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Initial Registration Application

Instructions

In order for this application to be processed you must:

  • Complete this application in full.
  • Upload all required documents (see document list below).
  • Ensure that official evidence of successful completion of your educational program (your transcripts) has been sent directly to the College from the educational institution. Unofficial evidence of successful completion of an educational program (e.g. a letter from the program director) is acceptable until convocation; however, official evidence (i.e. transcripts) must be received within 30 days of convocation.

Please note that you may not hold yourself out as a "Occupational Therapist" in the province of Nova Scotia until after your application for registration has been approved by the College (i.e. you have been issued a licence to practice). This includes clinical orientation, supervised work (clinical and non-clinical), and volunteer work.

Applicants educated outside of Canada need to apply to the Substantial Equivalency Assessment System (SEAS) before applying with the College.

Incomplete applications will be denied. Applicants should note that approval of a completed application, including all required documents, may take up to ten business days. If your application is denied, your registration fee will be returned and you will be advised of the reason(s) for the decision and the appeal process.


Documents

If you will be uploading your documents with this application, please make sure you have the following scanned in PDF or JPG format before you begin:

Alternatively, you can send your documents by regular mail but this will lengthen the time for processing considerably.

Required Documents

These documents are required in order to complete the application. Please make sure they are complete and scanned so they can be attached to this application below.

  • A copy of your professional liability insurance certificate. If you have not received your certificate, a copy of a receipt for purchasing insurance may be accepted. A copy of the certificate must be forwarded to the College once you receive it.
  • Your curriculum vitae.
  • Documentation to verify Canadian Citizenship, permanent residency, landed immigrant status or employment authorization (e.g. work permit) under the Immigration Refugee Protection Act or a Birth Certificate.
  • Documentation of successful completion of the NOTCE exam
    OR
    Verification that you are registered to sit the next NOTCE exam and a Sponsorship Form. (Not required if applying under LMSA)
  • A passport-size photograph notarized by a Notary Public (original copy must be mailed to the College).
  • Official transcripts (ordered and sent directly to the College from the educational institution).
  • A Vulnerable Sector Check from the province in which you are residing. If you have lived outside of Canada in the past two years, an International Criminal Record Check that is translated by a certified translator (if applicable) is required. The Vulnerable Sector Check will need to be valid within the last 3 months and uploaded prior to your application being approved.

Situation Specific Documents

These documents may be required, depending on your situation. If any of the following apply to you, you will need the associated documents completed and scanned so they can be attached to this application below.

  • Documentation of English language fluency (if first language AND language of OT instruction is not English).
  • A regulatory history form from each jurisdiction of practice sent directly to the College. You must complete the authorization and send it to each jurisdiction to complete and send back to the College.
  • A completed LMSA Confirmation Form completed by your current jurisdiction and sent directly to the College. You must complete the authorization and send it to your current jurisdiction to complete and send back to the College.

Create Your Account
Your password must be at least 8 characters long and contain 3 of the following 4 criteria:
an upper-case letter, a lower-case letter, a number, a symbol.
Confirm Password must match Password exactly.
Class of Registration
Members Data
Personal & Contact
if applicable.
Other
Citizenship Status
Documentation verifying your citizenship status must accompany this application form.
Language Proficiency
If your first language and your language of OT instruction is not English, documentation of fluency is required.

Will you be able to provide professional services in (Check all that apply)

National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE)
Formerly CAOT Exam
Occupational Therapy Education
Other Education
Currency Hours
Applicants who do not meet currency requirements must complete an approved re-entry program in order to be eligible to practice Occupational Therapy in Nova Scotia.
Please enter the number of hours you worked each year in the fields below. Enter 0 for any years you did not work.





Professional Liability Insurance
Payment of Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists (NSSOT) Fees
While the College recommends applicants maintain membership with the Society, the College will not deny registration for those applicants and registrants that choose not to pay the annual fee to the Society.
Occupational Therapy Professional Registration
Are you or have you ever been registered/licensed to practice as an occupational therapist in other provinces/states/countries? If YES, provide the information for EACH registration or license below.
Other Professional Registration
Are you or have you ever been registered/licensed to practice in another regulated profession in Nova Scotia or elsewhere? If YES, provide the information for EACH registration or license below.
Self Declarations
If your answer is YES to any of the following questions, you MUST provide full details in the text area provided.
Employment
Proposed Employment
Supporting Documents

Upload documents

Vulnerable Sector Check

Upload Vulnerable Sector Check

Sending your documents by regular mail will considerably lengthen the time for processing.

Please send your documents to:
College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia
Suite 302 - 380 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS, B3M 2L4

Payment of Fees

Registration Fee:

  • Full Registration: $530.00
  • Temporary (3 month) Registration: $275.00

Application Fee:

  • LMSA Applicants: $0.00 – Application fee waived due to Patient Access to Care Act, 2023
  • New Applicants Educated in Canada: $125.00
  • New Applicants Educated Outside of Canada: $150.00
  • Re-Entry Applicants (i.e. does not meet professional currency requirements): $200.00

Upon submission, you will be asked to provide credit card information. On approval of your application by the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia the registration and/or application fee(s) will be charged to the credit card provided.

Upon submission, you will be given instructions on where to send your eTransfer or cheque.