Limited Permits - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a Limited Permit?

A. Limited permits are issued to recent graduates to allow them to work under supervision while they are waiting to take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination.

Q. How do I qualify for a Limited Permit?

A. You must apply to the NBCOT to take the licensing examination within four (4) months of completing the education and fieldwork requirements for licensure or certification. You must also provide a copy of the Authorization to Test Letter (ATT) from NBCOT, Score Transfer receipt from NBCOT and submit fingerprints for a criminal background investigation.

Q. How do I apply for a Limited Permit?

A. You may submit your application online at www.breeze.ca.gov. Limited Permit applications are reviewed within 2 weeks from the submission date.

Q. Do I need to submit my official transcripts to receive a Limited Permit?

A. Official sealed transcripts are not required to be issued a limited permit, but they are required for licensure. Limited permit holders should submit official transcripts as soon as possible.

Q. How do I get my permanent license after I pass the NBCOT exam?

A. Submit the Initial License application for OT or OTA online via your BreEZe account. Initial License applications are reviewed within 30 days from the submission date. The $50 application fee will be automatically transferred from your Limited Permit.

Q. Do I need to submit a new application if my Limited Permit expires?

A. Yes. If your Limited Permit has expired, submit an Initial License application online via your BreEZe account. Initial License applications are reviewed within 30 days of the submission date.

Q. What happens if I fail the examination?

A. If you fail the NBCOT examination, you must notify the Board immediately. As soon as you have been notified of a failing score, you must cease practicing immediately. The Limited Permit will be cancelled, and the $100.00 fee forfeited.

Q. How long do I have to take the examination?

A. CCR Section 4123(a)(2) provides that "A limited permit shall only be valid for three (3) months from the date of issuance by the Board, upon receipt of a failing result, or two (2) weeks following the expiration of the applicants' eligibility to test period, whichever occurs first."

Q. Can my Limited Permit be extended or renewed?

A. No. Limited permits are issued only once. They cannot be renewed or extended under any circumstance.

Q. How can I verify my Limited Permit?

A. Limited Permits can be verified online at https://search.dca.ca.gov/?BD=14.

Q. Does my supervisor need to co-sign all my notes?

A. Yes. All documented client-related services provided by the limited permit holder shall be reviewed and cosigned by the supervising occupational therapist.

Q. Does my supervisor need to be at the same facility for me to provide services?

A. No. The level of supervision for all personnel is determined by the supervising occupational therapist whose responsibility it is to ensure that the amount, degree, and pattern of supervision are consistent with the knowledge, skill and ability of the person being supervised.

Q. Can an OT Limited Permit holder supervise an OTA?

A. No.

Q. Can a Limited Permit holder supervise students?