Common Mistakes in Preparing for the NBCOT® Exam

Sharlene Zinman
Last Updated - September 15, 2026

Preparing for the NBCOT® exam isn’t about the time you spend studying, it’s about studying smarter.

After working with thousands of OT and OTA students, including many who came to Pass the OT after an unsuccessful attempt at passing this gruelling exam, we’ve seen a pattern of common mistakes students make. Students generally work extremely hard, but they tend to spend too much time on material they already understand while important weaknesses remain hidden. We’ve come to understand that you don’t need to study everything, and you shouldn’t. Instead, identify what you know, uncover your blind spots, and focus your study time where it will have the greatest impact.

Many of these students had already worked through well-known study resources, including AOTA® study prep, the NBCOT® study pack, Therapy Ed, the Purple Book, True Learn, OT Help Desk and the 450 Formula. These resources can be valuable. The pattern we see is not that students chose the wrong materials, it is that they worked through them without knowing which of their own weaknesses needed the most attention.

Sometimes, strengthening just a few overlooked areas can make the difference between passing and walking away with a 448 or 449.

Don’t study everything. Study what matters.
Study Less. Learn More.™

10 Reasons That May Affect Your NBCOT® Exam Success

1. Underestimating the True Cost of Failing, and Repeating the Same Methods That Didn’t Work Before

The financial cost of another NBCOT® exam extends far beyond the testing fee. Besides exam fees and additional study materials, the greater cost may be “lost earning potential”: delaying licensure and the ability to begin earning an income as a licensed OT or OTA.

Depending on the graduate’s circumstances and the length of the delay, the combined financial and opportunity costs of an unsuccessful attempt can potentially exceed $10,000.

The lesson is not to spend the most money. It is to choose preparation that gives you the structure, learning, practice, and feedback needed to be ready. If your previous approach did not work, identify what was missing: content knowledge, question analysis, clinical reasoning, structure, targeted practice, timed stamina, or individualized support, and change the plan.

Choose a study program whose incentives are aligned with your success. With the financial and emotional stakes of another attempt, the goal should be to help you become genuinely ready to pass, not simply keep you consuming more material.

2. Having False Confidence From Practice-Test Scores

A strong score on one practice test can feel reassuring, but your overall score can mask significant differences in your understanding across the various topics, and a practice test may play to your strengths without revealing weaknesses that could affect your performance on exam day.

Don’t just look at your percentage. Ask yourself: Which topics do I truly understand, and where are my blind spots?

Pass the OT’s comprehensive 100-question Overall Assessment provides a topic-by-topic breakdown of performance so students can identify specific areas that need more attention.

Topic-by-topic category breakdown of a Pass the OT assessment — *Example: A single overall score can hide dramatic differences in performance across individual study topics.*

Key takeaway: Do not let one good practice score create false confidence. Identify your knowledge gaps and address them before exam day.

A common pitfall: relying too heavily on an overall practice score

Official-style practice can be useful for becoming familiar with question format and gauging performance. The pitfall is allowing an overall practice score to create confidence without identifying the specific content gaps behind it. A score should be a starting point for deciding what to study next, not the end of the analysis.

A single overall score can also be misleading because different practice tests emphasize different topics. One version may play to your strengths while another exposes weaknesses, so a strong score does not necessarily show where you stand across all exam content.

The problem is even greater when you cannot review the questions you missed. Without the question, your answer, and the rationale, you may not know whether the issue was a knowledge gap, a missed clue, difficulty choosing between two plausible answers, or a clinical-reasoning error.

The goal isn’t simply to know your score. It’s to understand why you missed what you missed, identify the specific areas that need improvement, and use that information to determine exactly what to study next.

3. Thinking More Studying Equals More Learning

One of the most common things we hear from students who come to Pass the OT after an unsuccessful NBCOT® attempt is: “I studied 8+ hours a day for weeks. How did I still not pass?” The problem usually isn’t a lack of effort. It’s that more studying doesn’t necessarily mean more learning.

Extremely long study sessions can lead to fatigue, information overload, and too much time reviewing material you already know. Based on our experience with thousands of students, we generally recommend no more than about five focused hours per day, and for many students, less may be more effective.

