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Maximize your potential by becoming a board-certified clinical specialist in any of 10 physical therapy specialty areas offered by the APTA Specialist Certification Program for physical therapists, governed by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Who Are Board-Certified Clinical Specialists?
Join a prestigious group of over 24,000 of your peers who demonstrate competency in specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency. Specialization is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice, exceeding that of the physical therapist at entry into the profession.
"Becoming board certified has always been a goal of mine. It feels great to show my commitment to my patients, my profession, and to be part of an ever-growing specialty. Preparing for the specialty exam has provided me with the opportunity to network with others who have the same passion that I do, and I’m forever thankful."
Certified Specialization Primer
It takes time and commitment, but the personal and professional rewards that come with achieving board-certified specialist status can last an entire career.
The Process
The road to certification begins with understanding the process, from initial application to examination.
Dates and Deadlines
Initial certification deadlines for all specialities are pretty consistent from year to year.
Specialty Areas
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.