What does ACOTE do?

• A. Sets licensure fees.
• B. Certifies practicing occupational therapists.
• C. Regulates scope of practice across states.
• D. Accreds occupational therapy education programs.

Answer: (D)

ACOTE’s role is to evaluate and grant accreditation to occupational therapy education programs, ensuring they meet standards that prepare students to enter the profession. It sets criteria for curriculum, faculty qualifications, resources, fieldwork experiences, and outcomes, and uses self-studies plus site visits to determine if a program meets those standards. Accreditation signals that a program provides education aligned with professional requirements, and graduates from ACOTE-accredited programs are typically eligible to pursue national certification and state licensure. It does not set licensure fees, certify individual practitioners, or regulate scope of practice—those functions belong to state boards and the national certifying body. So accrediting education programs is what ACOTE does.