The same problem occurs when students use several disconnected study-prep resources. It can feel thorough, but students often repeat material they already know while important blind spots remain. More resources can mean more studying, not necessarily more learning.

The problem isn’t necessarily using multiple study resources. It’s using them without a coordinated strategy that tells you what you need to work on, why you are struggling with it, and what you should study next.

A common pitfall: comprehensive but disconnected study-prep resources

Comprehensive review resources can be valuable, but the risk is treating them like a checklist and studying everything equally. Students may spend hours searching through material, or repeating strengths across several programs, while their blind spots remain untouched. Pass the OT first identifies what YOU need to improve, then prioritizes your Daily Study Plan around the concepts most likely to improve your performance.

That’s why we developed our Study Less. Learn More.™ approach. Pass the OT helps you identify your weakest areas first, avoid overstudying your strengths, focus on the highest-value resources, and continuously check your understanding so you know where to spend your time next.

Key takeaway: The goal isn’t to see how many hours you can study or how many resources you can use. It’s to make every hour you study count. Study Less. Learn More.™

4. Memorizing Answers Instead of Developing and Refining Clinical Reasoning

More practice questions don’t necessarily mean better preparation. If you’re simply relying on recognizing questions or memorizing answers rather than understanding the reasoning behind them, you may feel prepared without being ready to apply your knowledge to new scenarios.

NBCOT-style questions test more than recall. Often, two answer choices may seem correct, but only one is the BEST choice. Success requires recognizing what the question is asking, identifying key clues, weighing the options, and then choosing the answer that best fits the situation.

Learn from your mistakes. It is essential to understand why you chose an incorrect answer so that you can take the opportunity to learn by answering these four questions:

Why was my answer incorrect?
Why was the correct answer the BEST choice?
What clue in the question did I miss?
Is there a larger concept I do not fully understand?

Pass the OT allows every student to review their incorrect answers, with detailed written rationales and select video rationales, so that a wrong answer becomes a learning opportunity, not simply another point lost on a practice test.

Detailed answer review showing correct and incorrect answers with rationales — *Example: Detailed answer review helps students understand why an answer was incorrect and why another choice was better.*

A common pitfall: relying too heavily on question banks and practice-question books

Large question banks and question books can provide valuable practice, but volume alone does not guarantee deeper understanding. The risk is moving quickly from question to question, recognizing patterns, or memorizing answers without slowing down to determine why an answer was wrong, why another choice was BEST, and what underlying concept needs to be strengthened.

5. Trying to Study Everything Instead of Studying What Matters

One of the easiest ways to become overwhelmed is to treat every topic as equally important. By first identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you can structure your study time around your specific needs. Spending hours reviewing material you already understand takes time away from the areas where you have the greatest opportunity to improve.

Pass the OT uses your assessment results to help create a personalized Daily Study Plan. Students can select a plan based on the time available before their exam and follow a structured day-by-day path.

Pass the OT study plan timeline options — *Example: Pass the OT offers structured study-plan timelines and a clear day-by-day path through the material.*

Know what to study every day. Focus on what YOU need to improve.

Have 30 Days or Less Until Your NBCOT® Exam?

Have 30 days or less until your NBCOT® exam? It is not too late to improve the way you prepare.

Don’t panic. Prioritize.

When time is limited, you cannot afford to study everything equally. Use your assessment results to identify the areas you need to improve. Tailor your Daily Study Plan to those weaknesses, review your mistakes and rationales, practice under timed conditions, and seek targeted one-on-one support through optional tutoring when needed.

The goal is not to cram everything. It is to eliminate as many blind spots as possible and make every remaining study day count.

6. Studying Without a Clear and Structured Learning Process

Knowing which topic to study is only half the battle. How you work through these topics matters just as much.

Pass the OT structured process for progressing through a study topic — *Pass the OT’s structured process for progressing through a study topic.*

Pass the OT guides students through a structured learning process: begin by learning the core material through worksheets, reinforce this with recommended media, and check your understanding with Mini Quizzes. There are also additional resources available and optional private tutoring for individualized support.

This process helps students progress from initial learning to deeper understanding, and then from understanding to its application.

