Skip to main content

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: March 2024
  • Application Submission Window Deadline: mid-May 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

The application window is closed. ABPTS will begin accepting SACE applications again in March 2024.

Congratulations to the Recipients of SACE's Item Writer Awards

 

2021 Awards

Congratulations to the recipient of SACE's Item Writer of the Year Award:

Mallikarjuna Suryamoni, PT, DPT, MSEd
Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Geriatric Specialty Area

 

Congratulations to the top producing item writers in each specialty:

Hannah McHugh, PT, DPT - 12 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Specialty Area

Samuel Larrucea, PT, DPT - 22 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Clinical Electrophysiologic Specialty Area

Mallikarjuna Suryamoni, PT, DPT, MSEd - 25 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist
Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Geriatric Specialty Area

Jasmine Edwards, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Neurologic Specialty Area

Jennifer Mondello, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Neurologic Specialty Area

Claire Davies, PT - 23 items approved for item bank submission
SACE Member for Oncologic Specialty Area

Benjamin Massey, PT, DPT, DSc - 12 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Orthopaedic Specialty Area

Andrea Millea, PT, DPT - 20 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pediatric Specialist
SACE Member for Pediatric Specialty Area

Michael Garrison, PT, DSc - 15 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Sports Specialty Area

Stephanie Dillon, PT, DPT - 12 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for Women's Health Specialty Area

Willow Henry, PT, DPT - 13 items approved for item bank submission
SACE Member for Wound Management Specialty Area