For many newly-graduated occupational therapy providers, the NBCOT® exam is the last big hurdle to clear before starting work as an occupational therapy clinician. This board certification exam is quite an undertaking, though many candidates do well by preparing themselves properly beforehand. Preparation is important at all points during the test-taking journey – whether you’re attempting the NBCOT® exam for the first time or you are retaking the exam for any reason. Program directors also benefit from doing their own research to understand NBCOT study programs compared, since they may need to make recommendations for their students.
Study skills, built-in opportunities for self-care, and time management are all important to this process along with a solid exam prep course, which is one of the cornerstones of a good exam prep plan. However, many therapists may be overwhelmed by this and find themselves asking, “Which NBCOT course is best?”
There are many options test takers can utilize during this process, from study groups to tutoring packages to test prep courses. Take a look at our detailed overview of the best NBCOT exam prep 2025. We break down some of the most popular options on the market to give you NBCOT study programs compared, including important features and NBCOT® study course reviews for each.
What to Look for in a Great Prep Program for the NBCOT® exam
In order to sufficiently prepare test takers for an exam such as the NBCOT®, prep programs must be comprehensive in their own right. But not all NBCOT® prep programs are built the same. Many are missing key features that are necessary for success. A good exam prep program should have some key components to offer a well-rounded approach to NBCOT® exam prep.
Timed quizzes & reviewable answers
With such a high degree of pressure on test takers, it can be stressful to work through each and every exam question in a way that allows you to feel confident in your answers. It’s even more intense doing so before the clock runs out. Therefore, your study package should prepare you to work well under a given time constraint.
Being able to review a detailed score report is another essential part of the exam preparation process. In fact, misleading test scores is a major misstep often committed by other exam prep programs. Your entire academic career is dedicated to completing projects or tests, reviewing your answers, and learning from your mistakes so you can improve and understand the material better. So why should your exam prep course be any different?
Visual & audio content
OTs know better than most people how diverse each person’s learning styles and needs are. That’s why having a variety of content mediums should be commonplace in NBCOT® prep programs. With a combination of visual and audio content, test takers can not only choose what method works best for them, but they also benefit from a more unique learning experience. This type of format may also be useful for neurodivergent individuals, people with learning disabilities, or those who have English as a second language (ESL) as these individuals may not prefer studying methods with a heavy emphasis on reading.
Personalized study plans
Studying for an exam such as the NBCOT® shouldn’t involve a one-size-fits-all approach. One of the best ways to make study plans more person-centered is to cater exam prep focus toward topics that the individual finds challenging. While exact areas of need differ from person to person, some subjects – such as splinting, theory bases and frames of reference, neurological conditions, and pediatrics – are objectively more difficult to grasp than others. This is often due to the bulk of material test takers need to learn, but also the complexity of the subject matter. Personalized study plans can help with this and are essential to an effective exam prep course.
Group and private tutoring
Just as receiving content in various formats encourages growth and learning for test takers, having several tutoring options allows prep programs to be as supportive as possible. This takes the leg work out of breaking down an overwhelming amount of material into measurable chunks. Group and private tutoring sessions can also help with focus while executing your study plan according to a certain timeline. In addition, these methods offer accountability and social support as you study, which is more important than many people realize!
Pass rates and verified reviews
It’s important to know what you’re up against when preparing for the NBCOT® exam. Exam prep programs that are transparent about their pass rates can help test takers understand that passing this exam is a realistic milestone for them. Pass rates speak directly to how effective an exam prep program is, so it’s important information to look for during the research stage. Verified reviews also allow test takers to read about the experiences of other exam prep program users before they decide on one.
Mobile access / app support
Imagine logging into your test prep app ready to get to work for the day, finding that the system is down, contacting tech support, and hearing nothing but crickets. Hitting a technological snag can be a real barrier to making progress in your study plan. You need an exam prep program that has reliable support along with mobile access so you can study wherever life takes you. When looking at the best NBCOT exam prep 2025, your program needs to keep up with the times.