Using different learning formats can also strengthen understanding. Reading alone may not be enough for every concept, which is why Pass the OT connects core study materials with recommended videos, audios, visual resources, interactive learning activities, and other carefully selected materials tied to the topic being studied.

Recommended supplemental resources organized within a study topic — *Example: Recommended supplemental resources are organized within the topic so students do not have to search aimlessly for additional help.*

The goal is not to give you more material for the sake of having more material. It is to give you the right additional support when you’re still struggling to understand a concept.

A common pitfall: large video libraries without a targeted learning path

Large libraries of educational videos can be helpful for difficult concepts. The challenge is knowing which video you need and whether it addresses an actual weakness. Without diagnostics connected to the material, students may spend valuable time searching or watching content they already understand while true blind spots remain.

Pass the OT takes a targeted approach: assessment results identify what you need to improve, the Daily Study Plan tells you what to study and when, and supplemental resources are connected directly to the topic you are learning. The problem isn’t too many resources, it’s not knowing which ones YOU need.

7. Testing Yourself Without Letting Results Guide Your Studying

A quiz should do more than produce a score. It should tell you what to work on next.

Pass the OT includes study-topic Mini Quizzes so students can test their understanding after learning the material and use the results to determine which areas need more attention.

Pass the OT study topic mini quizzes — *Example: Study-topic Mini Quizzes help students check understanding before moving forward.*

Students can also select specific quizzes by category, allowing practice to become more focused instead of random.

A common pitfall: completing more questions without using the results to guide studying

Additional practice questions can provide useful exposure to NBCOT®-style content. The potential pitfall is focusing heavily on completing more questions without having those results connected to a broader learning system that determines what you should study next. If you repeatedly miss questions in a particular area, the next step should not simply be more questions. It should be identifying why you are missing them, strengthening the underlying concept, and then retesting your understanding.

Quiz filtering by topic and domain — *Example: Topic and domain quiz filtering allows students to target specific areas for additional practice.*

8. Ignoring the Pressure of a Timed Exam

Knowing the material is essential, but exam readiness also requires the ability to retrieve that knowledge, analyze difficult questions, make decisions, and stay focused while the clock is running.

Timed practice tests help students build stamina, improve pacing, manage time pressure, and become more comfortable making decisions under realistic testing conditions.

Pass the OT includes timed 50- and 100-question exams throughout the program, followed by a Final Exam structured to mirror the NBCOT® exam. This helps students combine knowledge, stamina, pacing, and decision-making skills, all of which are necessary for the exam.

Pass the OT timed module exams — *Example: Timed exams help students practice pacing, stamina, focus, and decision-making while the clock is running.*

A common question-bank trap

Large question banks with explanations, analytics, and supplemental content can be useful, but if preparation becomes mostly answering more questions, students may spend too little time relearning the underlying content they are missing.

Another pitfall is becoming accustomed to short question sets. Doing well on 10, 20, or 25 questions is very different from maintaining concentration, clinical reasoning, pacing, and decision-making throughout the NBCOT® exam. Without extended timed practice, students may be caught off guard by the stamina and time pressure required on exam day.

Pass the OT connects testing to a topic-by-topic learning process so you can move from a missed question back to the underlying concept, reinforce it, and retest. Timed module exams and the Final Exam progressively build stamina, pacing, focus, and decision-making.

Bring everything together before exam day

After working through the study plan and timed module exams, the Pass the OT Final Exam gives students an opportunity to complete a simulated exam under realistic testing conditions. The goal is not simply to earn another practice score. It is to test your overall understanding, stamina, pacing, time management, and clinical reasoning, and to identify any remaining weaknesses that deserve attention before exam day.

9. Skipping a Thorough Review of Wrong Answers, or Thinking You Understand When You Don’t

One of the biggest missed learning opportunities in exam preparation happens after you answer a question incorrectly. It is easy to read the correct answer and rationale and think, “I understand that now.” But recognizing the answer after it has been shown to you is very different from understanding the concept well enough to choose it independently on exam day.

This is especially important on the NBCOT® exam because students can often narrow a difficult question down to two reasonable answer choices. The challenge is determining which one is the BEST answer, and understanding exactly why it is better than the other seemingly correct choice.

