Continuing Education FAQs
May I claim continuing education hours as a Fieldwork or Doctoral Capstone Experience supervisor or site mentor?
Yes, according to the Board CE Rule you may claim the following:
(11) Fieldwork or Doctoral Capstone Experience – A licensee may earn up to twelve (12) continuing education hours per biennium for supervision of Level II Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant fieldwork students, or entry level doctoral capstone students, at the rate of no more than six (6) hours per student. Continuing education credit may be earned at 0.5 continuing education hours per week of student supervision. To be eligible for the credit, the licensee must participate as the fieldwork supervisor or site mentor for the student for at least one full week. No more that two (2) licensees may supervise a student for continuing education hours for each of the experiences. Documentation shall include verification provided by the school to the fieldwork supervisor or site mentor with the name of the student, school, and dates of fieldwork or doctoral capstone experience or the signature page of the completed student evaluation form. Evaluation scores and comments shall be deleted or blocked out. The doctoral capstone is an in-depth exposure to one or more of the following: clinical practice skills, research skills, administration, leadership, program and policy development, advocacy, education, and theory development.
Have the 14 hours of “live” CE requirements been waived since pandemic circumstances?
The Board has not made any changes regarding CE requirements at this time, as licensees may currently take all 26 continuing education hours as “live” interactive (in real time) courses online, as opposed to physically attending live courses. To find providers offering interactive courses you may go to CE Broker and search for “live” courses. Such courses may be listed on providers’ sites as live, interactive, broadcasted interactive event, web-based in real-time program, etc. Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host in real time. See Rule 64B11-5.001(3), F.A.C.
I do not wish to maintain my Florida license or receive renewal information from the Department anymore, how do I relinquish my license?
You may send in a written request to Voluntarily Relinquish your license to the Board email address at: mqa.occupationaltherapy@flhealth.gov or by mail, stating your request is not due to any disciplinary reasons. Be sure to include your name as listed on your license, license number, date of birth, or last for digits of social security number for security confirmation. Should you wish to work again in Florida you would need to re-apply for licensure.
How much continuing education is required for me to renew?
IF you were licensed in the first half of the biennium (Visit the Renewals, CE TAB for specific dates information at this link: https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/renewals/#tab-ce)
OR
This is a second or subsequent renewal, you are required to complete and confirm in CE Broker, 26 contact hours of approved continuing education to renew. The 26 hours must include:
• Two (2) hours of Prevention of Medical Errors education required by section 456.013(7), Florida Statutes, given by an FL OT board approved provider
• Two (2) hours of a Laws and Rules education course as required in Rule Chapter 64B11-5.001, Florida Administrative Code, given by an FL OT board approved provider
• A minimum of 14 “live” CE hours.
NOTE: A minimum of 14 “live” CE hours are required if you take 12 hours of Home Study CE. Home Study hours are not required, only “limited” to 12 hours. You can take all 26 CE hours as “live” hours, if you wish, or as online “live interactive” courses (in real-time). Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host.
IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST RENEWAL and you were licensed in the second half of the biennium you are exempt the 26 hours requirement and must only complete three (3) contact hours of approved continuing education as stated: (Visit the Renewals, CE TAB for specific dates information at this link: https://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/renewals/#tab-ce)
• Two (2) hours of Prevention of Medical Errors education required by section 456.013(7), Florida Statutes, given by an FL OT board approved provider, and
• One (1) hour of HIV/AIDS education as required by section 456.033, Florida Statutes.
How may I complete 14 hours of “live” CE credit for licensure renewal?
