Graduates of an accredited athletic training program are eligible to sit for the certification exam adminstered by the Board of Certification, Inc. (www.bocatc.org). Those who pass the exam are certified and their certification is retained as long as they meet the continuing education requirements set by the BOC.
The ATC® credential and the Board of Certification, Inc., requirements are currently recognized by 43 states for eligibility and/or regulation of the practice of athletic trainers. The credibility of the BOC program and the ATC® credential it awards is supported by three pillars; the BOC certification examination, BOC Standards of Practice and Disciplinary Process, and continuing competence requirements. These three areas will be addressed.
BOC certification is recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and is the only accredited certification program for athletic trainers, who are allied health care professionals. To be certified, an individual must demonstrate that s/he is an athletic trainer capable of performing the required duties without threat of harm to the public.
The Board of Certification conducts annual examination development meetings during which certified athletic trainers and recognized experts in the science of athletic training develop, review and validate examination items and problems. The knowledge, skills and abilities required for competent performance as an entry-level athletic trainer fall into three categories:
- A) Understanding, applying and analyzing;
- B) Knowledge and decision-making; and
- C) Special performance abilities.
BOC certified athletic trainers are educated, trained and evaluated in six major practice domains:
- - Prevention
- - Recognition, Evaluation and Assessment
- - Immediate Care
- - Treatment, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
- - Organization and Administration
- - Professional Development
For more information, visit the National Athletic Trainers’ Association at www.NATA.org and the Board of Certification, Inc., at www.BOCATC.org.