10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations, straight from our 1,063-question bank. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The COTA exam has 190 questions and runs 4 hours.
These 10 free COTA questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
An OTR asks a COTA to administer a standardized assessment the COTA has never used before. The COTA has read the manual thoroughly and feels confident. Before administering the assessment independently, the COTA MUST:
Correct answer: A - Establish service competency by demonstrating that they obtain the same results as the OTR
A COTA is treating a client with a T4 spinal cord injury. The client suddenly reports a severe pounding headache. The COTA observes flushing and sweating above the level of injury and notes that the client's blood pressure is markedly elevated. The COTA's FIRST action should be to:
Correct answer: B - Sit the client upright and loosen any constrictive clothing
A COTA administers a delegated assessment to a client recovering from a CVA. The supervising OTR is off-site and asks the COTA to interpret the results and adjust the client's long-term goals accordingly. The COTA should:
Correct answer: C - Report the observed results to the OTR and collaborate on any goal revisions
A COTA finishes teaching a caregiver a sliding board transfer. When asked whether they understand, the caregiver nods and says, "Yes, that makes sense." To BEST verify the caregiver's understanding, the COTA should:
Correct answer: D - Ask the caregiver to demonstrate the transfer and explain each step
A 9-month-old infant picks up a small cracker using the pad of the thumb and the side of the index finger. This grasp pattern is BEST described as:
Correct answer: C - Inferior pincer grasp
A COTA receives a new referral in a skilled nursing facility. Which action is OUTSIDE the COTA's scope of practice?
Correct answer: D - Determining the frequency and duration of occupational therapy services
A client is 4 days post right total hip arthroplasty via a posterior approach and needs to don socks independently. Which method is MOST appropriate for the COTA to teach?
Correct answer: C - Using a sock aid with a long-handled reacher while seated
A COTA is teaching dressing to a client with a moderate cognitive impairment who has become discouraged after several unsuccessful sessions. To provide the client with an immediate experience of success, the COTA should use:
Correct answer: A - Backward chaining
A COTA is preparing to apply a hot pack to the forearm of a client with long-standing diabetic peripheral neuropathy to reduce stiffness before an occupation-based activity. The MOST significant concern is that the client:
Correct answer: B - May be unable to accurately report thermal discomfort, risking a burn
A COTA notes that a client's wheelchair seat depth extends to within one-half inch of the popliteal fossa. Which finding is MOST likely to result?
Correct answer: C - Posterior pelvic tilt with sacral sitting and popliteal pressure
The COTA exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
The full bank has 1,053 more COTA questions with explanations.
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