Licensees may take all 26 continuing education hours as “live” interactive (in real time) courses online, as opposed to physically attending live courses. To find providers offering interactive courses you may go to CE Broker www.CEBroker.com and search for “live” courses. Such courses may be listed on providers’ sites as live, interactive, broadcasted interactive event, web-based in real-time program, etc. Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host in real time. See Rule 64B11-5.001(3), F.A.C. Of the 26 required hours, licensees are limited to taking only 12 hours of home study hours which leaves 14 required “live” hours, however, this does not mean home study hours must be taken. The mandatory hours are for OT Board approved 2 hours of Prevention of Medical Errors, 2 hours as Laws and Rules and 1 hour of HIV/Aids course for first renewal. The mandatory courses are most often found as home study courses. However, again, all 26 continuing education hours may be acquired as “live” interactive (in real time) courses online.
May I get CE credit hours for teaching a CE course related to the OT profession? How many hours may I claim?
CE Rule 64B11-5.001(10) Allows a maximum of 8 hours per biennium as either the lecturer, or as the author of course materials for the presentation of a CE course or program, academic course, peer-reviewed or non peer-reviewed workshop, seminar, in-service, electronic or web-based course that is directly related to the practice of occupational therapy. Credit may be awarded for the initial presentation of each course or program only; except in the case of the medical errors and laws and rules courses, repeat presentations of the same continuing education course or program shall not be granted credit. Continuing education credit for presentations of either medical errors or laws and rules courses is limited to four (4) credits per biennium. Additionally, continuing education credit for the development and teaching of postsecondary academic courses shall be one (1) continuing education credit per academic course credit.
Can I receive CE credits for courses I am required to take for my employer that are job relevant in my current position as an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant, such as in-services, etc.?
You may claim credit for any courses that are “relevant to the practice of occupational therapy”. See continuing education Rule 64B11-6.001 (b) “Shall be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined in Section 468.203(4), Florida Statutes, must be offered for the purpose of keeping the licensee apprised of advancements and new development in occupational therapy, and shall be designed to enhance learning and skills consistent with contemporary standards for occupational therapy practice.”
Continuing Education is for the purpose of enhancing knowledge and skills as an OT or OTA (therapist or therapy assistant), and not necessarily as a “healthcare provider or employee”. Although a course may have “job relevance” does not always qualify it to be “occupational therapy practice relevant”. If you are in doubt, it may be best to take a course you are certain is occupational therapy relevant.
Does a continuing education course offered as a “live webinar”, count toward “live” continuing education hours?
If a course allows “interaction” with the provider/host/instructor during the course or program, in “real time”, it may be counted as a “Live” course. The questions you may consider in this determination would be as… Will the Live webinar allow/provide interaction for signing in? attendance recognition? the possibility of asking questions, commenting, etc., i.e. interaction back and forth? If it is only a recording of a previous, in the past live program, and there is not the ability to interact with the presenter/host, it is not a “Live” course. Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction (communication back and forth) with presenter/host/instructor during the presentation of the program.
To find Board approved providers offering such “live” courses, you may search in CE Broker at: www.CEBroker.com. Select the “Live Courses” Tab, and one of the following categories: “Broadcasted Interactive Event” or “Web Based Program”. Interactive courses must be in “real time” and allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host.
May I count continuing education hours I took prior to my Fl license being issued, when licensed as an out of state licensee, or while I was waiting on my Florida license to be issued?
No. You may not begin accruing required CE hours for renewal of a FL license, until after your FL license has been issued. Additionally, the CE Broker system only credits courses taken between the licensure biennium dates, beginning with 03/01/of each odd year – 02/28/of each odd year). When you renew prior to the deadline renewal date, wait until after the deadline date, beginning on and after March 1st to begin taking CE for the next/current renewal period.
How Do I Become Renewal Ready?
The Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, will now review your continuing education records in the electronic tracking system at the time of renewal. It will happen automatically when you renew your license, but it is important that you understand how this simple change will affect the way you renew your license in the future. If the practitioner’s continuing education records are complete, they will be able to renew their license without interruption. If the practitioner’s continuing education records are not complete, they will be prompted to enter their remaining continuing education hours before proceeding with their license renewal. Please click on the following link to Become Renewal Ready.
May I claim continuing education hours as a Level II Fieldwork supervisor?
