Exam Content
Beginning January 2, 2024, all OTR and COTA certification exams will be based on the content outlines resulting from the 2022 practice analyses.
Exam Format
You can review the tutorials for the 2024 exams using the links below.
Beginning January 2, 2024, the OTR exam will consist of 180 items. These items will be a mix of three- and four-option single-response multiple-choice items and six-option multi-select scenario sets. The time allotted for candidates to complete the exam is still 4 hours.
There is no change to the item types on the COTA exam in 2024. The COTA exam includes single-response multiple-choice and six-option multi-select items.
We are committed to developing practice-relevant exams that meet high standards of accessibility. As part of this commitment, we are transitioning CST items to scenario sets on the OTR exam beginning January 2, 2024. This transition aligns with our accessibility initiatives and enables us to assess critical knowledge for entry-level practice.
As of January 2, 2024, the OTR exam will consist of single-response multiple-choice items and scenario sets. Scenario sets assess the same knowledge as CSTs and include an opening scene followed by four related items. Scenario sets are formatted to offer improved accessibility for testing accommodations.
No, there are no feedback statements. The scenario sets contain all the information that a candidate needs to answer the questions.
Yes. Candidates will be instructed to mark the three best choices for each item in the scenario set. Answers can be changed.
Yes, scenario items can be flagged for review, and a candidate can return to these items at any point before submitting their exam.
No. Beginning January 2, 2024, the scenario sets will be interspersed throughout the exam in the same section as the multiple-choice items.
As of January 2, 2024, the OTR exam will have 180 test items consisting of three- and four-option single-response multiple-choice items and six-option multi-select scenario sets. There are no predetermined item type percentages across the OTR exams. However, all exam forms meet the domain-level percentages outlined in the current exam content outline, available on nbcot.org: www.nbcot.org/exam-info/exam-outline
Each scenario set will consist of an opening scene followed by four related multi-select items. Each multi-select item will include a question stem and six response options, three of which are correct and three of which are incorrect. There will be a statement instructing candidates to select the three best choices.
Yes. NBCOT study tools have been updated and are built using the style of questions and the exam content outline for 2024. Learn more at www.nbcot.org/study-tools.
Testing Administration
Effective January 2, 2024, the OTR and COTA exams will be administered through Pearson VUE. Our exams will no longer be available through Prometric after December 18, 2023.
Our partnership with Pearson VUE offers a more robust accommodations platform to support the testing accommodations needs of our candidates.
Beginning October 4, 2023, if you wish to schedule your exam date in 2024, you will do so with Pearson VUE through your MyNBCOT account.
(Note: Your eligibility dates on your ATT letter must extend into 2024 for this option to be available to you.)
If you have an exam scheduled on or before December 18, 2023, then no action is required.
First, you must cancel your appointment with Prometric. You will then need to reissue your ATT letter before you schedule with Pearson VUE. Scheduling/rescheduling instructions can be found in your MyNBCOT account.
(Note: Your ATT letter can only be reissued if your exam application has not expired.)
All records and testing history are the property of NBCOT, and this information will remain with us.
Review the retake information in the exam handbook. After reapplying, your new ATT letter will provide information on how to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE.
If you have been issued an ATT letter with eligibility dates in both 2023 and 2024, your approved TA will be met by either vendor with whom you schedule.
If you have preapproved TA and are submitting a new exam application, answer the TA questions as prompted in the application, and you will be contacted if additional information is needed.
All preapproved TA candidates submitting a new application or reissuing their ATT letter after October 4, 2023, will be required to accept a new Testing Accommodations Approval Notice before receiving their ATT letter. An email will be sent prompting preapproved candidates to review and accept the updated notice in their MyNBCOT account.
Email us at accommodations@nbcot.org with specific questions relating to TA.
Need Additional Information?
Check back on this page frequently as we will be updating this list of FAQs or email us at info@nbcot.org.