While there is no specific list of activities that may always be included or excluded as direct patient care, there are guiding principles to consider for defining direct patient care as it relates to your certification.

All certification candidates have the option of deferring their examination to the following year. It’s simple and easy through the online application process.

Access information about upcoming and annual , regularly hosted events for certified specialists, including the APTA Certified Specialist Award Ceremony for newly certified and recertifying specialists.

May 3, 2021/Article

May 1, 2020/Open Access

Criteria for establishment of a new specialty area are established by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties and guide the development of all new specialty areas. The APTA House of Delegates approves all new specialty areas.

Review resources that will help support you in preparing for and taking the specialist certification examination.

Certified specialists can use the following materials in their marketing efforts. ABPTS Logo Access Click Here and log in using your APTA ID and password. Click on Learning Plans and scroll to Logo Authorization. Click Begin. How to Promote Your Board-Certification Specialization. Tips for Promoting

ABPTS Specialty Panels 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.

Orthopaedics - New Eligibility Requirements for the 2027 Exam Cycle _____________________________________________________________ Approved exam candidates must be physical therapists who hold a current permanent/unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in the United States or any of its possessions

The ABPTS Board is comprised of 9 board-certified physical therapists representing the 10 different specialty areas and is the governing body for the APTA Certified Specialization Program.