Licensing process in Manitoba

This profession is regulated in Manitoba by the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba (COTM).

Note: The college conducts the licensing process in English only. Thus, all documents must be translated into English. If your documents are in French, the COTM will work with you to have your documents translated.

To practise occupational therapy in Manitoba you must be registered with the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba.

You must complete the following steps:

STEP 1: Contact the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba and tell them you are an internationally educated occupational therapist and would like information on how to become registered to practise in Manitoba.

College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba
7 - 120 Maryland Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 1L1
Phone: 204-957-1214
Fax: 204-775-2340
E-mail: OTinfo@cotm.ca
Website: cotm.ca

STEP 2: Complete the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba application form to establish academic eligibility.

You must submit the following:

• proof of identity that includes a photograph
• copy of all relevant degrees, diplomas or certificates
• course descriptions including contact hours
• curriculum vitae
• information regarding any continuing education courses completed
• official transcript of your occupational therapy education
• credentials assessment report
• initial application fee: C$50
• academic equivalency assessment fee: C$225

STEP 3: Submit the necessary documents to assess professional eligibility.

You must submit the following:

• evidence of English language proficiency
• statement of candidacy to write certification examination
• verification of your work history as an occupational therapist
• regulatory history form completed by the regulatory organization(s) with which you are or were registered
• criminal record check

STEP 4: Submit the necessary documents to assess employment eligibility.

You must submit the following:

• offer of employment in Manitoba
• proof of malpractice insurance coverage
• annual registration fee: $425

STEP 5: Complete the certification examination.

STEP 6: When all requirements have been met, the COTM will add you to the practising register and you can legally practise in Manitoba.

Additional information

You may be eligible for provisional registration if you:

• are required to complete course or practical work to achieve academic equivalency
• have not yet successfully completed the certification examination
• are unable to proficiently practise in English but have achieved the minimum acceptable language competencies
• do not have the required work experience

Provisional registration is time limited. All provisional registrants must practise under supervision. Contact the college to determine if and when you may be eligible for provisional registration.

The certification examination is offered in July and November. The fee is C$431.42. Exam resource and procedures manuals are on the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists website.

The certification examination must be successfully completed before you can be added to the register of practising members. You are urged to discuss with the college the most suitable time for you to write the examination as required by the Manitoba Occupational Therapists Act and regulations.

Language: As part of your work, you are required to have intermediate or advanced English language skills in the four basic language areas - listening, speaking and reading and writing comprehension. Therefore, you should be able to:

• participate in discussions of a complex nature
• share your thoughts clearly
• understand technical documents
• write reports in English with confidence

Revised October 2011

Assistance for newcomers in Manitoba

• Communication and bridging programs for professionals
• Financial help to pursue professional licence
• A recent immigrant talks about how she found a job in this profession