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The neurologic specialty area within the physical therapy profession includes the treatment of developmental, systemic, and traumatic disorders that affect the neuromuscular system and the use of preventive, evaluative, and rehabilitative physical therapy procedures that are appropriate to this patient population. The board-certified clinical specialist in neurologic physical therapy is a specialist in the effective and efficient examination, treatment, and reassessment of persons of all ages with neurologic dysfunction.
In 1982 the APTA House of Delegates approved board certification in the area of neurology. The first neurology specialist certification examination was administered in 1987. As of June 2023, ABPTS has certified 4,557 neurologic physical therapy specialists.
Application Requirements
Review general application requirements, as well as requirements per practice specialty area.
Review RequirementsFees and Deadlines
Review application and examination fees and deadlines. Spoiler alert - APTA members save big!
Access Fee ScheduleReady?
All candidates are required to review the Examination Candidate Guide prior to submission through the online application portal.
Set . . .
The "Description of Specialty Practice" for each specialty area serves as the basis for the specialist certification exams and is a valuable aid in determining your readiness for specialist certification.
Go!
Start your application, check your status with the online application portal. Please allow up to six weeks for the initial application review following online submission.
The Role of the Neurologic Specialty Council
ABPTS Specialty Councils develop minimum eligibility requirements for certification and recertification in a specialty area based on ABPTS guidelines, and when required screen applicants for eligibility to sit for exams and for recertification. Specialty Council members are responsible for developing the examination instruments in consultation with the ABPTS testing agency and approved consultants.
Access the specialty council roster.
ABPTS Approved CEUs
View courses that have been approved by this ABPTS Specialty Council in the APTA Learning Center.