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The SACE was established to create a pool of certified specialists to write items for the specialist certification examinations.
SACE members play a critical role with preparing, reviewing, and revising examination items for the specialty exams. This works earns them credit towards the maintenance of the specialty certification, and they are also eligible for program incentives based on their productivity.
Appointed Group Size
Each specialty may appoint up to 15 new SACE members each year. Orthopaedics may appoint up to 20 new SACE members.
Term of Appointment
SACE appointees serve a two-year term, with the opportunity for subsequent reappointments.
- Application Submission Window Opens: April 1, 2024
- Application Submission Window Deadline: April 30, 2024
- ABPTS will review all applications and make official appointments during their September board meeting.
- Appointment begins January 1
Responsibilities and Time Commitment
Candidates must:
- Complete the online course "Specialist Certification Examination Item Writing: An Overview," and submit a sample exam question prior to submitting their application.
Appointees must:
- Commit to attending an item writing training workshop during APTA's Combined Sections Meeting, and
- Commit to writing a minimum of 8-12 exam questions annually for the 2-year appointment to SACE.
Volunteer
ABPTS is now accepting applications for 2024 volunteer opportunities with the Specialization Academy of Content Experts. If you are interested in being a SACE member, you can apply now through APTA Engage.
The application deadline is April 30.
Congratulations to the Recipients of SACE's Item Writer Awards
2023 Awards
Congratulations to the recipient of SACE's Item Writer of the Year Award:
David Hutchinson, PT, MST, DSc
Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Clinical Electrophysiologic Specialty Area
Congratulations to the top producing item writers in each specialty:
David Hutchinson, PT, MSPT - 34 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Clinical Electrophysiologic Specialty AreaJamie Phelan, PT, DPT, MS - 10 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Geriatric Specialty AreaShannon Carlson, PT, DPT - 12 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Neurologic Specialty AreaJustin Zych, PT, DPT, - 22 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Orthopaedic Specialty AreaKathleen Powers, PT, DPT - 27 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist
CCE Member for Pediatric Specialty AreaAlexandra Nabers, PT, DSc - 10 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Sports Specialty AreaMichael Turnwald, PT, DPT - 10 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Sports Health Specialty AreaJill Heitzman, PT, DPT, PhD - 18 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist - Emeritus
Baord-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist - Emeritus
SACE Member for Wound Management Specialty Area