WFOT Education Standards

WFOT has a long and influential history in the global development of the profession and capacity building for occupational therapy. WFOT publishes several standards documents that guide the education of occupational therapist across the globe.

Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists

Since 1958, the Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists have shaped the international development of occupational therapy entry-level programme and provided oversight of the education of occupational therapists. The Minimum Standardsdescribe:

  • The local and international contexts for occupational therapy education.
  • The philosophy and purpose of occupational therapy education programmes.
  • Education programme components.
  • Evaluation criteria for education programmes.

Together with the Minimum Competencies of Occupational Therapists, the Minimum Standards form the basis of the WFOT approval process for occupational therapy education programmes.

In February 2026, the WFOT General Assembly approved a 2026 version of the Minimum Standards for Education of Occupational Therapists. The resources below outline the process undertaken by WFOT to revise the Minimum Standards and the major changes from the 2016 version:

  • Revision of the 2016 Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists video
  • Questions and answers regarding the Revision of the 2016 Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists (further down this page)

Minimum Competencies of Occupational Therapists

The Minimum Competencies of Occupational Therapists describe the expected knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours of occupational therapists, including all graduates of occupational therapy education programmes. Occupational therapists are expected to meet or exceed the competency requirements for the safe and effective practice of occupational therapy, both at the start, as well as throughout their careers. The competencies focus on what can be learned, demonstrated and measured in order to have capacity for safe and effective occupational therapy practice.

Education programmes are expected to evaluate the effectiveness of their programme for students to attain the Minimum Competencies by the time of graduation. Other uses of the Minimum Competencies of Occupational Therapists include:

  • Development and evaluation of education curricula for entry-level occupational therapist education programmes.
  • Development of approval and accreditation processes.
  • Establishment of entry-to-practice standards.
  • Identification of continuing competency standards.
  • Conducting performance reviews.
  • Planning professional development.
  • Assisting with workforce recruitment and planning.

For more information regarding the WFOT approval for entry-level occupational therapy education programmes, please visit this page.

Questions and Answers regarding the Revision of the Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists

The 2016 version of the Minimum Standards for the Education of Occupational Therapists required revision to ensure the standards remain current and relevant for occupational therapy education programmes within an international context.

Pre-review WFOT member organisation consultations

To inform the Minimum Standards revision process, WFOT conducted a series of consultations with member organisations:

  • A 2021 survey sought information regarding entry level standards and competency frameworks used in occupational therapy.
  • An environmental scan in 2023 investigated factors impacting entry-level education in occupational therapy.
  • A follow-up survey in 2024 was conducted on the topic of online education programmes.

The feedback provided in the member organisation consultations was used to develop a first draft version of the 2026 Minimum Standards.

External reviewer consultation

WFOT recruited external reviewers to review and provide feedback regarding the first draft of the 2026 Minimum Standards. Reviewers were selected from all regions of the world based on their familiarity with the Minimum Standards for reviews of education programmes, with preference for individuals with experience in developing and teaching in approved education programmes and who have conducted research or provided critiques related to occupational therapy education standards.

Consultations with WFOT member organisations

Member organisations were invited to provide written feedback on a second version of the 2026 Minimum Standards that reflected input provided by external reviewers. Webinar consultations were also conducted with member organisations, as well as an online survey. A final draft of the 2026 Minimum Standards was discussed and approved at the in-person meeting of the General Assembly held in February 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.

1. Section on ‘International Health, Social and Education Perspectives’

The section discussing international health, social and education perspectives was significantly revised to address current issues and trends.

2. Exit Credential Standard

New content was added regarding a requirement for all education programmes to offer a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in order to be eligible for WFOT approval after 2031.

The standard states:

‘Graduates on successful completion of their education programme receive an exit award of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent credential. This award recognises the breadth and depth of the minimum competencies expected of occupational therapists and provides opportunity for postgraduate study required in many occupational therapy roles. Occupational therapy programmes not leading to a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) will not be approved by WFOT after the year 2031.’

Education programmes approved in 2031 will be eligible for approval for five years for 2-3-year programmes, or seven years for 4-year programmes. Education programmes currently approved by WFOT that do not lead to a bachelor’s degree therefore may potentially continue with WFOT approval until 2036. This 10-year lead-in to the new standard is proposed in recognition of the effort needed by member organisations to work with governments to move from diploma to bachelor level education.

3. Online learning

New content was added to indicate that online-only entry level education programmes do not meet the Minimum Standards.

The standard states:

‘Use of online methods must be supplemented by in-person methods for attainment of expected minimum competencies of occupational therapists. Examples may include:

  • Skills-based practical training.
  • Elements of therapeutic interaction and communications skills.
  • Elements of team-based learning and collaboration and complex clinical reasoning and problem-solving.’

4. Fieldwork

New content was added regarding the range of experiences that should be offered during fieldwork, notably the re-introduction of specific mental and physical health placement experiences.

The standard states:

‘The range of student experiences always includes:

  • People of different age groups;
  • People who have recently acquired and/or long-standing health needs;
  • People with primary mental health needs, as well as people with physical health needs;
  • Interventions that focus on people, occupations, and the environment.’

New content was added to justify the 1000 hours requirement for fieldwork, as well as to describe the need to offer specific mental and physical health placement experiences. New content was also added to indicate simulation-based learning and online practice may be used for fieldwork, with limits as outlined below:

‘It is recommended that simulation and/or online practice should not be used to fulfill more than 20% - 30% of fieldwork requirements.

5. Competencies Expected of Occupational Therapists

The competencies section of the 2016 Minimum Standards was removed for publication in a separate WFOT document, Minimum Competencies of Occupational Therapists. Revisions to the content of the competencies were made based on reviewer feedback and consultations with the Board and General Assembly. The new Minimum Competencies of Occupational Therapists document will be used in the future in conjunction with the Minimum Standards for the development and approval of occupational therapy education programmes.

March 2026 – Publication of the Minimum Standards and Minimum Competencies in English

Late 2026 - Publication of the Minimum Standards and Minimum Competencies in French, German and Spanish.

January 2027 to December 2027 – Education programmes due for review may be completed using either the 2016 Minimum Standards or 2026 Minimum Standards and Minimum Competencies documents.

January 2028 – Education programmes due for review will be expected to be completed using the 2026 Minimum Standards and Minimum Competencies.