COTA Test Dates and Scheduling

The COTA exam has no fixed testing windows. After NBCOT issues your Authorization to Test (ATT), you can choose an available appointment at a Pearson VUE center.

NBCOT offers daily appointments at hundreds of centers. Your ATT is valid for 90 days, so check its dates before booking.

Use MyNBCOT to reach Pearson VUE scheduling after you receive your ATT. Follow your ATT instructions to select an available center, date, and time.

Book at least one day ahead. Same-day booking is unavailable. If you have approved testing accommodations, use the scheduling instructions in your Approval Notice.

You can schedule once NBCOT approves your application and sends your Authorization to Test (ATT), usually within three business days of approval. The ATT lasts 90 days, so your exam date must fall inside that window.

You must book at least one day ahead. Same-day appointments are not available. NBCOT does not publish how quickly appointments fill, so book as soon as you have your ATT, especially if you want a certain test center or date.

NBCOT also advises checking its scoring calendar before you pick a date, because your score comes out on the next release date you qualify for. See our COTA Scores and Pass Rates page for the release dates.

Change or cancel through Pearson VUE in MyNBCOT at least 48 hours before your appointment. Check the appointment time before calculating your deadline.

After a late change or no-show, you need an ATT reissue after the appointment date. The reissue costs $115.

NBCOT releases results on its published scoring calendar. You must take the COTA exam at least three days before a selected release to qualify for that release. DVF candidates also need an approved final transcript.

With program approval, the Degree Verification Form (DVF) permits early testing. Under the standard route, you must complete all degree and graduation requirements, including Level I and Level II fieldwork.

After program-director approval, the registrar submits the DVF within six months of anticipated graduation and in the same calendar year. NBCOT holds results until it receives your final transcript.

Accredited military OTA students can request a DVF after coursework, Level I fieldwork, and their first Level II rotation. Other DVF policy requirements still apply.

Confirm your document status before setting a target date. Transcript review can take up to 10 business days and can take longer during busy periods.

Use practice questions to identify topics that need review. Give yourself time to practice both COTA exam item types under timed conditions. Before booking near year-end, check the testing pause and score-release calendar.