Yes, according to the Board CE Rule you may claim the following:
64B11-5.001 (11) A licensee may earn up to six (6) continuing education hours per biennium for supervision of a Level II Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant fieldwork student at the rate of no more than three (3) hours per student. To be eligible for the credit, the licensee must participate as the primary clinical fieldwork educator for the student.
To self-submit these hours, login to CE Broker, select “Report CE Hours” and “Supervision Level II” and follow the instructions.
What is considered as Home Study continuing education and how many hours must or may I take?
No more than 12 hours of home study courses are allowed per biennium. Home study education does not include a web-based, satellite transmitted or on-line instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact or communicate back and forth with the instructor during the presentation of the program. Home study education is independent study and requires a certificate of completion. One may take up to 12 hours of Home Study, but, you are not required to take Home Study Continuing Education hours. You may take all 26 hours of CE’s as live or as online interactive (live) courses. To find Board approved providers offering such courses, you may search in CE Broker at: www.CEBroker.com. Select the “Live Courses” Tab, and one of the following categories: “Broadcasted Interactive Event” or “Web Based Program”). Interactive courses must be in “real time” and allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host.
How many “live” CE hours are required for renewal?
A minimum of 14 “live” CE hours are required, if you take 12 hours of Home Study CE. NOTE: Home Study hours are not required, only “limited” to 12 hours. You are allowed to take all 26 CE hours as “live” hours, if you wish, or as online live interactive courses (in real-time). Interactive courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host. Rule 64B11-5.001(3), F.A.C.
To find Board approved providers offering such courses, you may search in CE Broker at: www.CEBroker.com. Select “Live Courses”, and one of the following categories listed: “Broadcasted Interactive Event” or “Web Based Program”, etc.
How many continuing education hours must I have for renewal of my OT or OTA license?
If you are renewing a license for the first time and were licensed in the second half of the biennium (on or after 03/01/2024) you are only required to complete
3 hours of continuing education to include:
- 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Prevention of Medical Errors and
- 1 hour of a HIV/AIDS education course.
If you are renewing a license for the first time, and were licensed in the first half of the biennium (on or after 03/01/2023 through to 02/28/2024 you are required to complete 26 hours of continuing education, to include:
- 1 hour HIV/AIDS education course (for first time renewal only),
- 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Prevention of Medical Errors and
- 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Florida OT Laws and Rules.
If you are renewing as a subsequent renewal (repeatrenewal), you are required to complete 26 hours of continuing education, to include:
- 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Prevention of Medical Errors and
- 2 hours of a Florida OT Board approved course in Florida OT Laws and Rules.
- Including 14 “live” hours See Rule 64B11-5.001(3)and
- no more than 12 Home Study hours. See Rule 64B11-5.001(4)
Note CE: Broker identifies Home Study hours as “Anytime hours”. See Rule 64B11-5.001.
Are online courses considered live or Home study hours, and how many Home Study hours may I take?
Online courses may be “Live” or Home Study. “Live” courses must allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host. A minimum of 14 “live” CE hours are required, however, all 26 CE hours may be completed as “live” online hours when meeting the interactive in real-time definition. See Rule 64B11-5.001(3), F.A.C.
Home Study education defined by Board Rule does not include a web-based, satellite transmitted or on-line instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact or communicate back and forth with the instructor during the presentation of the program. Home Study education is independent study and requires a certificate of completion. No more than 12 hours of home study courses are allowed. NOTE: Home Study hours are not required, only “limited” to 12 hours. See Rule 64B11-5.001(4).
Is it possible to get a hardship extension or exemption for my continuing education and/or license renewal date?
The OT Board does not offer hardship extensions or exemptions. You are required to complete all of your profession’s renewal requirements, including CE’s, in order to renew. NOTE: Continuing education requirements may be completed by Florida OT Board approved providers, AOTA or FOTA providers, or any courses that are “relevant to the practice of occupational therapy”. Additionally, all CE may be completed online, if all your CE’s are interactive online (real time) courses. You may search in CE Broker at www.CEBroker.com. Select the “Live Courses” Tab, and one of the following categories: Broadcasted Interactive Event or Web Based Program. See the FAQ’s at this link for further information: http://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/continuing-education-faqs/
How may I become a CE Provider for the OT Board?
