Continuing Competence Program
Occupational therapists in British Columbia fulfill their promise to provide safe, ethical and effective care by monitoring and improving their professional competence to meet or exceed established standards.
The College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia is responsible for delivering a Quality Assurance Program* that supports continued competence and provides an opportunity for occupational therapists to demonstrate their competence. Monitoring competence is one way in which the College honours the privilege of self-regulation and meets its mandate to protect the public’s interest.
The program includes three elements:
1. Competence Maintenance (annual)
2. Competence Assessment (every 6 years)
3. Competence Improvement (as needed)
Competence Maintenance is an ongoing process in which occupational therapists engage in activities to maintain and/or enhance their practice.
This element of the program is being revised to assist occupational therapists to gather information to better inform their competence maintenance activities.
Competence Assessment focuses on occupational therapists demonstrating their competence. Beginning in 2014, occupational therapists will be required to take the Continuing Competence Exam every 6 years. The exam will help to identify occupational therapists who need assistance to improve their competence in order to meet the profession’s standard of practice and professional conduct.
Competence Improvement is being designed to provide individualized support to improve specific areas of an occupational therapist’s competence. This element will be available in 2014.
