The Emotional Journey to Becoming an OTR®/L or COTA®
Sitting for the NBCOT® exam is something many people envision from the start of their OT journey. Students place a lot of importance on this event, which often means it comes along with a lot of pressure. The NBCOT® exam can certainly be anxiety-inducing, as it’s the last major step before you begin practicing as an OT or OTA and it’s also the culmination of all the hard work you put in during OT school. Passing this exam signifies all you have accomplished, which is a milestone viewed positively by patients, other OTs/OTAs, and the healthcare industry as a whole.
With all we just mentioned on the line, it’s understandable that preparing for the NBCOT® exam takes quite the emotional toll. Many people are burdened by fear of failure, wavering levels of motivation, and trying to balance other areas of their lives while getting enough study time in. It’s important to stay resolute and persevere even if things don’t go as planned the first time.
Pass the OT has helped thousands of soon-to-be OTs/OTAs as they navigate the transition from student to exam taker to practicing therapist. We have many success stories from people who have used our program. In this article, we will share one of those stories with you, so you can see our results in action.
Jordan’s Journey – From 37% to 492
How One Student Transformed His Score in Just 6 Weeks
Meet Jordan – a first-time test taker who initially scored 37% on his practice tests.
As you can see, there are many areas flagged in red, which leaves a lot of room for improvement. Pass the OT used this information to create a customized 4-week study plan. This plan was broken down week-by-week and evenly distributed areas of need across the entire four weeks. By taking this approach, Pass the OT not only addressed areas that Jordan needed help with, but also assisted in maintaining his knowledge in the areas where he received a passing score. This well-rounded approach helped him meet his goals. Before he knew it, he was ready to (re-)enter test-taking mode, use all the tools and knowledge he gained, and take the NBCOT® exam for a second time.
Our system for coaching Jordan (and other users) offers a consistent focus on five key steps:
Assess → Address → Test → Master → Refine
In the end, he scored 79.2% on his last Pass the OT practice test and – soon after – he received a 492 on the actual NBCOT® exam!
Here is what Jordan had to say about his experience with Pass the OT:
“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!” Jordan Manlove
Inside the Pass the OT Study Method
A Proven 5-Step System Designed for Busy OT/OTA Students
In short, this is how our system works:
Assess
We identify weak areas via a battery of diagnostic tests that tell us where someone’s strengths and areas of need lie.
Address
This information is then used to develop a targeted plan that addresses those topics in order of weakest to strongest. We have a variety of content that caters to each person’s unique learning needs.
Test
Users take practice exams to reinforce learning along the way. These are closely aligned with the actual NBCOT® exam to adequately prepare you for the next step.
Master
Join group tutoring sessions, use various learning activities, and revisit challenging topics as much as is needed to achieve mastery of the material.
Refine
Take mini quizzes to fine-tune your understanding of the content
SUCCESS
This structure was essential in helping Jordan feel confident about taking the test and getting the results he wanted. We’ve gotten ample feedback from others echoing this same sentiment, so we are assured Pass the OT’s program will work for anyone preparing for the NCBOT® exam. That means you, too!
What Real Success Feels Like
The Emotional High of Passing on the First Try
There is no better feeling than learning you’ve done well on something you’ve worked so hard at. This makes the process of reading your NBCOT® exam score a highly emotional experience. Oftentimes, people feel compelled to share these success stories with us, as Pass the OT plays such a central role in the NCBOT® test-taking journey for many students.
Jordan was similarly thrilled to receive his results. In fact, he landed a 492, which is quite a bit higher than the passing score and even higher than he thought he would get! Jordan – and many other students – felt strongly that the real-world, authentic support they received from Pass the OT made a critical difference for them. Users frequently report that Stephanie reaching out to them made for a much more personal experience than they’ve seen with other programs. In some cases, users may be given a mountain of material to cull through on their own, which can make them feel alone and overwhelmed. But that’s not the key to success at Pass the OT.
Why Pass the OT Works
A Prep Program that Delivers Results – Not Just Resources
Finding a good program is more than looking at their reviews. The numbers are also an important part of an OT exam prep program’s track record. In our tenure at Pass the OT, we have:
- Coached over 6,600 students
- Created more than 70 partnerships with OT and OTA schools
- Implemented two distinct tracks: the first-time program for those making their initial exam attempt and the bounce-back program (for repeat test takers)
- Developed a ‘pass guarantee’ to secure positive results for every student
- Granted student access to our archives with 100 group call recordings
- Carved out personalized tutoring and highly flexible study paths to meet the needs of a variety of learners
It’s no coincidence that Jordan succeeded after enlisting with Pass the OT. It takes more than just studying to pass the NBCOT® exam, you need the proper support. And that’s exactly what we’ve created for so many students looking to launch their career and begin working as an OT/OTA.
How Schools Can Get Involved
Helping More Students Like Jordan Pass the NBCOT®
Schools can take the first step by learning more about Pass the OT today! We offer risk-free subscription plans for schools – you’ll only pay if the student passes their exam, plus they will have continued access until they reach that milestone!
At Pass the OT, our program is completely aligned with ACOTE standards. So you can rest assured that we are complementing all of the efforts educators have put into preparing your students for the exam. On top of that, it will improve first-time pass rates, which is an important marker of success for any OT or OTA program!
Your Story Could Be Next
Start Your Journey with Confidence
If you remember one thing from this article, it’s that starting strong is possible no matter what step you’re at now. Whether you’re a first-time test taker or are hoping to shift your approach for future attempts, it’s crucial to have the right support in place. Pass the OT offers all that and more. Our program is designed to mold to your needs, so you should feel confident giving your all and knowing that we are matching your energy to make you a success!
For more information, explore more of our blog or check out other user reviews. If you’re already ready to make the commitment to passing the NBCOT® exam, sign up today!
FAQ
What makes Pass the OT different from other NBCOT® exam prep programs?
Pass the OT combines personalized study plans, expert tutoring, and real-time progress tracking into a comprehensive prep system. Unlike many generic study tools, our program adapts to your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring you stay focused on what matters most.
Can Pass the OT help if I already failed the NBCOT® exam once?
Absolutely. We offer a specialized “Bounce-Back Program” for students who didn’t pass the first time. Our diagnostic approach identifies knowledge gaps and builds a plan to help you avoid repeating common mistakes.
How long does it take to see results with Pass the OT?
Many students—like Jordan—have significantly improved their scores in just 4–6 weeks. Our flexible timelines (2, 4, 8, or 16 weeks) allow you to work at your own pace, whether you’re short on time or planning well ahead.
Does Pass the OT provide live support or tutoring?
Yes! Our program includes weekly group tutoring sessions and optional 1-on-1 private tutoring. Students often cite this personal guidance—especially from our founder Stephanie—as one of the most valuable parts of the experience.
Is there a guarantee that I’ll pass the NBCOT® exam with this program?
We’re so confident in our system that we offer a pass guarantee. If you don’t pass, you can continue to access the program at no additional cost until you succeed.
