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.
In 2009, the COTO submitted its first-ever Fair Registrations Practices (FRP) Report, covering 2008, to the OFC. Since then, it has also submitted an FRP Report covering 2009 and its first audit of registration practices.
During 2009 - 2010, the OFC monitored developments related to the registration practices of the COTO:
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.
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 received | 252 | 31 | 14 | 24 | 0 | 321 |
| Applicants who became members | 239 | 20 | 8 | 16 | 0 | 283 |
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 received | 378 | 43 | 11 | 39 | 0 | 471 |
| Applicants who became members | 371 | 42 | 10 | 25 | 0 | 448 |
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.
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.