Comparison
| Features Avaliable | PassTheOT | Therapy ED | AOTA® Online | True Learn | NBCOT® Study Pack | OT Help Desk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Star Reviews | 139 Reviews | – | 2 Reviews | 3 Reviews | – | 30 Reviews |
| Live chat VIP Reccomendations |
Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| 2900+ Questions | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Group Tutoring | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Private Tutoring | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Timed Quizzes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audio Recording & Video | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Highlighted study charts with audio playback |
Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Payment Plans | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Review Wrong Answers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Clear Rational | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Mobile App | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing an exam prep course. Regardless of learning style and personal preference, there are some components that NBCOT® exam prep courses all need. Pass the OT leads the pack in over 17 key areas, including test simulation, personalized feedback, platform support, and tutoring.
Individual Program Highlights
Pass the OT
Best for: Students who want structure, real support, and guaranteed results
Features Highlighted:
- 2900+ questions with rationales
- Personalized study plan generated by quiz performance
- 1-on-1 tutoring, group calls, intensive courses
- Live chat support with study guidance
- Custom charts, videos, audio content, and app
- Payment plans available
- Pass Guarantee
Review Score: 139 five-star reviews
Mobile App: Yes
Quote: “Pass the OT helped me identify my blind spots and build confidence. Their support was unmatched, and I passed after failing twice.”
Explore Pass the OT now!
Therapy Ed
Best for: Students who like tracking their progress
Features Highlighted:
- A large question bank
- Private tutoring
- Score reports with reviewable answers
Review Score: 0 five-star reviews
Mobile App: Yes
Cons:
- Some test takers report the large book is overwhelming
- A few reviews note the course seems more geared toward learning how to read NBCOT® test questions than actual course content
- There is a lack of verified student feedback
- No timed quizzes
AOTA® Online
Best for: Students who already support AOTA as members
Features Highlighted:
- A large question bank
- Score reports with reviewable answers
Review Score: 2 five-star reviews
Mobile App: Yes
Cons:
- Users report questions aren’t very similar to those on the actual test
- Some answer rationales may not be thorough enough
- Poor distribution in the amount of questions for each subject area
- There is very little verified student feedback
True Learn
Best for: Students looking for test scores similar to the actual exam
Features Highlighted:
- Score reports with reviewable answers
- Timed quizzes
Review Score: 3 five-star reviews
Mobile App: No
Cons:
- There is very little verified student feedback
- Some users report questions are too easy
- Lacks audio and video content
NBCOT® Study Pack
Best for: Students who also want access to the myEBPtool
Features Highlighted:
- A large question bank
- Score reports with clear, actionable rationales
- Timed quizzes
Review Score: 0 five-star reviews
Mobile App: No
Cons:
- There is a lack of verified student feedback
- Users report their website is not very accessible
- Presents information using notecards, which is not always preferable
- No customized study plans
OT Help Desk
Best for: Students who want recorded and live sessions
Features Highlighted:
- Group tutoring
- Audio recordings and videos
- Customized study plans
Review Score: 30 five-star reviews
Mobile App: No
Cons:
- Has a limited amount of questions
- Does not offer private tutoring
Conclusion
While there are a lot of options with great features, the best NBCOT® exam prep course is the one that feels most suitable for your learning style and preferences. Pass the OT stands out among its competitors and is known for having a solid track record with many positive results from test takers. Pass the OT also offers a full support system, ensuring all users have the help they need along the way. With our personalized planning options, every user can tailor the program to their needs.
FAQ
What’s the difference between AOTA® and NBCOT® study packs?
AOTA® study packs are created by the American Occupational Therapy Association while NBCOT® study packs have been designed by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Each has their own key features and approach to studying for this exam.
Can I pass the NBCOT® without private tutoring?
While it’s possible to pass the NBCOT® exam without private tutoring, this service is known to be an invaluable resource for anyone studying for this exam.
What’s a good practice exam score to aim for?
The minimum score required to pass the actual NBCOT® exam is a 450. There are varying opinions on what a good practice exam score is, but most experts agree practice exam scores should be between 440 and 460.
How long should I study for the NBCOT® exam?
This depends on how many hours you can dedicate to studying each day. Most students allot between 2 and 3 months to exam preparation with 4 to 6 hours of study time each day.
What’s included in Pass the OT’s Pass Guarantee?
As part of Pass the OT’s Pass Guarantee, users have continued program access if they use the program for 8+ weeks and do not pass the exam. This access comes at no additional cost and extends until the user passes their exam. This guarantee also offers a $40 discount for private tutoring, which is designed to give users targeted assistance in addressing more challenging subject matter.