When you miss a question, don’t simply ask, “What was the correct answer?” Ask: Why was my answer wrong? Why was the other answer better? What clue did I miss? What concept do I need to understand more deeply so I don’t make the same mistake again?

This is where the right tutor can be invaluable. An experienced NBCOT® tutor can work through your incorrect answers with you, ask you to explain your reasoning, identify where your thought process went off track, and make sure you truly understand the rationale before moving on.

Key takeaway: Don’t just review your wrong answers. Learn from them. If you repeatedly struggle to understand why one answer is better than another, targeted tutoring can turn those mistakes into some of your most valuable study opportunities.

10. Using Tutoring Without Connecting It to Your Actual Needs

Private tutoring can be especially valuable when the tutor specializes in the NBCOT® exam and your weak content areas. A strong tutor works through your incorrect answers with you, not simply giving the answer, but making sure you understand why one choice is BEST and why the other plausible choices are not.

An experienced NBCOT® tutor can recognize common reasoning errors, question patterns, and subtle differences between two answers that both appear correct. That exam-specific experience can be more valuable than generalist support.

Access to a student’s scores and performance history is helpful because it allows the tutor to identify patterns and weak areas more efficiently. But this is secondary to the tutor’s ability to examine your reasoning, uncover where your thought process went off track, and make sure you can apply the rationale to a different question on exam day.

Whenever possible, choose a tutor who understands this exam deeply and has particular strength in the areas where YOU need the most help.

A common pitfall: generalist tutoring, or tutoring disconnected from your actual needs

Faculty members and generalist tutors can be excellent educators. The limitation is that they may not work with NBCOT® questions regularly, specialize in your weak content area, or connect directly to the questions and rationales you are using. When two answers both seem correct, exam-specific expertise and content specialization matter.

If you score under 75% on a timed module exam, we highly recommend that you work with our private tutors.

The Goal Isn’t to Study Everything. It’s to Be Ready.

Passing the NBCOT® exam is not about collecting the most study resources or answering the greatest number of practice questions.

It is about knowing what you need to improve, understanding the material deeply enough to apply it, learning from your mistakes, and being able to perform when the clock is running.

Whether your exam is less than 30 days away or an entire year away, Pass the OT has a solution designed to help you prepare.

Know what to study every day.
Identify and improve your blind spots.
Develop your clinical reasoning.
Practice under pressure.
Walk into exam day prepared.

Study Less. Learn More.™

Ready to Turn Your Weaknesses Into a Study Plan?

Start your free trial and get our comprehensive assessment, a personalized Daily Study Plan built from your own results, targeted learning resources, detailed written and select video rationales, timed practice exams, a Final Exam, and optional private tutoring.

Not ready to enroll? Take the free 25-question Mini Assessment and see where you stand →

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.

How does Pass the OT help students focus on the most important material?

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.

What makes Pass the OT different from other study programs?

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

How can I tell if I’m truly ready to take the NBCOT® exam?

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.

What happens if I don’t pass the NBCOT® exam after using Pass the OT?

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

What is the financial impact of failing the NBCOT® exam?

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

How do I get started with Pass the OT?

You can choose from three flexible pricing options:

Annual subscription: $219
Weekly access: $24.99 per week (cancel anytime)
Risk-Free Trial: 7 days

Can I get personalized support if I need extra help?

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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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I felt so lost studying for the exam, I study for a month just on a plan I made on my own I was using TrueLearn but felt tlike it wasnt really helping me, questions felt so complicated compared to the ones on the NBCOT study pack. I heard of PassTheOT and though you know what let me try it for 2 weeks and I got it 2 weeks before emy exam. I LOVED it, I regretted not getting in sooner, they create a study plan for you, they have all the key information that can pop up on the exam as well as more detail info. they give you assessments to take to see where you are, they give you key topics to study, study guides, reccomendation videos you can see through youtube and the main thing that I think helped me pass was the GROUP CALLs. EMMA thank you , she was such an amazaing tutor I would watch her group calls and she just was IT. I give her so much credit for me passing. PLEASE USE IT, USE PASSTHEOT!!!!. GET IT
  
