Become Certified
To become a certified athletic trainer, a student must graduate with a master’s degree from an accredited professional athletic training education program and pass a comprehensive test administered by the Board of Certification (BOC). Once certified, athletic trainers must meet ongoing continuing education requirements in order to retain their certification. Athletic trainers must also work in collaboration with a physician and within their state practice act.
Eligibility for the BOC exam is contingent upon completion of a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) that must instruct to the CAATE Standards. Passage of the certifying examination is a requirement for licensure in most states.
The ATC® Credential
The ATC® credential and the BOC requirements are currently recognized by 49 states plus the District of Columbia for eligibility and/or regulation of the practice of athletic trainers. The credibility of the BOC program and the ATC® credential it awards are supported by three pillars: (1) the BOC certification examination; (2) the BOC Standards of Professional Practice, and Disciplinary Guidelines and Procedures; and (3) continuing competence (education) requirements.
BOC certification is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and is the only accredited certification program for athletic trainers. To be certified, an individual must demonstrate that they are an athletic trainer capable of performing the required duties without threat of harm to the public. The BOC traditionally conducts annual examination development meetings during which athletic trainers and recognized experts in the science of athletic training develop, review and validate examination items and problems.
BOC-certified athletic trainers are educated, trained and evaluated in five major practice domains:
- Domain 1: Risk reduction, wellness and health literacy
- Domain II: Assessment, evaluation and diagnosis
- Domain III: Critical incident management
- Domain IV: Therapeutic intervention
- Domain V: Health care administration and professional responsibility
Getting Certified
Find an accredited athletic training education program near you along with other valuable resources for students.
Determine eligibility
The BOC Candidate Handbook outlines current eligibility requirements. Visit the BOC website for more information.
Maintaining Your Credential
The BOC Recertification requirements outline the requirements to maintain your BOC certification. The requirements include information about completing the continuing education (CE) requirements, meeting the emergency cardiac care (ECC) requirements, submitting the BOC certification maintenance fee and adhering to the BOC Standards of Professional Practice.
Additional Information
For questions about admission to a specific accredited program, contact the program director at the individual college or university. For additional certification information, visit www.bocatc.org, email staff@bocatc.org or call 1.877.BOC.EXAM.