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Follow Your Passion. Power Your Practice.
APTA Specialist Certification - Governed by ABPTS
Board-certified specialists are making a difference in the lives of patients, living out their dedication to better care, and helping advance the physical therapy profession. The 10 specialty areas offered by ABPTS are a recognition of the increasingly vital role physical therapy plays in optimizing movement to improve the human experience.
Specialization allows PTs to channel their thirst for progress into their practice.
ABPTS is a Proud Member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
Why Specialist Certification
As a board-certified specialist, you’ll be among more than 30,000 PTs who have achieved certification since the first credentials were awarded in 1985 — and you’ll empower your professional growth.
- Dive deep into what moves you. Earning specialist certification is all about pursuing the facets of physical therapy that you love most.
- Elevate your practice. Specialist certification helps patients and referral sources know that you offer a deep understanding of specific areas of care, and that you're committed to professional growth.
- Get recognized for your commitment. Specialist certification is the profession's acknowledgment that you've achieved knowledge and skills that set you apart.
- Help lead the profession. Engagement is the heart of leadership: ABPTS specialists are often at the forefront of developments in research and practice, and part of a community that believes in continuous improvement of patient care.
- Not convinced yet? Hear from your peers how specialization has changed their practice and made a difference in the professional and personal lives.
From Consideration to Certification — And Beyond
Find Out if Certification Is Right for You
What it takes, how much it costs, and what happens after you're certified.
Explore requirements and considerations
Apply To Be a Certified Specialist
Get started on the road to certification. Apply, check your application status, and see what's ahead.
Maintain Your Certification
Review instructions and deadlines for staying certified.
What this credential means to me is just a greater commitment toward the patients who I serve, the profession, and the students who I teach. I would encourage others to pursue specialty certification to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to open up future career opportunities.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Oncology, Women's Health, and Wound Management
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July 1
Initial Certification Application Deadline -
Aug. 31
Reapplication DeadlineFor candidates who did not sit or pass on first attempt.
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Extended to Sept. 30 for 2022
MOSC Submission Deadline -
Nov. 30
Initial Certification Exam Fee Deadline -
Jan. 16
Exam Scheduling Information IssuedYou will receive an email with information on how to schedule the date and location to sit for your exam.
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March 1 - 22
2023 Exam Dates -
By June 30
Exam Results ReleasedNotification of exam results will sent by email (from spec-cert@apta.org) and shortly after to the online portal.
Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, and Sports
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Extended to Sept. 30
Initial Certification Application DeadlineFor Geriatric, Neurologic, Orthopaedic, Pediatric, and Sports applications.
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Aug. 31
Reapplication DeadlineFor candidates who did not sit or pass on first exam attempt.
-
Extended to Sept. 30 for 2022
MOSC Submission Deadline -
Nov. 30
Initial Certification Exam Fee Deadline -
Jan. 16
Exam Scheduling Information IssuedYou will receive an email with information on how to schedule the date and location to sit for your exam.
-
March 1 - 22
2023 Exam Test Dates -
By June 30
Exam Results PostedNotification of exam results will sent by email (from spec-cert@apta.org) and shortly after to the online portal.