinforce learned techniques
B. Functional capacity evaluation to access aptitude
C. Instruction in the use of physical agents
D. Training in symptom identification for early recognition - correct answer D. Training
in symptom identification for early recognition
, A client left employment as an elementary school teacher because of impairments from
a stroke 12 months previously. The client is now interested in pursuing a new
occupation. A work skills interest assessment and performance skill measures indicate
suitability for work as an administrative assistant. The client needs assistance in
entering this new occupation and working with impairments. Which program would
BEST provide this service?
A. Vocational rehabilitation
B. Supported employment
C. Community center
D. Employer consultation - correct answer A. Vocational rehabilitation
A COTA® in a work conditioning program is treating a client who is employed as a
roofer. The client has a history of low back sprain. When implementing the work
conditioning program, which intervention is MOST appropriate to reduce the client's risk
for reinjury?
A. Completing a job demand analysis at the job site
B. Instructing the client in proper body mechanics
C. Improving the client's heavy material handling skills
D. Modifying the client's work schedule to part time - correct answer B. Instructing the
client in proper body mechanics
An OTR®-COTA® team is establishing reasonable accommodations for a client with a
history of chronic fatigue syndrome. The client is employed as a receptionist for a small
extermination company. The client exhibits decreased short-term memory, periodic joint
pain and stiffness, and frequent headaches. The essential job functions include
answering phone calls, taking messages, sending out statements for services rendered,
and setting up appointments. Which accommodation is MOST appropriate for the
OTR®-COTA® team to recommend FIRST?
A. Change the client's work schedule to provide additional time for the client to complete
the morning routine
B. Provide a motorized scooter to minimize walking, conserving the client's energy and
preventing pain
C. Implement a day planner and list of prioritized job tasks to serve as memory aids
knowledge test Exam Questions and certified Answers
2024/2025
A client diagnosed with C7 spinal cord injury requires a functional capacity evaluation to
determine whether the client can perform the job of accountant. Which of the following
abilities would be MOST appropriate to assess?
A. Mathematical reasoning
B. Speech clarity
C. Finger dexterity
D. Selective attention - correct answer C. Finger dexterity
A client attending a low back education program is given an ergonomics checklist to
complete. Which item is the BEST to include in an ergonomics checklist?
A. Use wide bases of support when performing tasks.
B. Increase muscle strength for better back stability.
C. Use the dominant body side to complete tasks.
D. Take frequent breaks between tasks and stretch often. - correct answer A. Use
wide bases of support when performing tasks.
A client working at a clothing boutique has made progress in completing simulated work
tasks but is still unable to resume the prior work status. After collaboration with the
OTR®, the OTR® suggests that the COTA® inform the client that the client return to
work on a light duty schedule. Which consequence is MOST likely to result when a
client returns to work on light duty?
A. The client learns how to push through the pain.
B. The employer has lower workers' compensation costs resulting in decreased
occupational therapy services.
C. The client's confidence in his or her abilities to complete job tasks increases.
D. The client receives higher ratings on the reevaluation assessment. - correct answer
C. The client's confidence in his or her abilities to complete job tasks increases.
,A construction worker was referred to occupational therapy as part of a work hardening
program. During the interview, the OTR® discovers that the client is required to lift
construction equipment weighing 20 lb on a frequent basis. At what level of work must
the COTA® create work simulation tasks?
A. Medium
B. Heavy
C. Very heavy
D. Light - correct answer A. Medium
A COTA® has been treating a client who sustained a chemical burn to both hands 6
months ago while cleaning up a spill at the adhesive manufacturing plant where the
client is employed as a janitor. The client has been participating in a work conditioning
program for the past 6 weeks and has made gains in all areas. The client plans to
transition back to full-time, full-duty employment within the next 2 weeks. The COTA®
included instruction in proper body mechanics as part of the client's treatment program
to reduce the client's risk for reinjury. What type of intervention would this treatment
program be considered?
A. Primary intervention
B. Secondary intervention
C. Tertiary intervention
D. Wellness intervention - correct answer C. Tertiary intervention
An OTR® and a COTA® are providing a back injury prevention program for workers at a
food manufacturing plant. The OTR® and COTA® have provided education in proper
body mechanics and on proper equipment use to decrease effort with tasks. Which
component should they also include in the program?
A. Support group to reinforce learned techniques
B. Functional capacity evaluation to access aptitude
C. Instruction in the use of physical agents
D. Training in symptom identification for early recognition - correct answer D. Training
in symptom identification for early recognition
, A client left employment as an elementary school teacher because of impairments from
a stroke 12 months previously. The client is now interested in pursuing a new
occupation. A work skills interest assessment and performance skill measures indicate
suitability for work as an administrative assistant. The client needs assistance in
entering this new occupation and working with impairments. Which program would
BEST provide this service?
A. Vocational rehabilitation
B. Supported employment
C. Community center
D. Employer consultation - correct answer A. Vocational rehabilitation
A COTA® in a work conditioning program is treating a client who is employed as a
roofer. The client has a history of low back sprain. When implementing the work
conditioning program, which intervention is MOST appropriate to reduce the client's risk
for reinjury?
A. Completing a job demand analysis at the job site
B. Instructing the client in proper body mechanics
C. Improving the client's heavy material handling skills
D. Modifying the client's work schedule to part time - correct answer B. Instructing the
client in proper body mechanics
An OTR®-COTA® team is establishing reasonable accommodations for a client with a
history of chronic fatigue syndrome. The client is employed as a receptionist for a small
extermination company. The client exhibits decreased short-term memory, periodic joint
pain and stiffness, and frequent headaches. The essential job functions include
answering phone calls, taking messages, sending out statements for services rendered,
and setting up appointments. Which accommodation is MOST appropriate for the
OTR®-COTA® team to recommend FIRST?
A. Change the client's work schedule to provide additional time for the client to complete
the morning routine
B. Provide a motorized scooter to minimize walking, conserving the client's energy and
preventing pain
C. Implement a day planner and list of prioritized job tasks to serve as memory aids