- Visit the Board Website at this link at the bottom of the page: http://floridasoccupationaltherapy.gov/licensing/ and click on Board Approved Continuing Education Provider to view the Instructions for Requirements and the link to Apply Online. The link will take you to: www.cebroker.com.
- Select Organizations and then Providers in the drop-down list.
- Next, select Florida Department of Health in the drop-down list on the Provider Suite page.
- Select the button titled Apply to Provide CE.
- Next, select Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice from the drop-down selections.
- On the bottom-left of the screen, the applicant will click on View Application Requirements, which will provide the list of items to be submitted with the application.
- Next, to begin the application process, select the button titled Apply to Become a CE Provider.
- The next screen will start the application process by allowing for establishment of a login, or, if already approved for another Board, may enter previously established login. (NOTE: Deficiencies, course approvals, etc., will only be sent by email to the contact person listed in the application.
- From there, the system will provide prompts on completing the application, paying the $250 application fee and submitting the application.
- For additional questions or assistance when submitting your application, contact CE Broker at: 1-877-434-6323, by LIVE Chat on their site or by email at: support@cebroker.com
What is the difference in viewing my course history for free or subscribing to the continuing education tracking system?
With a free Basic Account you can view your basic course history, which will list the course name, educational provider name, date of completion and hours reported. It would then be up to you to determine whether all of the courses that have been reported will complete all of your specific continuing education requirements. You can also self-report any continuing education that may be missing. The Basic Account provides all the necessary tools for you to comply with the departments reporting requirements.
A Professional Account (paid subscription) provides you with all of the tracking tools that CEBroker offers. Your transcript will display what your specific CE requirements are and will calculate what requirements have been met and what may still be outstanding. A Professional Account is a subscription service and is not a requirement but it can be a useful tool in managing your Florida continuing education requirements should you chose to subscribe.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The paramount difference from the Basic Account is the Professional Account (paid subscription) transcript calculates submitted and outstanding continuing education hours within the current licensure biennium dates so you can know what hours are still outstanding. The Basic Account provides only a list of your reported and self-submitted continuing education. It would then be up to you to determine whether all of the courses that have been reported and/or self-submitted will complete all of your specific continuing education requirements within the correct renewal biennium dates.
How will I know what has been reported?
You will be able to view your course history free of charge. Your course history will show all the courses that have been reported.
Do I have to subscribe to CE Broker?
No, subscriptions remain optional. There are a number of services you can receive by subscribing, however, it is optional. You can always search for courses, report your hours, and view your course history free of charge by creating a Basic Account.
Do I have to wait until license renewal to report my continuing education credits to CE Broker?
No, you can report your hours free of charge anytime during the biennium. For more information please visit www.CEatRenewal.com. Please note, if you take a course from a Florida Board approved Provider they are required to report on your behalf. If you take a course from a non OT Board approved provider it is your responsibility to report completion. There may be other ways for you to obtain credit towards continuing education required for license renewal. For specific approved methods of obtaining continuing education for your profession please review your Board rules.
Why is continuing education being verified at renewal?
Continuing Education is a requirement to renew a professional license. Section 456.025(7), F.S. requires the Department to implement an electronic continuing education tracking system for each biennial renewal cycle and to integrate such system into the licensure and renewal system. The Department has selected CE Broker as the electronic continuing education tracking system.
Can I receive CE credits for courses I have to take for my employer, re: Medicare documentation or Billing regulations, etc.?
