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The ABPTS model for certification focuses on continuing competence of the physical therapist specialist.

What Does This Mean to You as a Board-Certified Specialist?

You can look forward to real-time capture of professional development activities throughout your certification period. Our seamless online submission system helps you progress toward the MOSC milestones. The MOSC process reflects the dynamic health care environment which requires a commitment to lifelong learning and continuing clinical competence. Review history and purpose of MOSC.

Here are the key benefits:

  • Requirements are tailored to fit your career path.
  • Flexibility in how you gain MOSC credits.
  • Online system easily tracks your progress.
  • Pricing is in line with current recertification process.
  • Fees are spread over four payments in your third, sixth, ninth, and tenth year of certification.
  • Recertification exam adds greater credibility to your credential.

Already started the MOSC process?

If you're already in the process of your board-certification maintenance and know where you are in the process and what requirements you need to fulfill, here's easy access to the portal.
 

Access the Online Portal

Otherwise, continuing reviewing important information below.

10 Year Certification 

Your certification is good for 10 years regardless of your participation in the maintenance program.

In order to maintain your certification at the end of your 10-year certification, you have the following options:

  • Participate in the MOSC process.
  • Opt out of the MOSC process - and instead sit for the initial certification examination once again in the tenth year of your certification. This would require meeting initial certification eligibility requirements and paying associated initial certification application and exam fees.
  • Apply for emeritus status - only if you will be retiring from direct patient/client care by the time of your certification expiration date (note: may submit an emeritus application no earlier than six months prior to your certification expiration date).

If you opt to go through the MOSC process, you must submit evidence of your continuing competence every three years. By June 30 of your certification's third, sixth, and ninth year, a specialist is required to submit the following:

  • Evidence of current unrestricted licensure as a physical therapist in the United States or any of its possessions or territories.
  • Evidence of 200 hours of direct patient care acquired in the specialty area.
  • Evidence of participation in ongoing professional development or service within the specialty area.
  • Evidence of practice performance through clinical care and reasoning through the submission of one case reflection portfolio.

Successful completion of an APTA-accredited residency or fellowship program, within the designated specialty practice area, meets all requirements for one three-year MOSC cycle if completed during that three-year period.

Once you have successfully completed all MOSC cycle requirements, you are eligible to sit for the non-proctored recertification examination in year 10.

Click on the four MOSC requirement blocks below for additional information and details.

MOSC Fees and Deadline

APTA Members

Three installments of $220 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $100 at-cost exam fee in year 10 = $760 total  

Nonmembers

Three installments of $400 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $200 exam fee in year 10 = $1400 total

2024 Submission Deadline: June 30, 2024.

Where and When Do You Start?

Review timeline and fee structure for information on how this pertains to already certified specialists in the process of preparing for maintenance. 

Take a few moments to review this MOSC presentation that provides an overview of the program, general tips for submitting your MOSC cycle plan, and details implications for not meeting MOSC requirements.

Emeritus Status

Current board-certified specialists who have retired from direct patient and client care (as defined by ABPTS) may apply to be granted the "emeritus" designation. 

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