 
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 9 January 2026
 
 
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 12 October 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Yayyy I passed the NBCOT official a licensed occupational therapist!! Pass The OT really helped me a lot. I got a 470! I did four tutoring sessions and also took the Intensive Course, which helped me so much. The course/ working with tutors both really teach you how to think through and answer the questions effectively. I’d recommend if you haven’t passed previously do private tutoring at least 1-2 sessions because for me it changed how I think and answer questions. The intensive course was really  awesome. During it they went through questions and did a brief review of each topic was amazing for me right before the exam. Stephanie from Pass The OT chat also helped me figure out where to focus my studying and how to use the program in the best way possible, I appreciate that she always made time to answer my questions. She helped me understand how to use my time effectively.  I started with the assessment, then spent the next two weeks focusing on my weak areas with the tutors, and finished with the Intensive Course I also wanted to add that I’ve used many other sources (literally every single source you can think of for the NBCOT ) I’ve used for this exam but this was what I needed, I wish I had used it earlier on in my studying I’m sure I would have passed sooner. I worked with tutors Jordon, Cory, and Tucker  they were all amazing and supportive! I felt like it also gave me so much more confidence going in to take it again. I’m so grateful for Pass The OT for helping me finally reach my goal, thank you!
  
 
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 28 September 2025
 
 
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   Kaila Mangrum 
 27 September 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Pass the OT platform and team I was able to report my passing NBCOT score yesterday. After two unsuccessful attempts I found Pass the OT and have to send a huge thank you to the whole Pass the OT staff. A special thank you to my private tutor Jessica C. She was so patient and efficient each session. I increased my score 55 points!!! From 436 to a 491 and the third time really was a charm. They believed in me as well as my close friends and family even when I didn’t believe in myself after the first two exam attempts. I am forever grateful.
  
 
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   Jenna Payne 
 22 September 2025
 
 
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   Richard Tiffany 
 15 September 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved the pass the OT program! It helped me through my school work, clinical experiences and also studying up until my test day. I really loved the feedback I would get on the quizzes and tests; and the group calls are wonderful! It’s basically a free tutoring session! I’m so grateful my school paid for my membership and I can proudly say I PASSED MY EXAM ON MY FIRST ATTEMPT!
  
 
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   Riley Groves 
 13 September 2025
 
 
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 12 September 2025
 
 
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 2 September 2025
 
 
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 31 August 2025
 
 
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   Pooja Patel 
 27 August 2025
 
 
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   Tiffanie Weddington 
 22 August 2025
 
 
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   JANVI PANCHAL 
 29 July 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend PASS OT. The modules are systematically organized and easy to understand, which made studying manageable. I joined weekly group calls and had access to 100+ recorded sessions across major topics—huge for reviewing on my schedule. A special thank‑you to Stephanie and Sharlene for their incredible support. I went through anxiety and burnout while preparing, and they consistently checked in, answered questions, and kept me on track. PASS OT turned preparation into an interactive, encouraging experience and became the foundation of my study plan. I genuinely enjoyed studying and felt supported the whole time—and I’m confident it will help you succeed your exam.
  
 
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   Quang Le 
 13 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pass the OT really helped me to push pass the 450 mark on the NBCOT. The study guides, video lectures, and practice quizzes and exams were all super helpful and contributed greatly to my success. Could not recommend them enough. Officially Dr. Le, OTR/L
  
 
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   Tiffany Hibbs 
 8 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is by far the best exam prep for a COTA that I have found and I have paid for several including the NBCOT study pack and The Purple Book 3rd Edition. It tells you exactly what categories and populations you are weakest in, gives you concise material in those areas including audio, video, pictures and text for all types of learners. Thank you!!
  
 
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   Gifty Kwofie 
 5 June 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I will say I had the opportunity to work with amazing tutors "Dr. Kate and Dr. Tucker" and I am deeply grateful to them and to passtheot for their renowned subjects and vast knowledge through videos and vivid explanation so will say thank you. Again thank you Dr. Kate
  
 
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   Clarece Jansen 
 29 May 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Made such a difference using this resource. The material is very detail oriented but broken down into categories that makes the information easy to understand, learn, and retain. Take advantage of private tutoring! Erika was the best!
  