You may claim credit for any courses that are “relevant to the practice of occupational therapy”. Continuing Education Rule 64B11-6.001 (b) states that CE credit will be awarded for completion of courses that… “Shall be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined in Section 468.203(4), Florida Statutes, must be offered for the purpose of keeping the licensee apprised of advancements and new development in occupational therapy, and shall be designed to enhance learning and skills consistent with contemporary standards for occupational therapy practice.” Continuing Education is for the purpose of making one a better OT or OTA “therapist or therapy assistant”, and not necessarily a better “healthcare provider” or “healthcare employee”.
Can I get Continuing Education credit for Volunteer hours?
Yes, but only up to 6 hours per biennium are allowed, and approval must be requested prior to services being rendered. See the Board’s CE Rule 64B11-5.001 (15) Performance of Pro Bono Services – A licensee may receive up to six (6) hours per biennium of continuing education credit through the performance of pro bono services to the indigent as provided in Section 456.013(9), F.S., or to underserved populations, or in areas of critical need within the state where the licensee practices. In order to receive credit under this rule, licensees must make a written request to the Board and receive approval in advance. One (1) hour credit shall be given for each two (2) hours worked. In the written request, licensees shall disclose the type, nature and extent of services to be rendered, the facility where the services will be rendered, the number of patients expected to be serviced, and a statement indicating that the patients to be served are indigent. If the licensee intends to provide services in underserved or critical need areas, the written request shall provide a brief explanation as to those facts.
How do I find online OT Board approved courses to complete my CE requirements?
To find approved Continuing Education courses, follow these instructions:
- Go to www.cebroker.com
- Select “Course Search”.
- Select “Florida Department of Health” and enter your preferred selections.
- Once you have entered your criteria, click on the search button and the system will produce a list of approved courses.
If I take a course by a non-approved provider can I submit the information in CE Broker?
Yes. Any hours not reported by a provider, for which a licensee has proof of attendance, can be easily self-reported.
First, verify whether the course provider is a Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice approved provider by visiting the CE Providers Search option for approved providers on CE Broker, at: www.CEBroker.com. If they are a Board approved provider their courses are acceptable for continuing education credit. Secondly, verify whether they are an approved CE Provider for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) or a Florida Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) provider, which by Board Rule would also be acceptable continuing education.
If the provider does not have specific approval by the Board, AOTA or FOTA, you would need to consider whether the certification you are seeking meets the Board’s CE acceptance criteria for other courses relevant to the practice as defined in Board Rule 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code. Please compare the information from the course you are considering to the outlined criteria in this rule to determine whether it meets the stated requirements. If you determine it is relevant to the practice of occupational therapy and to take the course, you will need to self-report the course to your personal CEBroker account according to the instructions below. You are not required to have a paid account to self-report in Ce Broker. You would need to login to your CEBroker dashboard, where you will see the option to self-report CE. You would report under the category “Course/Program Relevant To The Practice Of Occupational Therapy”.
How to Self-Report non-Board approved, relevant to the practice of occupational therapy practice continuing education hours. ↓
Questions
- What is the name of the continuing education provider?
A:/ Short Answer - What is the name of the course as indicated on your course completion certificate?
A:/ Short Answer - Was the course presented by an instructor possessing education and/or experience relevant to the subject matter of the course?
A:/ Short Answer - Please indicate, from the selections below, how this course was most relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined by Florida law?
A:/ Multiple Choice:- Most relevant to achieving functional outcomes by maximizing the independence and maintenance of an individual limited by a physical injury or illness.
- Most relevant to achieving functional outcomes by maximizing the independence and maintenance of an individual limited by a cognitive impairment, a psychosocial dysfunction, a mental illness, a developmental or a learning disability, or an adverse environmental condition.
- Most relevant to occupational therapy skills related to the observation or the administration and interpretation of standardized or non-standardized tests and measurements to identify areas for occupational therapy services.
- Most relevant to occupational therapy services involving treatment, education, consultation or interventions directed toward developing daily living skills, work readiness or work performance, play skills or leisure capacities, or enhancing educational performance skills.
