ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation between the practical examination of the national board for certification in occupational therapy and the work capability of inexperienced occupational therapists, and to investigate the predictive validity of the practical examination. Methods : The scores of the practical examination of the national board for certification in occupational therapy, and the work capability, were surveyed from 59 inexperienced occupational therapists in 21 clinical centers across the country. In addition, supervisors evaluated the work capability of inexperienced occupational therapists. The data was analyzed to determine the correlation between the practical examination of the national board for certification and the work capability of inexperienced occupational therapists. Results : The results showed a positive significant correlation (r=.414) between the practical examination and the work capability of inexperienced occupational therapists. The supervisors gave high scores in categories of activeness in terms of self regulation and personality. The mean total score by the supervisors was 106.29 with a standard deviation of 20.17. The inexperienced occupational therapists scored 97.49 on the self test, and higher than the supervisors in terms of personality and interpersonal skills. Conclusion : The correlation was found to be significant but with a low correlation coefficient. The national examination of occupational therapists should be improved in a manner that verifies the content and reflects a real clinical situation.