r/NBCOT_Exam

I wanted to share my experience because this Reddit helped me so much throughout the process.

For my first attempt, I was working full-time until June 6 and took my exam June 17, so I crammed a lot of studying into the last couple of weeks. I completed over 1,000 TrueLearn questions and took two TherapyEd exams, scoring 53% and 49%. Those scores really hurt my confidence.

Going into the exam, I was extremely anxious. I even took a break halfway through and cried in the bathroom before going back to finish. I walked out feeling like I barely knew anything. After waiting over a week, I found out I scored a 443.

I was devastated, but I immediately reapplied and changed my study strategy. I realized that TrueLearn helped with content, but the question style didn't translate well to the actual NBCOT for me. The second time, I focused heavily on the official NBCOT study tools, completing all of the mini-tests and practice exams. My final practice exam score was a 463.

Going into my second attempt, I felt much calmer and more familiar with the questions. I walked out feeling confident that I had passed, and a few days later I found out I scored a 484.

If you fail, please don't let it convince you that you'll be a bad OT or that you can't pass. Figure out what didn't work, change your approach, and keep going. I did a lot of praying and self-reflection throughout this process, and I'm incredibly thankful I didn't give up.

443 to 484. Failing was devastating, but it made finally passing that much more rewarding. Don't give up!!!!:))

I found out my school never sent my ed verification over to complete my application for my licensure and I’ve been sitting around for 6 weeks waiting. I start orientation for my job Monday and I need my license by tomorrow. Hoping someone can help!

Hi everyone, just posting if anyone could share some advice/words of encouragement.
Failed my first attempt with a 445, absolutely crushed me because I honestly didn’t feel that terrible walking out of the exam and even managed to finish early. I will say i’m very type B and my studying was kind of sporadic/relied on mostly practice questions towards the end. I feel like I know content well I just need to go about refining my answers maybe.

Used TrueLearn a bit, therapyed cause my school provided it, and NBCOT study pack. Also reviewed some AOTA pdfs at first but content work just isn’t for me I think practicing definitely helps more. Thinking about adding in OTBestie this time around. Not feeling totally discouraged now that i’m reapplying, more so just bummed but such is life. Thanks in advance for any kind words or advice! <3

I just took a the NBCOT exam for the first time (OTA). I passed my practice NBCOT tests with 480’s and utilized aota, NBCOT, and true learn questions. None of them prepared me for how hard that exam is. I am currently crying in the parking lot wondering how i am going to take that exam in a month bc I am positive I failed. I usually test in 3 hours and I took almost the whole 4 hours but had 13 minutes left after I reviewed all my flagged questions. I feel like I failed and not in a cute way where I secretly think I passed I just don’t wanna get my hopes up but in a completely dead serious I failed sort of way. I am feeling like this is so incomparably hard to the practice exams and I have no idea how to even study for when I have to take it next time because I studied my ass off for this one. I’m not sure if I just memorized all the practice questions for the practice exams and these were all new so my scores were never accurate in the first place? I went in nervous but with a slight shred of confidence bc of my passing practice scores but those feel silly compared to how hard that exam was today.

I’m in need of some assistance because I honestly don’t know what else to do. I’ve taken the BCBA exam three times now. I’ve used Pass the Big ABA Exam, ABA Exam Review on YouTube, Understanding Behavior, and I even worked with a tutor for 13 one-hour sessions.

The frustrating part is that I do pretty well on my mock exams. I’m usually scoring in the 70s, and based on my studying and mock performance, everything seems to point toward me being ready.
But when I actually sit down for the BCBA exam, it’s completely different. My heart is beating out of my chest before I even start. I usually have to use the bathroom before I begin the sign-in process. During the exam, I can literally hear myself breathing through the noise-canceling headphones, my leg won’t stop shaking, and I feel extremely anxious the entire time.

My scores have been:
Attempt 1: 329 — I ran out of time.
Attempt 2: 341
Attempt 3: 345

Between attempts 2 and 3, I took three months to study. I went back through the entire task list and really tried to learn the material and strengthen my understanding instead of just memorizing information. I genuinely felt more prepared going into my third attempt, so seeing a 345 was incredibly discouraging.

At this point, I don’t know if my biggest problem is still my knowledge of the material, my test-taking skills, my anxiety on exam day, or some combination of all three.