- Most relevant to occupational therapy services providing for the development of sensory-motor, perceptual, or neuromuscular functioning; range of motion; or emotional, motivational, cognitive, or psychosocial components of performance.
- What is the name of the continuing education provider?
Attachments: If submitting documentation, be prepared to attach your certificate of completion.
Attestation: I hereby certify that the answers on this application are true and correct.
Pursuant to Section 456.072(1), F.S., making misleading or fraudulent representations shall constitute grounds for which disciplinary actions specified in Section 456.072(2)(3), F.S., may be taken.
How to Self-Report non-Board approved, relevant to the practice of occupational therapy practice continuing education hours.
If the provider does not have specific approval by the Board, AOTA or FOTA, you would need to consider whether the certification you are seeking meets the Board’s CE acceptance criteria for other courses relevant to the practice as defined in Board Rule 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code. Please compare the information from the course you are considering to the outlined criteria in this rule to determine whether it meets the stated requirements. If you determine it is relevant to the practice of occupational therapy and to take the course, you will need to self-report the course to your personal CEBroker account according to the instructions below. You are not required to have a paid account to self-report in Ce Broker. You would need to login to your CEBroker dashboard, where you will see the option to self-report CE. You would report under the category “Course/Program Relevant To The Practice Of Occupational Therapy”.
Questions
- What is the name of the continuing education provider?
A:/ Short Answer - What is the name of the course as indicated on your course completion certificate?
A:/ Short Answer - Was the course presented by an instructor possessing education and/or experience relevant to the subject matter of the course?
A:/ Short Answer - Please indicate, from the selections below, how this course was most relevant to the practice of occupational therapy as defined by Florida law?
A:/ Multiple Choice:- Most relevant to achieving functional outcomes by maximizing the independence and maintenance of an individual limited by a physical injury or illness.
- Most relevant to achieving functional outcomes by maximizing the independence and maintenance of an individual limited by a cognitive impairment, a psychosocial dysfunction, a mental illness, a developmental or a learning disability, or an adverse environmental condition.
- Most relevant to occupational therapy skills related to the observation or the administration and interpretation of standardized or non-standardized tests and measurements to identify areas for occupational therapy services.
- Most relevant to occupational therapy services involving treatment, education, consultation or interventions directed toward developing daily living skills, work readiness or work performance, play skills or leisure capacities, or enhancing educational performance skills.
- Most relevant to occupational therapy services providing for the development of sensory-motor, perceptual, or neuromuscular functioning; range of motion; or emotional, motivational, cognitive, or psychosocial components of performance.
Attachments: If submitting documentation, be prepared to attach your certificate of completion.
Attestation: I hereby certify that the answers on this application are true and correct.
Pursuant to Section 456.072(1), F.S., making misleading or fraudulent representations shall constitute grounds for which disciplinary actions specified in Section 456.072(2)(3), F.S., may be taken.
What is a PDU? And what does it equal in regards to ceu’s, contact, or clock hours?
A PDU is a Professional Development Unit. Most often, it is equal to one contact hour. One AOTA CEU is equal to ten contact hours, or ten PDUs. For more clarification on the conversion from contact hours to PDUs when it is not an AOTA CEU course, please go to www.nbcot.org, click on "Certificants" in the left-hand menu, then on "Renewal Guidelines Handbook" in the left-hand menu. The handbook should give you all the information you need for NBCOT’s requirements and how to convert hours.
May I complete all my CEs online?
Yes, if all your CE’s are interactive online courses. To find Board approved providers offering such courses, you may search in CE Broker at: www.CEBroker.com. Select the “Live Courses” Tab, and one of the following categories: “Broadcasted Interactive Event” or “Web Based Program”. Interactive courses must be in “real time” and allow the opportunity for interaction with presenter/host.
Where can I find a list of the Board approved providers for continuing education?
You may go to CE Broker to search for Board approved CE Providers at www.CEBroker.com
What if a continuing education course that I took is not approved by one of the approved providers listed in the rule or listed at CE Broker?