 
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   Salem A. 
 22 May 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After struggling with passing the NBCOT, I finally decided to use PassTheOT, which I had put off due to the price and not knowing if it was worth it. I found PTOT to be very holistic in structure with content, highlighted charts, topic videos, practice questions, podcasts, tutoring, and more! I had used other good resources for content and even questions, BUT none told me how to approach a question clearly. This was my continued struggle and the recorded group calls (with Cory especially), plus private tutoring (with Cory and Landis), really enlightened me as to how I needed to approach these questions. Stephanie also reached out to encourage me and highlight my weaker subjects to work on. Additionally, because I was so nervous for my exam, I bought The Final Countdown course with Jessica C. and loved how it summarized a lot of the information I had been studying. She further emphasized the approach (learned from using the program) I had been practicing with questions and clarified any doubts. Definitely, invest in a good study program from the start even if it's a financial sacrifice, or you risk spending way more with re-testing and buying more resources.  Again, I used a lot of resources that were helpful but not enough for my struggles or to help me pass, PTOT was the most holistic. When I couldn't read another word on the screen, I loved hearing the recorded group calls and podcasts. I dare say that if you have money for one resource only, use it on PTOT but use it thoroughly to rip the full benefits. I thank God I found this program, God bless the team and continue doing a great job!
  
 
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   Katy Crochet 
 14 May 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I believe that having a private tutoring session with Kate is what mainly helped me to pass on my third try. She took the time to understand where I was struggling and help me get over the barriers. I have already begun recommending Pass the OT to future graduates! It’s worth every dollar spent.
  
 
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   Fred1212 
 24 April 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoyed using the PassTheOT program while studying for the NBCOT. I learned so much throughout the process. I’m especially thankful for my tutor, Jessica as her tutoring helped me make a 45-point jump in my score and really boosted my confidence
  
 
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   Rudy Cedillo 
 24 April 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The visuals, group tutoring and audio recordings are very helpful in understand your strengths and weaknesses. Individual tutoring has been a game changer! Highly recommend to help you pass the NBCOT exam!
  
 
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   Shaniya 
 14 April 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am please with Pass  the OT platform! The modules are well organized with detailed charts and access to pre-recorded zoom discussions with different topics! The assessments and quizzes are great for preparation for the NBCOT as well. 10/10 highly recommend!
  
 
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   Mushkie Raskin 
 10 April 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came across Pass the OT after I didn’t pass the exam on my initial try. I had given it my all and I was extremely disappointed. Pass the OT gave me a clear sense of where I was, highlighted strengths and weakness, and gave me a clear study plan. I had a couple of sessions with Dr Kate (huge shout out!) and she was calming, supportive and honest. Within a month of joining, I took the exam a second time and passed! Hugely grateful, massively relieved and good luck to everyone studying. You’ve got this!
  
 
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   Menesis Peg 
 28 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love the charts! So much easier to study than reading a book!
  
 
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   Joseph Losk 
 25 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I could write my whole story, but I will just say Pass the OT is great. Their study guides are comprehensive, the topic videos are great, and the tutors are knowledgeable with content, but also with question breakdown. If you follow Pass the OT guidelines you will pass your NBCOT.
  
 
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   Clancy Hesseltine 
 21 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pass the OT was truly a game changer for me. I worked with tutors Kate, Jess, and Tucker, all of whom were incredible. Sharlene in the Live Chat was also outstanding—her support was incredibly helpful. What sets Pass the OT’s live chat apart is that it’s not an automated service; you're talking to a real person, and Sharlene went above and beyond, even checking in with me via email. Stephanie was another amazing source of support, offering encouragement, answering my questions, and helping me find the right content. Pass the OT is unmatched. Their videos and pre/post tests were essential in helping me connect my visual and auditory learning styles, which ultimately helped me pass the exam on my fourth attempt with a score of 468. I’ll never stop recommending Pass the OT to anyone preparing for the NBCOT boards. Thanks to Pass the OT, my dream of becoming a board-certified occupational therapist has come true.
  
