OT Bestie/Help Center/Using Manual Mode

Using Manual Mode

Manual Mode gives you complete control over your practice sessions. Choose exactly which domains, tasks, and knowledge areas to focus on for targeted improvement.

When to Use Manual Mode

Manual Mode is ideal when you:

  • Know your weak areas - Your Progress Report shows low accuracy in specific domains
  • Want targeted practice - You need to drill a particular topic or concept
  • Preparing for specific content - Focusing on material before a tutoring session
  • Building domain confidence - Want to master one area before moving on

How to Use Manual Mode

  1. Select Manual Mode

    On the Practice Questions page, click the "Manual" button in the mode selector.

  2. Open the Filter Panel

    Click the filter icon to access the selection options.

  3. Choose Your Domain

    Select from the four NBCOT® domains, each showing its exam weight percentage.

  4. Select Tasks and Knowledge Areas

    Narrow down further by choosing specific tasks within that domain.

  5. Start Practicing

    Questions will only come from your selected areas until you change the filters.

Use Your Progress Report

Check your Progress Report before each study session. Look for domains with accuracy below 70% and use Manual Mode to target those specific areas.

NBCOT® Domains

Manual Mode lets you filter by these exam domains:

Domain 1: Evaluation and Assessment (23%)

Selecting, administering, and interpreting assessments. Includes topics like standardized assessments, clinical observations, and evaluation data analysis.

Domain 2: Analysis, Interpretation, and Planning (23%)

Synthesizing evaluation data, establishing goals, and developing intervention plans. Covers prioritization, goal writing, and treatment planning.

Domain 3: Select and Manage Interventions (38%)

Selecting and implementing interventions. The largest domain, covering therapeutic techniques, activity adaptation, and clinical reasoning.

Domain 4: Competency and Practice Management (16%)

Service management, supervision, and professional responsibilities. Includes documentation, ethics, and healthcare system knowledge.

Question Types

In Manual Mode, you can also filter by question type: Multiple Choice only, Scenario Sets only, or Mixed.

Best Practices for Manual Mode

  • Set session goals - Aim for 20-30 questions per focused area
  • Track your progress - Note your accuracy before and after drilling
  • Combine with lessons - Review related lessons when accuracy is low
  • Don't avoid weak areas - It's tempting to practice what you know
  • Balance with Adaptive Mode - Use Manual for targeted work, Adaptive for overall prep

Manual vs. Adaptive vs. Random

Each mode serves a different purpose in your study plan:

  • Manual Mode - You control what you practice. Best for targeted improvement.
  • Adaptive Mode - Algorithm chooses based on your performance. Best for efficient overall prep.
  • Random Mode - Questions from all areas randomly. Best for exam simulation.

NBCOT®, OTR® and COTA® are registered trademarks owned by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy also known as NBCOT®. OT Bestie is not affiliated with and NBCOT® has not endorsed or approved the educational services and materials offered by OT Bestie.