In 1981 the APTA House of Delegates approved board certification in the area of sports. The first sports specialist certification examination was administered in 1987. As of June 2016, ABPTS has certified 1,914 sports specialists.

Initial Certification Deadlines

• July 31: Application Deadline
• August 31: Reapplication Deadline
• November 30: Initial Certification Exam Fee Deadline

Test Dates

March 3 - 17 , 2018: 2018 Exam Dates

Eligibility

• Minimum Eligibility Requirements (.pdf)
• New Sports Certification Exam Requirement Beginning 2017 (.pdf)

Application

• Specialist Certification Application Instructional Video

  It is recommended that first-time specialist certification applicants review this tutorial. This video guides applicants through the process of submitting a professional development portfolio (PDP) through the ABPTS online application.

• Candidate Guide (.pdf)

  Before completing the application process, please read the entire general information and minimum eligibility sections of the candidate guide.

• Sports Venue Coverage Blank Forms (.pdf)

  Use this form to keep track of venue coverage hours needed to complete your Sports certification or recertification application.

• Online Application

  Please allow up to 6 weeks for the initial application review following online submission.

• ABPTS Examination Deferment

  All certification candidates have the option of deferring their examination to the following year.

Status

• Check Your Application Status

Governance

• Specialty Council

Resources

• Descriptions of Specialty Practice
• Examination Outline: Sports
• Examination Preparation Materials
• Examination Tutorial
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) Certification Requirement
• What Activities Constitute Direct Patient Care?
• Presentation: Enhancing Professional Development Through Certification (.ppt)