CPC Renewal Begins with Candidates Certified in 2026
The launch of CPC Renewal – powered by Pathfinder, reinforces the profession’s commitment to accountability, reflective practice and continuous improvement. Athletic Trainer (AT) educators are uniquely positioned to model and embed these principles before students ever sit for the BOC exam.
Programs that incorporate structured goal setting, reflective assignments and evidence-based learning discussions are already laying the groundwork for success within CPC.
As candidates prepare to take the BOC exam and enter the profession under this new renewal model, collaboration between academic programs and the BOC will help ensure graduates are not only exam-ready but professionally prepared.
Connect with the BOC at an Event Near You
In 2026, the BOC will be exhibiting nationwide at key pr
ofessional meetings, including:
- All district meetings of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA)
- The NATA Clinical Symposia & AT Expo
- The Athletic Trainers in the Physicians Practice Society (ATPPS) Annual Conference
- The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) Annual Meeting
At all NATA events, the BOC will present a session on CPC Renewal – powered by Pathfinder. Educators and students are encouraged to attend these sessions to better understand how renewal requirements are evolving and how to prepare for success within this new framework.
Visiting the BOC booth provides an opportunity to ask questions, gather resources and discuss how certification standards align with academic programming.
What Educators Should Know: The CPC Renewal Journey
All ATs certified in 2026 will officially begin CPC Renewal in February 2027. However, once certified, graduates may access Pathfinder in 2026 to begin exploring the platform.
CPC is designed to move beyond passive accumulation of continuing education. Instead, it emphasizes:
- Professional goal setting
- Guided progress reflection
- Structured engagement with learning activities
- Development of lifelong learning habits
For educators, this presents a valuable opportunity: integrating goal-setting exercises, reflective practice and professional development planning into coursework can create a seamless bridge between graduation and professional certification renewal.
CPC Renewal at a Glance: Structure and Requirements
Certification renewal occurs over a two-year period. A graduate’s initial renewal requirements are determined by when certification was granted. For those who earn their BOC certification in 2026, all CPC Renewal requirements must be completed by January 31, 2028.
Completion of all Pathfinder Requirements (Due by January 31, 2028) |
| Pathfinder Completion for 2026 Certified ATs
· My Goals – ATs must create 1 goal within the renewal period · My Challenge Questions – ATs must answer 15 questions per 3-month segment (3 of the 4 segments are required) · My Learning Path – ATs must add at least 1 CE activity to their learning path. Completion and/or purchase of this activity is not required · My Reflection – ATs must complete reflection questions by the last period of the renewal period |
| 20 CEUs Due
· Minimum of 5 CEUs from Category A · 15 CEUs can be from any approved learning activity (Category A-D) · Alternative Learning Activities are optional |
For more information about CPC Renewal, visit the BOC website.