For anyone who failed multiple times before eventually passing: What did you change? Has anyone dealt with severe test anxiety like this specifically with the BCBA exam? What helped you finally get over that 400 mark? I’m not ready to give up, but I really need some guidance on what I should do differently for attempt #4.

Hi all. I take my boards tomorrow and needless to say I am freaking out. My therapyed practice scores were 61% and 65% (which felt super discouraging so I didn’t even take the third one) and then my NBCOT practice test scores were 487, 457, and 510. I’m just stressed out because I already have a job lined up at my one fieldwork site and it starts right away and I’m worried about not passing and losing that opportunity. Clearly I am in panic mode right now and would just really appreciate some words of encouragement or any advice you may have for me. TIA.

Hello, what can you guys recommend that is really helpful on breaking down questions? I tried Truelearn and doesn't really help at all for me.

Hi everyone.

I just found out today that I did not pass the NBCOT. I got a 438. I believe my weakness domain is number 3. I studied for about 8 weeks for 5 to 6 hours a day for 5 to 6 days a week. I used the AOTA study pack and read the pdfs and did practice questions. I watched OT Miri videos for topics I was weak in. I listened to almost all of the OT Exam Prepper podcast because I loved his mnemonic devices. I would practice writing down important concepts like the Allen Cognitive Levels and made flashcards as needed. My friend lent me her Therapy Ed book and I would read sections that I was weak in but honestly wasnt sure how helpful it was. I took a practice test from NBCOT and got a 438 (ironic its the same score as my official test). I also took the AOTA practice test and retired nbcot questions.

What can I do to improve my score? What resources do you recommend?

I had a lot of stress in my personal life so I believe that may have contributed to my score. I also had an inconsistent study schedule and would often study until I went to bed. This i will try to fix the next time around. Thank you in advance for your help!

Are there lots of ppl who pass w/o accommodations? I feel like a lot of the pass stories I read on FB groups are from people who have had accommodations. LMK if you have passed w no accommodations!

EDIT: for multiple attempt test takers*

I passsseeeeeeedddddddd with a 471! We outta here.

This was my exam experience:

https://preview.redd.it/eh8t0780l5jh1.png?width=447&format=png&auto=webp&s=9dc36ff46d7491c282abe84899c3a31d89983d5b

Took the nbcot exam today and feel miserable about it. Can’t help but look up questions and know I already got 5 wrong. Anybody else feel like this? I don’t know what to do with myself until Thursday

Out of curiosity for those who passed, was your passing score close to your practice test score?

I passed my NBCOT on my 4th attempt! Thank you Reddit for helping me, and moreover, thanks to the Lord Almighty and the powerful intercession of Mother Mary.

It was a huge struggle for me as an OT graduate from outside the USA. The 450 Formula, NBCOT Study Pack, AOTA PDFs, and OT Bestie tutoring really helped me, along with OT Miri and OT Rex on YouTube. Alt+J option really helped me to highlight.

Taking a small vacation to refresh my mind after my 3rd attempt made a huge difference. Guys, don't lose hope or faith in God. You will pass one day!

"We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." Romans8;28

Anyone who passed what feelings did you experience after the test? I feel like I’m like: “okay, I knew a lot, but I’m still not sure if I passed?” Like lots of uncertainty / harping on questions that I was confused on.. Im not sure if I should feel like “WOW I killed that” or “damn I failed that”?

Hi everyone I just found out I failed my second attempt.

First attempt: 421

Second attempt: 445

I utilized formula 450, NBCOT study pack (480 on pre-test, 512 on full practice), true learn, and OTHelpDesk. This time around I’m going to use OT bestie again (used this during my first attempt but not second)

Any advice?

How does everyone feel about scoring releasing tomorrow?? Good luck to everyone!

I’m feeling super discouraged after reading a lot of posts and comments about people who feel they studied adequately but failed their test. I’d like to hear success stories of those of you who passed on the first attempt to boost morale. I’ll be taking mine next Monday the 17th! Advice welcome as well.
Thank you!!

I took my exam already but just wanted to share my otbestie projection because it took me SOOO long to finally get past 450. The exam was hard, but I'm confident!!! 2 days until I find out if I passed or not and actually can start my career.

https://preview.redd.it/yjsti1fv1vih1.png?width=860&format=png&auto=webp&s=39625f43ed0057a04abc02d6f5ecd35790165f79