California OT license renewal and NBCOT certification: are the requirements the same?
They are separate renewals with different cycles and unit requirements. An activity may be relevant to both, but check each organization’s current rules before counting it.
California’s Board of Occupational Therapy generally requires 24 professional development units (PDUs) for an active license renewal. NBCOT separately asks for 36 units for certification renewal. California’s continuing-competency regulation does not apply to the first renewal after an initial license; see California Code of Regulations, section 4161(e) and check your own status with the Board.
Keep the two renewal plans separate
| Question | California license | NBCOT certification |
|---|---|---|
| Units | Generally 24 PDUs per renewal period; first-renewal exception above. | 36 units for certification renewal. |
| Timing | Licenses expire at the end of your birth month, according to the Board’s renewal schedule. | Certification renewal is on a three-year cycle; renewal season is January through March. |
| Where to check | California continuing competency and renewal information | NBCOT renewal steps and handbook |
Can one activity help with both?
NBCOT says professional development used for license renewal can also be used for NBCOT renewal, and vice versa. Check each organization’s eligibility, renewal-period and carryover rules before counting an activity. California says half of its required units must be directly related to delivery of OT services; consult the California Board’s FAQ and NBCOT’s activity guidance for the details.
What should I keep?
California asks practitioners to retain documentation for four years following the renewal period and provide it if audited. Save each completion record and the information the applicable board requests. California and NBCOT each have their own documentation rules; check both before you renew.
Explore a recorded discussion
Collaboration Series: OT & ABA (Module 5) — $39 is a recorded discussion of how occupational therapists and behavior analysts can work together. Use the California Board and NBCOT resources above to assess your own renewal plan.
Sources checked November 12, 2026: California Board of Occupational Therapy, continuing competency and regulations sections 4161–4162; NBCOT certification renewal and continuing education.