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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: Feb. 1.
- Application Submission Window Deadline: April 30.
- ABPTS will review all applications and make official appointments during their September board meeting.
- Appointment begins Jan. 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 currently not accepting applications for 2026 volunteer opportunities with the Specialization Academy of Content Experts. Applications for 2027 volunteer opporutnities will open in February of next year.
The application deadline for 2027 SACE opportunities will be April 30, 2026.
2025 Awards
Congratulations to the recipient of SACE's 2025 Item Writer of the Year Award:
Daniela Farro, PT, DPT
Baord-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Neurologic Specialty AreaCongratulations to the top producing item writers in each specialty:
Daniela Farro, PT, DPT - 18 items approved for item bank submission
Baord-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Neurologic Specialty AreaCharlotte Redd, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Orthopaedic Specialty AreaKristen Blatt, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Pediatric Specialty AreaJennifer Buckner, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Pediatric Specialty AreaFelicity Case, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Pediatric Specialty AreaSharifa Gayle, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Pediatric Specialty AreaAllison Haley, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Pediatric Specialty AreaChristopher Steiner, PT, DPT - 11 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Pediatric Specialty AreaElizabeth Levay, PT, DPT, PhD - 13 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Pelvic & Women's Health Clinical Specialist
SACE Member for the Pelvic & Women's Specialty AreaJill Heitzman, PT, DPT, PhD - 12 items approved for item bank submission
Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist - Emeritus
Baord-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist - Emeritus
SACE Member for the Wound Management Specialty Area