Top 20 Occupational Therapy Assessments

An occupational therapy assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by occupational therapists to determine an individual's functional abilities, limitations, and needs in their daily life activities. Assessments aim to identify the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social factors hindering a person's ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in meaningful occupations.

Indeed, there is a wide variety of occupational therapy assessments available, each designed to evaluate specific aspects of a person's functioning and needs. Choosing the right assessment can be challenging, but it is crucial for tailoring an effective treatment plan that addresses the individual's unique needs and goals.

To help you navigate the numerous options, we have compiled a list of the top 20 most commonly used OT assessments. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, but it provides a good starting point for exploring the different types of assessments utilized in occupational therapy.

For those seeking a comprehensive list of over 300 occupational therapy assessments, check out the following link: https://www.otandme.ca/ot-assessments

The following table briefly describes each assessment, the primary population for which it is used, the approximate cost to purchase the assessment, and the approximate time to complete the assessment. The assessments listed cover a range of domains, including physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning. They evaluate individuals with various conditions, such as neurological disorders, developmental delays, chronic health conditions, and mental health issues.

Assessment Title	​Description	Primary Population	Time to Complete
​Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM)	An assessment that evaluates an individual's performance and satisfaction with daily activities.	Individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, or those experiencing difficulties with daily living tasks.	30-60 minutes
The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS)	An observation-based assessment that measures an individual's ability to perform everyday tasks.	Individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities, or those experiencing difficulties with daily living tasks.	1-2 hours
Modified Barthel Index (MBI)	An assessment that measures an individual's ability to perform basic activities of daily living.	Individuals with physical disabilities or those recovering from illness or injury.	10-15 minutes
Functional Independence Measure (FIM)	An assessment that measures an individual's ability to perform daily living tasks and assesses the need for assistance.	Individuals with physical disabilities or those recovering from illness or injury.	60-90 minutes
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)	A screening assessment that measures cognitive function, specifically orientation, memory, attention, and language.	Individuals suspected of having cognitive impairment or dementia.	5-10 minutes
Barthel Index	An assessment that measures an individual's ability to perform basic activities of daily living.	Individuals with physical disabilities or those recovering from illness or injury.	10-15 minutes
Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI)	An assessment that evaluates functional abilities and limitations in children with disabilities.	Children (birth to 7 years) with developmental delays or disabilities.	60-90 minutes
Sensory Profile	Assesses sensory processing patterns, including sensitivity to different stimuli, seeking or avoiding behaviors, and behavioral responses	Children and adults	30-45 minutes
Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS)	Evaluates gross and fine motor skills, including reflexes, stationary and locomotion abilities, object manipulation, and grasping	Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers	45-60 minutes
Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2)	Measures gross and fine motor skills, including body coordination, strength, agility, speed, and accuracy	Children and adults	45-60 minutes
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS)	A personalized method to measure the achievement of specific goals and objectives, including behavioral, functional, and social outcomes	Children and adults	Variable, depends on goal complexity
WeeFIM	Evaluates functional independence and assistance needs in daily activities, such as self-care, mobility, and communication	Children and adolescents	30-60 minutes
Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA)	Assesses motor impairments, including strength, range of motion, coordination, and balance, and provides a functional profile of activities of daily living	Adults	30-60 minutes
Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP)	Evaluates cognitive and motor development, including visual-motor integration, verbal and nonverbal abilities, and basic motor skills	Preschoolers	30-60 minutes
School Function Assessment (SFA)	Assesses functional performance and participation in school-related activities, including academic tasks, physical education, and social interactions	School-aged children	60-90 minutes
Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development	Evaluates cognitive, language, motor, social-emotional, and adaptive skills, and identifies developmental delays or disabilities	Infants and toddlers	60-90 minutes
Functional Reach Test	Assesses balance and stability while reaching forward, and predicts fall risk in older adults	Adults and older adults	5-10 minutes
Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test	Measures mobility and functional performance, including the time to stand up from a chair, walk a short distance, turn around, and sit back down	Older adults and individuals with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions	5-10 minutes

Disclaimer: The information provided in these tables is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or diagnosis. The cost and time to complete each assessment may vary depending on the location, the specific circumstances, and other factors. It is recommended to consult with a licensed occupational therapist or other qualified healthcare professional before using any of these assessments. The accuracy and completeness of the information in these tables are not guaranteed and may change over time.