N B C OT · N AT I O N A L B O A R D F O R C E R T I F I C AT I O N I N O C C U PAT I O N A L T H E R A P Y
NBCOT Exam
Practice Question Bank
Exam-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Occupational Therapy — Comprehensive Review
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — NBCOT Exam Review 2
NBCOT · National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Page 1
,NBCOT EXAM PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. These questions are designed to reflect NBCOT exam style and content.
Category: NBCOT Exam — Occupational Therapy
1 Which of the following is an example of a norm-referenced evaluation?
A FIM
B PDMS-2
C Caregiver Report
D Observations
Why B is correct: The PDMS-2 (Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd Edition) is a
norm-referenced assessment that compares a child's performance to a standardized sample
of same-age peers. Criterion-referenced assessments (like FIM) measure against a set
standard, while non-standardized assessments include caregiver reports and observations.
A — The FIM (Functional Independence Measure) is a criterion-referenced assessment, not
norm-referenced.
C — Caregiver Report is a non-standardized assessment method.
D — Observations are a non-standardized assessment method.
, 2 What is the correct sequence of the OT process?
A Screening → Referral → Evaluation → Discharge → Intervention
B Referral → Screening → Evaluation → Intervention → Discharge
C Evaluation → Screening → Referral → Intervention → Discharge
D Referral → Evaluation → Screening → Intervention → Discharge
Why B is correct: The correct sequence of the OT process is: Referral → Screening →
Evaluation → Intervention → Discharge. This is the standard progression from initial referral
through to discharge planning.
A — Referral comes before screening, not after.
C — Evaluation occurs after screening, not before referral.
D — Screening occurs after referral and before evaluation.
3 When does the discharge process begin in occupational therapy?
A Day 1 (upon admission)
B After the initial evaluation
C When goals are met
D When the patient requests discharge
Why A is correct: The discharge process begins on Day 1 of the patient's admission.
Discharge planning is initiated at the start of care to ensure a smooth transition and optimal
outcomes.
B — Discharge planning begins before the initial evaluation is completed.
C — While goals being met is a reason for discharge, planning begins upon admission.
D — Patient request is one factor, but the discharge planning process begins at admission.
NBCOT Exam
Practice Question Bank
Exam-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Occupational Therapy — Comprehensive Review
Edition 1 · July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales — NBCOT Exam Review 2
NBCOT · National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy Page 1
,NBCOT EXAM PRACTICE GUIDE INSTRUCTIONS & PRACTICE QUESTIONS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is. These questions are designed to reflect NBCOT exam style and content.
Category: NBCOT Exam — Occupational Therapy
1 Which of the following is an example of a norm-referenced evaluation?
A FIM
B PDMS-2
C Caregiver Report
D Observations
Why B is correct: The PDMS-2 (Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, 2nd Edition) is a
norm-referenced assessment that compares a child's performance to a standardized sample
of same-age peers. Criterion-referenced assessments (like FIM) measure against a set
standard, while non-standardized assessments include caregiver reports and observations.
A — The FIM (Functional Independence Measure) is a criterion-referenced assessment, not
norm-referenced.
C — Caregiver Report is a non-standardized assessment method.
D — Observations are a non-standardized assessment method.
, 2 What is the correct sequence of the OT process?
A Screening → Referral → Evaluation → Discharge → Intervention
B Referral → Screening → Evaluation → Intervention → Discharge
C Evaluation → Screening → Referral → Intervention → Discharge
D Referral → Evaluation → Screening → Intervention → Discharge
Why B is correct: The correct sequence of the OT process is: Referral → Screening →
Evaluation → Intervention → Discharge. This is the standard progression from initial referral
through to discharge planning.
A — Referral comes before screening, not after.
C — Evaluation occurs after screening, not before referral.
D — Screening occurs after referral and before evaluation.
3 When does the discharge process begin in occupational therapy?
A Day 1 (upon admission)
B After the initial evaluation
C When goals are met
D When the patient requests discharge
Why A is correct: The discharge process begins on Day 1 of the patient's admission.
Discharge planning is initiated at the start of care to ensure a smooth transition and optimal
outcomes.
B — Discharge planning begins before the initial evaluation is completed.
C — While goals being met is a reason for discharge, planning begins upon admission.
D — Patient request is one factor, but the discharge planning process begins at admission.
