The specialist certification program was established to provide formal recognition for physical therapists with advanced clinical knowledge, experience, and skills in a special area of practice and to assist consumers and the health care community in identifying these physical therapists.

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

Leverage your certification to advance your career.

ABPTS coordinates and oversees the specialist certification process, is the governing body for certification and recertification of clinical specialists.

DSPs serve as the basis for the specialist certification exams and are valuable aids in determining your readiness for specialist certification.

Feb 2, 2022/Event

~~All dates and times subject to change.~~ To further promote the specialist certification and residency/fellowship programs and to formally recognize our newly certified and recertified specialists, we welcome all board-certified specialists to attend the ABPTS Certification Recognition Reception taking

Introduction One of the roles of a specialty panel is to provide input on the development of specialty-specific minimum eligibility requirements for certification in a specialty area, based on American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties guidelines, and to review these eligibility requirements annually.

Jul 31, 2025/Open Access

Each year, hundreds of clinical specialists recertify their board-certification for another 10 years. This chart is updated annually.

Jul 31, 2025/Open Access

Review the growth of ABPTS board-certified clinical specialists each year. This chart is updated annually.

Sep 18, 2024/Open Access