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College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) is the governing body for occupational therapists in Ontario. The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) oversees the registration practices of the college to ensure that they are transparent, objective, impartial and fair for anyone who wants to practise as an occupational therapist in this province.

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2010

Applications to Practise Processed by the COTO in 2010
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received2392522420328
Applicants who became members23524223411326

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2009

Exams: In 2009, the COTO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), the third party that sets and administers the COTO's competency examination. The agreement sets out the service relationship between the two organizations, including CAOT's obligations surrounding fairness, transparency, objectivity and impartiality.

For a description of all OFC-monitored developments for this profession for 2009, see the 2009-2010 Annual Report.

Applications to Practise Processed by the COTO in 2009
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received2523114240321
Applicants who became members239208160283

Fair Registration Practices (FRP) Report, 2008

Applications to Practise Processed by the COTO in 2008
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 Jurisdiction Where Applicants Received Their Training Total
Ontario Other Canadian Provinces USA Other International Unknown
New applications received3784311390471
Applicants who became members3714210250448

During the fall and winter of 2007-2008, the OFC undertook a study of the COTO to understand its 2007 registration practices and establish baseline data and information. PDF

The COTO uses the following outside organization/s to assess the qualifications of its applicants:

The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

COTO The OFC does not assess credentials, handle complaints or intervene in particular cases. Our mandate is one of systemic change. Please contact the COTO for further information about your ability to practise as an occupational therapist in Ontario.

Registration Improvement

The College recognizes work experience obtained in an applicant's home country for fulfillment of currency requirement.

The College has signed agreements with two key bodies that do assessments - the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and World Education Services - to ensure that their assessments are fair.

Did you know?

A portal for internationally educated occupational therapists provides information about registering and working in the profession in Canada.