Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd ed.
Should my child have a BOT-2 assessment?
The BOT-2 is a well-established, game-like assessment of a child's gross and fine motor skills for ages 4–21, usually taking 45–60 minutes. It helps when a child seems clumsy, tires quickly, or struggles with handwriting, scissors or catching. Whether your child should have one is best decided with a clinician — it is a measure, never a label.
Wondering whether your child needs a movement-skills assessment — and what that actually looks like on the day?
In short
A BOT-2 assessment is worth considering if your child seems clumsy, tires quickly, avoids running or writing, or finds buttons, scissors or catching a ball harder than other children their age. It is a well-established, hands-on assessment of motor skills — both the big, whole-body movements and the small, precise hand movements — for children and young people from around 4 to 21 years. Whether your child should have one is best decided with a clinician, who weighs your everyday concerns alongside an initial developmental check.What the BOT-2 involves
The BOT-2 is a friendly, activity-based session — to your child it feels much like a series of games rather than a 'test'. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist guides your child through tasks across two broad areas:- Gross motor skills — running, jumping, balancing on one foot, hopping, catching and throwing, and coordinating both sides of the body.
- Fine motor skills — drawing within lines, cutting with scissors, threading, and precise hand-and-finger control.
- Coordination and strength — how smoothly arms and legs work together, plus core stability and stamina.
A full assessment usually takes around 45–60 minutes; a shorter form is available when a quicker screen is enough. Your child's scores are compared with what is typical for their age, which helps the clinician understand where movement is easy and where extra support would help. Most children enjoy it — there is no pass or fail.
When it helps to consider one
Think about an assessment if you notice persistent difficulty with everyday physical tasks — handwriting that is laboured, frequent trips and falls, avoiding the playground, or struggling to keep up in PE. These patterns can affect confidence and learning, and a BOT-2 gives a clear, measurable starting point for occupational therapy or physiotherapy support.The Pinnacle way
A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under the care of a qualified clinician — never from an online figure or a form. Our clinicians may use established instruments like the BOT-2 alongside our own clinician-administered structured assessment to map your child's motor skills against their own baseline, then turn that into a practical plan you can use at the centre and at home. Backed by 2.5 billion+ data points and 25 million+ therapy sessions across 70+ centres, the focus is always on what your child can build next.Trusted sources
AAP/HealthyChildren guidance on motor development and milestones; ASHA and allied-health consensus on standardised, norm-referenced motor assessment; CDC developmental milestone resources for gross and fine motor skills.Next step — Not sure if a BOT-2 is right for your child? Book an assessment with a Pinnacle clinician for clear, friendly guidance and a measurable plan.
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre under qualified clinician care.
What to watch
Watch for persistent clumsiness, frequent trips and falls, avoiding running, climbing or the playground, laboured or messy handwriting, difficulty with buttons, scissors or catching a ball, or tiring far faster than peers in physical play. If these patterns persist and affect confidence or schoolwork, ask a clinician about a motor assessment.
Try this at home
Weave movement into play: catch-and-throw with a soft ball, hopscotch, balancing on a line, threading beads, and big drawing on a vertical surface like a wall easel. Short, fun daily bursts build coordination and strength without it feeling like practice.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
What age is the BOT-2 for?
The BOT-2 is designed for children and young people from around 4 to 21 years of age. A clinician will confirm whether it suits your child's age and the questions you want answered.
How long does a BOT-2 take?
A full assessment usually takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on your child's pace. A shorter form is available when a quicker screen of motor skills is enough.
Is the BOT-2 a pass-or-fail test?
No. There is no pass or fail. It is a friendly, activity-based session that maps where movement comes easily and where extra support would help, giving a clear starting point for therapy.
Does a BOT-2 give a diagnosis?
No single instrument gives a diagnosis. The BOT-2 measures motor skills; any diagnosis is formed only by a qualified clinician at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, considering the whole picture.