Considering transferring from another state to Illoins?  Need to obtain licensure in Illinois?  Here are some frequently asked questions.

Q:        What requirements do I need to have before I can work in IL as an OT?

A: Any person seeking licensure as a registered occupational therapist shall file an application with the Department, on forms supplied by the Department, along with the following:

1) Certification that the applicant has completed an approved program of occupational therapy as set forth in Section 1315.100;

2) Verification of the successful completion of the Certification Examination for Occupational Therapist, Registered, which shall be received directly from the designated testing service;

3) A complete work history since graduation from an occupational therapy program;  

4) Verification of employment and Department approval to sit for the examination if an applicant wishes to practice prior to passing the examination pursuant to Section 3(6) of the Act;  

5) The required fee set forth in Section 1315.130(a) of this Part; and  

6) Certification, on forms provided by the Department, from the jurisdiction in which the applicant was originally licensed and is currently licensed, if applicable, stating:

A) The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including the date of the original issuance of the license;

B) A description of the examination in that jurisdiction; and

C) Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending.

Q:        What requirements do I need to have before I can work in IL as an OT Assistant?

A: Any person seeking licensure as a certified occupational therapy assistant shall file an application with the Department, on forms supplied by the Department, along with the following:

1) Certification that the applicant has completed an approved program of occupational therapy;

2) Verification of the successful completion of the Certification Examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants, which shall be received directly from the designated testing service;

3) A complete work history since completion of education as an occupational therapy assistant;

4) Verification of employment and Department approval to sit for the examination if an applicant wishes to practice prior to passing the examination pursuant to Section 3(6) of the Act;

5) The required fee set forth in Section 1315.130(a) of this Part; and

6) Certification, on forms provided by the Department, from the jurisdiction in which the applicant was originally licensed and is currently licensed, if applicable, stating:

A) The time during which the applicant was licensed in that jurisdiction, including the date of the original issuance of the license;  

B)  A description of the examination in that jurisdiction; and

C) Whether the file on the applicant contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending.

Q: Will I need to provide additional documentation?

A: When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the course work or experience is questioned by the Department or the Illinois Occupational Therapy Board (the Board) because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given or a need for clarification, the applicant seeking licensure shall be requested to:

 1) Provide such information as may be necessary; and/or

 2) Appear for an interview before the Board to explain such relevance or sufficiency, clarify information, or clear up any discrepancies or conflicts in information.

Q: What do I need to do to practice OT if I have not practiced recently?

A: An applicant for licensure whose examination scores are more than 5 years old and who is not actively practicing as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant shall be required to successfully complete the examination before the Department may issue a license.

Q: As a new graduate, is it ok for me to practice before I take the NBCOT exam?

A:  If the applicant has been determined eligible for licensure except for passing of the examination, the applicant shall be issued a letter of authorization which allows him/her to practice under supervision in accordance with Section 3(6) of the Act.  Supervision means the presence of the licensed occupational therapist on site at least 75% of the employee's work hours.  The applicant shall not begin practice as an occupational therapist or occupational therapist assistant, license pending, until the letter of authorization is received from the Department or until the employer verifies that the application is on file with the Department.