The Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada provides a standard that occupational therapists across Canada must meet in key areas of the profession including education, regulation, examination, accreditation, and continuing professional development. These competencies are taught in occupational therapy programs and upheld by occupational therapists and occupational therapy regulatory agencies in Canada.

What are the Competencies?

Occupational therapists across Canada are held to the same standard of competence under the Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada. Canadian occupational therapists organizations (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists [CAOT], the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations [ACOTRO], and the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy University Programs [ACOTUP]) collaborated to create the new Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada with guidance from occupational therapists and key stakeholders across Canada.  

The new Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada cover important aspects of occupational therapy practice. There are six domains each with competency statements that outline what is expected of every Occupational Therapist. Indicators provide additional guidance. 

The Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada reflect the broad range of skills and abilities required of all occupational therapists in Canada at every stage of their career. They also serve to guide a variety of professional quality assurance processes such as provincial regulatory activities, accreditation of educational programs, entry-level examinations, and continuing professional development.

Why are there new competencies?

Occupational Therapy is a dynamic profession that adapts to changes in culture, technology, and growing skill level. Implementing the Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada will advance safe, effective and ethical care for all individuals served by occupational therapists. 

How can I learn more?

A comprehensive online eLearning module on the new Competencies was released by ACOTRO in 2022. Completion of this module was a requirement for license renewal in 2023 and is strongly encouraged for all Occupational Therapists, either as an introduction or a refresher. The module is available as a free resource HERE.

This project was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program.