You as a licensed professional can make the determination if a course is acceptable for OT continuing education. Subsection (5) of rule 64B11-6.001, Florida Administrative Code, states that courses and programs not approved shall be approved as appropriate continuing education if said course or program meets the criteria as specified in rule 64B11-6.001. The course shall be relevant to the practice of occupational therapy and must be offered for the purpose of keeping the licensee apprised of advancements and new development in occupational therapy, and shall be designed to enhance learning and skills consistent with contemporary standards for occupational therapy practice. The Board of Occupational Therapy Practice and the staff do not approve individual courses.
How many hours of Prevention of Medical Errors must I take?
Two hours for renewal. Course must be given by a Florida Board of Occupational Therapy Practice approved provider. Even though you may have been required to complete a 2 hour course in prevention of medical errors for initial licensure purposes (prior to July 1, 2016), you must complete an additional 2 hours of prevention of medical errors for each renewal. Course must include: A study of root-cause analysis; Error reduction and prevention; Patient safety; and Contraindications and indications specific to occupational therapy management including medication and side effects.
How long is a contact hour and how does a CEU relate to continuing education hours?
The Board’s measurement for Continuing Education hours is by contact hours. One (1) contact hour equals a minimum of fifty (50) minutes. One half (1/2 or .5) contact hours equals a minimum of twenty-five (25) minutes.
I am currently enrolled in an ongoing higher OT education program (Master’s or Doctorate) may I get continuing education credit for my courses, and how do I calculate the hours?
Yes. Board Rule 64B11-6.001 (4)(b), Florida Administrative Code, states courses sponsored by an approved accredited (American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) www.aota.org) college or university when providing a program/curriculum for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants shall be awarded 10 hours of continuing education credit per semester hour and shall be verified by official transcripts.
Can continuing education hours be carried over from the previous biennium if the therapist has obtained extra hours?
Continuing education hours can only be credited within the current biennium dates in which they are taken. A licensure biennium is the twenty-four month period between expiration dates. All occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and occupational therapy continuing education provider licenses expire on February 28 of every odd year. New hours may be accrued on or after March 1, odd year. It is during this time period that the continuing education requirements must be met for each renewal cycle. You may visit the Boards Renewal page to see the CURRENT RENEWAL DATES.
May I take a course that has not been pre-approved by the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice nor sponsored by an approved provider?
Yes. Courses and programs not approved by the Board nor sponsored by an approved provider shall be approved as appropriate continuing education if said course or program meets the same criteria for provider approval. In summary, course must be “relevant to the practice occupational therapy”; given by appropriate educators, with experience and credentials relevant to the course or program’s subject matter; documentation obtained regarding the course educational goals, objectives and teaching methods; and receipts, vouchers, certificates, or other papers documenting proof of completion and proof of the number of the contact hours awarded. See 64B11-6.001(5), F.A.C.
I recently completed my post professional OT Doctorate. Do the classes I took towards my degree count towards licensure renewal for continuing education credit, and how do I calculate the hours?
Yes, as long as you completed an approved accredited program, (by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) www.aota.org) you may receive continuing education credit. Board Rule 64B11-6.001(4)(b), Florida Administrative Code, states, courses sponsored by a college or university when providing a curriculum for occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants shall be awarded 10 hours of continuing education credit per semester hour and shall be verified by official transcripts.
My CE Broker transcripts are incorrect, what should I do?
For assistance with managing your CE transcript, CE status, self-submitting courses, etc. Contact CE Broker at: 1-877-434-6323 (M-F, 8-6pm) www.CEBroker.com
May I obtain CE credit for courses offered by FOTA or AOTA?
Yes. Courses offered by the Florida Occupational Therapy Association (FOTA), the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and occupational therapy courses, meeting the rule criteria, and provided by an education program approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy are approved for continuing education credit by the Board, Per 64B11-6.001(4)(a), F.A.C. Continuing Education Program Approval.
