In our research we found that the common study guides for NBCOT are helpful with the exam. In my opinion, however, I strongly feel that the difference between a pass or a fail is in the foundational information that one needs to learn. I recommend studying from a well-trusted and recognised name in all the necessary areas: physical dysfunction, paediatrics, mental health, community and possibly legislation (especially if you are unfamiliar with the US health system).The following are textbooks representing each area where possible. If you are looking to buy a book, getting the latest or second to latest edition is probably the best as the exam has been recently updated (in 2009) and so the topics covered are from newer editions. If you have an older edition, you don't need to buy a new one. If you really feel like you are missing out, you can try and borrow a later edition from the library. This can be such a costly process (especially if you are international or taking the exam repeatedly) that is unnecessary to buy new editions of the same textbook.
1. Physical Dysfunction
Williard and Spackman's Occupational Therapy by Crepeau, Cohn and Schell
Many of the questions the physical dysfunction questions are referenced from Williard and Spackman and so it is good to be able to look up questions in this book and get expanded text on the topics.
Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction by Radomski and Trombly
Again many of the questions for physical dysfunction are referenced from Radomski and Trombly. If you have both books, that's awesome. If not, having one or the other is good enough. Again you can always try and borrow the book from a friend or take it out of the library.
Pedretti's Occupational Therapy: Practice Skills for Physical Dysfunction
I didn't have access to Pedretti's when I was studying but I know it's a good resource and it did come up in the occasional question. Again, I think if you have one of the three Phys. Dysfunction books or even better, two, you won't need all three, and most likely won't have time to go through them all.
2. Paediatrics
Occupational Therapy for Children by Case Smith
I borrowed this book from a friend - a much earlier edition - and I found it very helpful regarding the IEP (Individualised Education Plan) and the feeding responsibilities required of an OT. It comprehensively covers everything a new (and advanced) OT needs to know about paeds in the States. This is a good resource to use.
3. Mental Health
Psychosocial Occupational Therapy: A Clinical Practice by Cara and MacRae
This book is great for getting back to basics on all things mental health and specific OT interventions and approaches. It also outlines all the medication and side-effects which is really useful especially if you are unfamiliar with this field or you didn't study it intensely at university. I highly recommend this book for mental health. I wish I had had it during my studies.
4. Community
Developing Occupation-Centered Programs for the Community
This is the only book that I actually bought because it wasn't available to me locally. But that's just me. It was helpful with the tricky program questions on the exam but I don't think it's actually necessary to buy if you can borrow it. I'm still glad that I had it though for the exam because it put my mind at ease that I had a good solid resource for this section.
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