Your NBCOT score is one number between 300 and 600. Here is what it means for the OTR and COTA exams, from NBCOT's Certification Exam Handbook and exam pages.
450 on a scale of 300 to 600 passes. Same for the OTR and the COTA.
NBCOT scales your number of correct answers to 300-600 and equates every form, so 450 means the same thing no matter which version you get. It isn't a percent, and NBCOT doesn't publish a raw cut.
Checked October 18, 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page.
Take the free NBCOT OTR practice test2022 outline, multi-select scenario sets, no sign-up| Fact | OTR | COTA |
|---|---|---|
| Items | 180 | 190 |
| Time | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Pass | 450 (scale 300-600) | 450 (scale 300-600) |
Some items are unscored field-test items that look like the rest. NBCOT doesn't publish how many. On multi-select items ("select the three best"), you get credit for each correct option you pick, with no deduction for wrong picks.
It is the middle of the scale, but it doesn't mean you need half the questions right. It is the scaled score for the passing standard, equated across forms so an easier or harder form doesn't change your result.
You get a feedback report by domain. The retake waits from the handbook:
| Before attempt | Wait |
|---|---|
| 2, 3 and 4 | 30 days |
| 5, 6 and 7 | 60 days |
| 8 and up | 90 days |
Each retake needs a new application and fee ($430 online). The COTA has its own practice test: NBCOT COTA practice test.
450 on a scale of 300 to 600, for both the OTR and the COTA exams.
NBCOT does not publish a raw number or percent. Your number correct is scaled to 300-600 and equated across forms.
30 days before attempts 2 through 4, 60 days before attempts 5 through 7, and 90 days before attempt 8 and later. Each retake needs a new application and fee.
Yes, on multi-select items: credit for each correct option selected, with no deduction for wrong picks.