What are the requirements regarding Home study?
Twelve (12) hours of home study per biennium are allowed. Home study education is independent study and requires a certificate of completion. Home study education does not include a web-based, satellite transmitted or online instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact or communicate back and forth with the instructor during the presentation of the program.
May I get continuing education credit hours by attending the Board of Occupational therapy meetings?
Yes. A maximum of eight contact hours may be awarded per biennium for attendance at board meetings where disciplinary cases are being heard, if the licensee is not on the agenda or appearing for another purpose. You must sign in and out on the Board’s Meeting Roster in the back of the room at the meetings, and request CE credit. The Board meetings last approximately 1-3 hours and are scheduled quarterly. You may check the Board’s Meetings schedule on the Meetings page. See Rule 64B11-5.001(10)(b).
Must all online courses be counted as home study hours?
No. If a course is an interactive course, it is not limited to being counted as home study hours. Home study education does not include a web-based, satellite transmitted or online instruction program that allows or requires the licensee to interact or communicate back and forth with the instructor during the presentation of the program. You may search in CE Broker for “Web-based Program (opportunity for interaction with presenter/host)”.
Must I send all continuing education paperwork to the Board office?
No. Always keep proof of continuing education requirements in a personal file. If you take a course not given by a Florida OT Board approved CE provider, you may self-submit your hours and a copy of certificate in CE Broker. If you take a course by a Florida OT Board approved CE provider, the provider is required to report your CE course completion credits to CE Broker within 90 days of course completion. If at that time you do not see credits posted to your records, please contact the CE provider.
May I obtain continuing education credit for supervising a student completing their Fieldwork Experience?
Yes. A licensee may earn up to 6 continuing education hours per biennium for supervision of a Level II Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapy Assistant fieldwork student at the rate of no more than 3 hours per student. The licensee must be the primary clinical fieldwork educator for the student. Documentation shall include verification provided by the school to the fieldwork educator with the name of the student, school, and dates of fieldwork or the signature page of the completed student evaluation form. Evaluation scores and comments must be deleted or blocked out.
If I take a course by a Board approved provider, do I submit the information in CE Broker?
No. Florida approved CE providers are required to report your CE course completion credits to CE Broker and are requested to do so within 90 days of course completion. If at that time you do not see credits posted to your records, please contact the CE provider.
How may I be exempt from continuing education requirements?
There are two exemptions allowed for continuing education requirements. One is for the person licensed in the second half of the biennium. They are exempt from continuing education requirements for that biennium, except for the 2 hours prevention of medical errors course and the 1 hour HIV/AIDS education until the beginning of the next renewal, at which time they must begin collecting their continuing education requirements for the next renewal. See 64B11-5.001, F.A.C. for further information. Two, a licensee who is the spouse of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States is exempt from all licensure renewal provisions for any period of time in which the licensee is absent from the State of Florida due to the spouse’s duties with the Armed Forces. The licensee must document the absence and submit copies of the spouse’s military orders/status to the Board. See 64B11-5.0065, F.A.C..
Do I have to subscribe to the electronic tracking system?
No, subscriptions remain optional. There are a number of services you can receive by subscribing, however, it is optional. You can always search for courses, report your hours, and view your course history free of charge by creating a Basic Account
If you do not have the required continuing education hours reported and confirmed in CE Broker, you cannot renew your license, after the 02/28/2025 expiration date. The online renewal system will not allow you to move forward with your renewal process until required continuing education hours have been confirmed “COMPLETE” in CE Broker. On 03/01/2026 your licensure status will move to a Delinquent/Active status. In order to renew a Delinquent/Active status license back to a Clear/Active status you will be required to Complete/Confirm the continuing education requirements and submit a $115 fee ($60 renewal +$55 delinquent fee, if you are only Delinquent for this one renewal period and if submitted prior to the next renewal period. You cannot work legally on a Delinquent status license in Florida.