New for 2025
Starting in November 2025, registrants who do not complete their annual requirements by the October 31st deadline must complete the Brief Practice Activity.
Learn more about the new Brief Practice Activity.
The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991(opens in a new tab) requires the College to have a Quality Assurance program to support its mandate to protect the public.
Occupational therapists must complete a Quality Assurance declaration when they first register with the College and each year when they renew. The declaration means they understand and agree to comply with the QA program requirements.
Quality Assurance Annual Requirements
- Annual Learning Plan
- Annual eLearning Module
Do I have to complete the Annual Requirements?
| General Registration | Yes — Complete both Annual Requirements (if registered before July 31st) |
| Provisional & Temporary Registration | No — Do not complete the Annual Requirements |
| Leave of Absence or Extenuating Circumstances | Yes — Complete both Annual Requirements or submit the QA request form |
Due Date
Both the Annual Learning Plan and the Annual eLearning Module are due every October 31st.
Occupational therapists have a professional responsibility to manage the due dates and complete their requirements on time. The Quality Assurance Committee reviews registrants that are not meeting the requirements.
Brief Practice Activity
Starting November 2025, registrants who do not complete one or both of their annual requirements by the October 31st deadline must complete the Brief Practice Activity.
This two-part activity includes:
- Part 1: OTs review the Standard for Record Keeping and complete the Record Keeping Review Tool with 3 charts.
- Part 2: OTs complete a set of 10 questions related to practice knowledge and competence.
Both are submitted electronically and are reviewed by peer assessors and/or QA staff.
Annual Learning Plan
Each year, registrants will complete a learning plan to support continuing competence. This plan combines the elements of the self-assessment and professional development plan into one activity.
A learning plan reflects the Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada(opens PDF)(opens in a new tab). This activity aims to focus on growth and the impact of new learning.
Resources
Annual eLearning Module
This online module promotes continuous learning by identifying changes and challenges within occupational therapy practice. The training enables the growth of knowledge, skills, and judgment and is often presented as scenario-based learning.
Modules help occupational therapists to apply the Competencies, the Code of Ethics, and Standard for Practice to everyday practice. Each year data is collected from the College programs help to inform future topics.
Extensions, Exemptions, and Accommodations
Taking part in the QA program gives occupational therapists a chance to reflect on their practice. It helps them to focus on where they need to learn more to ensure they can provide safe, effective, ethical care.
However, if you require an extension or would like to request an exemption or accommodations, you can submit a request through the Quality Assurance Request Form in the COTO Portal.
