Common Mistakes in Preparing for the NBCOT® Exam

Common Mistakes in Preparing for the NBCOT Exam

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Drawing from our extensive experience assisting students who have faced challenges passing the NBCOT® exam, we have identified common mistakes made by those who have not succeeded, despite using various study resources such as AOTA® study prep, NBCOT® study pack, Therapy Ed, the Purple Book, True Learn, OT Help Desk, and the 450 Formula.

1. Overwhelmed by Study Material

Our program begins with a timed 100- or 200-question assessment test, based on your preference. After completing the exam, you can review all your answers along with detailed explanations. Additionally, you will receive a color-coded assessment that corresponds to the 28 essential study topics on the NBCOT® exam. This assessment will direct you to the relevant material in our eight study modules.

2. Lack of Focus

Our study material highlights the most essential topics that frequently appear on the NBCOT® exam, ensuring that you focus on what matters most rather than getting lost in excessive content.

3. Poor Comprehension of Study Material

At Pass the OT, we carefully curate our study material to align with the most commonly tested topics on the NBCOT® exam. Our content is organized into eight modules, featuring:

  • Clear, easy-to-understand charts with text-to-speech functionality
  • Proprietary videos covering key topics
  • Interactive games to improve comprehension and retention

4. Mismatched Learning Style

Students with ADHD, learning disabilities, or those who speak English as a second language often struggle with traditional study methods that rely heavily on reading. Pass the OT provides multiple learning formats, including:

  • Video lessons
  • Audio recordings
  • Highlighted study charts with audio playback
  • Over 134 hours of prerecorded group tutoring sessions
  • Accommodation quizzes for students who require special testing adjustments

These resources help ensure that all students can prepare effectively, regardless of their preferred learning style.

5. Memorization Over Understanding

While some aspects of the NBCOT® exam, such as age norms, require memorization, true success comes from understanding the material. Pass the OT supports comprehension through multimodal learning strategies. The exam does not just test knowledge; it assesses the ability to:

  • Break down and understand question prompts
  • Apply clinical reasoning
  • Analyze multiple-choice answers effectively

Many students find that our weekly live group tutoring sessions help them grasp challenging concepts, learn question-dissecting techniques, reinforce weak areas, and develop new study strategies. These sessions are recorded so students can access them at their convenience.

6. Blind Spots in Complex Material

Even after hours of studying, some subjects remain difficult for many students. Common problem areas include:

  • Neurological conditions
  • Frames of reference
  • Splinting
  • Pediatric development
  • Group dynamics

Working with a private tutor from Pass the OT can help in several ways:

  • Clarifying complex study material
  • Enhancing critical thinking skills
  • Teaching strategies for breaking down questions
  • Managing test-taking anxiety
  • Determining the best time to take the exam
  • Learning how to differentiate between similar answer choices

Students can schedule tutoring sessions at their convenience through our online booking system. Our “Tutor Match” feature also helps connect students with the tutor best suited to their individual needs.

7. Misleading Test Scores

Unlike other study programs that do not allow students to review incorrect answers, Pass the OT provides:

  • Full access to review all incorrect, correct, and unanswered questions at any time
  • A scoring system that shows how final exam results correlate with actual NBCOT® exam performance

8. Underestimating the Costs of Not Passing

Many OT and OTA students do not fully consider the financial consequences of failing the exam. The total cost of failure can exceed $10,000 per attempt, factoring in:

  • Testing fees, which amount to approximately $1,100
  • Loss of at least two months of salary due to delayed certification
  • Additional study time and resources

Beyond financial loss, failing the exam can take an emotional toll, leading to self-doubt, decreased confidence, and lower performance on future attempts.

9. Repeating Ineffective Study Methods

Repeating unsuccessful study strategies often results in continued poor performance. The key to passing the NBCOT® exam is using a structured and proven system.

Pass the OT offers a comprehensive program that has helped thousands of students succeed. To demonstrate our commitment:

  • If you use our program for at least eight weeks, we will provide access at no cost until you pass.
  • If you do not pass, we offer a $40 discount on a private tutoring session to ensure you receive additional support.

Many students fail due to poor guidance and ineffective study resources. Our goal at Pass the OT is to eliminate this hardship by offering structured and effective study solutions.

Join Our Interactive Study Prep Course for the NBCOT® Exam

To help students overcome these challenges, we now offer access to our Interactive Study Prep Course for the NBCOT® Exam, the same program that has significantly improved passing rates for more than 60 OT and OTA program director partners.

Flexible Pricing Options

  • Annual subscription – $249
  • Weekly access – $19.99 per week (cancel anytime)
  • Risk-Free Trial – 7 days

Pass the OT Success Guarantee

Once you have used our program for eight weeks, you will receive unlimited access at no cost until you pass. Additionally, if you do not pass, we offer a 25% discount on a private tutoring session.

Enroll now to start preparing for the NBCOT® exam and take the next step toward becoming a licensed occupational therapist.

FAQ

Why do students struggle to pass the NBCOT® exam, even after using other study programs?

Many students struggle because they feel overwhelmed by study material, lack focus on key topics, or rely too much on memorization instead of understanding. Others may have mismatched learning styles that make traditional study methods ineffective. Pass the OT is designed to help students overcome these challenges through structured, interactive, and personalized study plans.

Our program provides a color-coded assessment that breaks down the 28 essential study topics on the NBCOT® exam. This helps students identify their weak areas and study efficiently, rather than spending time on unnecessary content.

Unlike other programs, Pass the OT offers:

  • Interactive learning options, including video lessons, audio recordings, and group tutoring
  • Comprehensive tracking tools, so students know exactly where they stand
  • A structured system that emphasizes understanding over memorization
  • Personalized tutoring and study plans to ensure every student gets the help they need

If you score below 70% on timed module exams or under 75% on the final exam, it may indicate that more review is needed. Pass the OT provides assessment quizzes and scoring breakdowns to help students track their progress. We strongly recommend taking our 200-question final exam at least seven days before your actual test date to determine readiness.

We are committed to student success. If you have used our program for at least eight weeks and do not pass, you will:

  • Continue receiving access to the program at no additional cost until you pass
  • Be eligible for a $40 discount on a private tutoring session to strengthen weak areas

Failing the exam can cost students over $10,000 per attempt, including:

  • $1,100 in exam fees
  • At least two months of lost salary due to delayed certification
  • Additional costs for extended study time and resources

You can choose from three flexible pricing options:

  • Annual subscription: $219
  • Weekly access: $19.99 per week (cancel anytime)
  • Risk-Free Trial: 7 days

Absolutely! Pass the OT offers:

  • Live group tutoring sessions via Zoom
  • 134+ hours of prerecorded group calls
  • Private tutoring sessions at a discounted rate

Our Tutor Match feature also helps students find the best tutor for their needs.

Unlock Access with a 5-Day Risk-Free Trial!

By enrolling in our program, you can access the full assessment test to see where you stand, and all content to get a feel for the program.

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