 
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   Sydney Beckles 
 13 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pass The OT is a great study program! However you study best, Pass The OT can offer it. Whether that be studying by reading, studying by watching videos, studying by being quizzed or studying with private tutors. This program offers it all. My first score was a 423 and I passed after using this program with a 469. Highly recommended Pass The OT.
  
 
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   Alexandra Carlson 
 10 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have loved using pass the OT. It helped improve my score and the content was extremely relevant to what’s going to be on the exam! Good luck everyone taking the NBCOT in general!
  
 
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   emma sawyers 
 5 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I tried a lot of resources for my first attempt on the exam. I then found PasstheOT. Between the recorded lectures and the private tutoring sessions, they are the reason I passed my exam. I had Kate as my tutor for 6 sessions, and she was amazing. I felt more prepared than I ever had after my sessions with her. I would recommend this to anyone, no matter what attempt they are on for their exam!
  
 
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   Shalyn Lackey 
 4 March 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This helped me pass my exam the first time and feel more confident! The videos were super helpful and broke things down well :)
  
 
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   Emma Brown 
 27 February 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I started with this resource as a first time test taker and loved the set up! This resource truly caters to all different types of learners. Stephanie truly made it personal by reaching out me multiple times throughout my studying to check in and help with anything I needed. With the last few weeks I used Jessica as a tutor and she exponentially increased my confidence and made me believe in myself. I do not think I would have passed the exam without this resource!
  
 
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   Jordan Manlove 
 26 February 2025
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PasstheOT was an essential resource in helping me pass my NBCOT exam. The structured study plan, clear explanations, and helpful practice questions kept me on track and built my confidence. The group calls recordings and breakdown of difficult topics made studying more manageable. I scored way higher than I thought with a 492! Stephanie personally reached out to help me focus my study schedule during the final week of preparation, and I really appreciated the personal concern. I highly recommend it to anyone preparing for the exam!
  
 
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   Jordon DeWinkler 
 14 December 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Failed the test despite studying lots but Pass the OT breaks down every topic and has great quizzes and answer rationales! They also have amazing tutors! I passed because of them!
  
 
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   Clare Justice 
 9 December 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PasstheOT was so helpful for me in passing the NBCOT. I spent 10 weeks using the program and my score went up 53 points. I owe so much of this improvement to my tutor Megan! She was so helpful in helping me gain the confidence in myself and that I truly knew the material, I just needed to slow down and stay calm. I highly recommend using PasstheOT and scheduling tutoring sessions with Megan along with watching her recorded lectures!
  
 
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   Madelyn Little 
 23 November 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recently passed on my second attempt on the NBCOT exam after failing my first try! I made a 45 point jump from my first attempt.  I couldn’t have done it without Pass the OT! It was the main resource I used and I loved how organized the information was and all the practice questions you have access to!
  
 
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   Halli Motyka 
 22 November 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As someone who has struggled taking the test multiple times. I really suggest this program! Not only did it help me understand what the question was asking but also helped me understand the context a whole lot better! The tutors are wonderful!! I finally passed my exam after being enrolled in pass the OT in 5 weeks!
  
 
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   Kenzie Proctor 
 11 November 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hi my name is Kenzie. I just recently passed on my 8th try with a 467. I used Pass The OT for content. I used many resources for questions. Please do not give up on your dreams. I know it will be a bumpy ride but it’s worth the wait!
  
 
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   Jim Griesser 
 29 October 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We are the proud parents of a newly Certified OTA! Knowing that tests like these can be challenging, we decided to commit to the “Pass the OT” program early-on and we’re thankful that we did! Having the program’s structure and its resources has been instrumental in our daughter’s success!All of the tutors are experienced and supportive! In fact, we found the entire team to be very sympathetic and understanding along the way! It was clear to us that they genuinely cared and were rooting for our daughter’s success! Our daughter persevered despite having to take the exam a few times. It’s great to have the exam completed and we appreciate all of the encouragement! Thank you to the entire “Pass the OT” team!
  
 
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   Grace Heim 
 29 October 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I failed twice and then Pass the OT helped me to pass on my third try! Very organized and easy to use. I would highly recommend!
  
 
 
  
 
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