Professional certificate and micro credential FAQ
Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about AOTA’s professional certificate and micro-credentials
What is a professional certificate?
A professional certificate is a verifiable document that attests to knowledge obtained by a practitioner regarding a specific topic or topic area. Professional certificates are obtained through the completion of designated AOTA professional development activities and the completion of required foundational courses.
What is a micro credential?
The micro credential is issued upon completion of a set of required thematically connected courses. The micro credential provides acknowledgement of the growing knowledge of the practitioner and can either be completed as a step to the professional certificate as stated above or completed for its own merits without advancement to a certificate—it is considered a stand-alone designation.
What are the specific requirements for the professional certificate?
The learner must take the following courses (courses will differ depending upon the type of certificate sought):
- Essential courses: A series of courses that are intended to provide OT content with issues and approaches that may be new to practitioners.
- Micro credential courses: A series of courses that will provide a micro credential and digital badge upon successful completion. Several micro credentials are required for a professional certificate.
- Integration course: The last step to completing the certificate process, geared toward ensuring that practitioners can apply knowledge and skills that incorporate multiple areas of practice designated by the earned micro credentials.
Who can get a micro credential?
The only requirements are that the person be an OT, OTA, or student finishing an OT or OTA educational program. There are no requirements for years worked or prior knowledge.
Who can get a professional certificate?
Any duly registered or licensed OT or OTA, regardless of years worked, can obtain a professional certificate after earning the required micro credentials and integration course. Students earning micro credentials must wait to complete the integration course until after they have become certified and/or licensed practitioners.
How many courses are required?
The number or courses can vary between content areas, but in general, there are three foundational courses required, three micro credentials (8–10 hours of coursework), and one final “integration” course. The certificate is issued after the integration course.
Is there an exam?
Each course will have an exam that must be passed to earn the micro credentials and certificate. Unlike the Board Certification Exam, there is no major exam required.
Do I need to take CE to keep my certificate after 5 years?
No, at this time you will be able to keep your certificate for life without renewal.
Can I put initials after my name after I earn my certificate?
No, a professional certificate can be mentioned on your email, social media, résumé, etc., but it does not provide you with credentials. Only a board certificate based on a major exam will provide credentials.
However, the certificate and micro credentials each have a digital badge that you can share to verify your knowledge and skills.
When can I start taking courses?
You can start taking courses as soon as they are listed. There is no time frame for starting or completing your coursework.
Do courses that I have taken already count for this program?
Yes, if you have taken courses that are now part of this program, you do not need to repeat the course. Sometimes we have updated courses and will deal with those concerns on a case-by-case basis.