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Orthopaedics - New Eligibility Requirements for the 2027 Exam Cycle
See below for current requirements.
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Orthopaedic specialization within the physical therapy profession refers to the prevention of disability and the physical rehabilitation of persons with disability resulting from dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system and its related neurovascular components. The practice concentrates both on actual and potential dysfunction of physical capacity and movement. The orthopaedic clinical specialist uses advanced techniques and methods to assist the patient toward optimal function through corrective, adaptive, and prophylactic management of the neuromusculoskeletal system.
In 1981 the APTA House of Delegates approved board certification in the area of orthopaedics. The first orthopaedics specialist certification examination was administered in 1989. As of June 2024, ABPTS has certified 22,794 orthopaedics 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 Orthopaedic 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.