Occupational therapy continuing education requirements are different for every state. They may even differ for occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the same state. While the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) does provide a national certification, only some states will accept it in lieu of meeting their own requirements. New York OT continuing education requirements are developed by the New York board of occupational therapy.
This guide focuses on the CEU requirements for occupational therapists; if you are an OTA, you can find the dedicated page for New York OTA CEU requirements here.
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Total CEUs Required
Almost all states have continuing education requirements for occupational therapists. Generally, OTs are required to complete a specific number of CEUs every one to two years. The CEU due date is often, but not always, the same as the license expiration date.
Total CEUs required: 36
CEU Due Date: It varies
As an OT in New York, you need 36 CEUs every three years.
First Renewal Rules
CEUs required: 0
For occupational therapists renewing for the first time, some states require the full number of CEUs, some require a prorated amount and some do not require any continuing education at all.
The rules may depend on whether you were licensed by examination or by endorsement. Generally, if you are newly licensed by examination, the exemption or prorated amount will apply to you. However, if you are newly licensed by endorsement, you will likely be expected to complete the full number of CEUs.
OTs in New York are not required to complete CEUs for their first renewal.
The New York Board of Occupational Therapy website shows: "Licensees are exempt from the continuing competency requirements during their first 3-year registration period after being licensed in New York State. However, if a licensee had been licensed as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant in another state before being licensed in New York State, the licensee must meet the continuing competency requirement when they reregister in New York during the first 3-year registration period."
Special Requirements
Professional Subjects - 24 CEUs
Some states have requirements regarding specific topics or activity types. There may be a certain number of CEUs required, or you may have to complete a particular course or exam. The CEUs you earn for special requirements can usually be applied toward your total.
New York requires occupational therapists to complete the following as part of their total CEU requirement.
Professional Subjects - 24 CEUs
At least 24 hours of the continuing competency learning activities must focus on professional subjects (subjects that contribute to competent occupational therapy practice.)
Special Limitations
Self Study Limit - 24 CEUs
Some states have limitations on how many CEUs you can earn per activity type. Included below is the most common limit for New York occupational therapists. For details on activity types not listed here, visit the New York occupational therapy board website. You can find the link below.
Self Study Limit - 24 CEUs
No more than 24 hours of the continuing competency requirement may be completed through self-study. Self-study is structured study based on audio, audio-visual, written, on-line and other media offered by an approved sponsor. Live online courses/webinars that have real time interaction with the presenter are NOT considered self study and not subject to this limitation.
Source: New York
Choosing Courses
To choose the right occupational therapy continuing education courses, consider a few key factors. First, choose topics that are interesting to you, applicable to your current clinical setting, or helpful for transitioning to a new role. However, personal interest isn’t the only priority; make sure the course is specifically approved for your state. Finally, consider the cost, especially if your employer doesn’t pay for continuing education.
A subscription site can simplify this process. They provide unlimited access to a wide variety of subjects, with both live and recorded options, all for one reasonable price. Most sites offer courses in every state, though you should always check for individual course approval. Just because one course is approved for OTs in New York, you shouldn't assume all courses on that site are approved for OTs in New York. Before signing up for a course, check with the CE provider to see if it is approved.
Discounts on CEUs
To help take the guesswork out of your search, we’ve partnered with a few of our favorite platforms to offer you the best discounts!
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Compact Privileges
Compact privileges: No
New York does not issue OT Compact privileges.
The OT Compact has started issuing privileges for a few states as of January 2026. Your state may have joined the compact but may not be actively issuing privileges yet. Continue to check here or the OT Compact website for updates.
What is the OT Compact?
The Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact allows an OT licensed in one state to quickly and easily obtain privileges to practice in another state.
In order to take advantage of compact privileges, both your home state (the state you have your driver’s license in) as well as the state you want to practice in need to be part of the compact.
Compact privileges are intended to be temporary. If you move to a new state and you hold a compact privilege there, you won't be able to continue using that privilege. You'll need to apply for a license by endorsement in your new home state.
The OT Compact and CEU Requirements
Compact privileges have the same expiration date as your home state. You only need to meet the CEU requirements of your home state. You do not need to complete jurisprudence examinations in each state where you want to apply for a privilege.
Sources
CEU Keeper strives to simplify New York continuing education requirements for occupational therapists. We like to say “we read the rules so you don’t have to”. While we do read them often, the rules are subject to change and it’s always best to confirm or clarify directly from the source, the state board website.
Conclusion
Understanding OT continuing education requirements can be confusing. When searching for this information on social media, it’s important to remember requirements can be different for each state and profession. If you ask a question about occupational therapy requirements, be sure to specify your state and either OT or OTA. With that said, you can always ask us your questions. We want to help and it's what we do!
Curious how New York OT CEU requirements compare to other states? Check out our state list of occupational therapy CEU requirements.