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Follow Your Passion. Power Your Practice.
Board-certified specialists are making a difference in the lives of patients, living out their dedication to better care, and helping advance the physical therapy profession. The 10 specialty areas offered by ABPTS are a recognition of the increasingly vital role physical therapy plays in optimizing movement to improve the human experience.
ABPTS is a Proud Member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence.
Why Specialist Certification
As a board-certified specialist, you’ll be among more than 30,000 PTs who have achieved certification since the first credentials were awarded in 1985 — and you’ll empower your professional growth.
- Dive deep into what moves you. Earning specialist certification is all about pursuing the facets of physical therapy that you love most.
- Elevate your practice. Specialist certification helps patients and referral sources know that you offer a deep understanding of specific areas of care, and that you're committed to professional growth.
- Get recognized for your commitment. Specialist certification is the profession's acknowledgment that you've achieved knowledge and skills that set you apart.
- Help lead the profession. Engagement is the heart of leadership: ABPTS specialists are often at the forefront of developments in research and practice, and part of a community that believes in continuous improvement of patient care.
- Not convinced yet? Hear from your peers how specialization has changed their practice and made a difference in the professional and personal lives.
From Consideration to Certification — And Beyond
Find Out if Certification Is Right for You
Review the APTA Board of Directors adopted Glossary of Terms Related to Certification and Assessment.
Apply To Be a Certified Specialist
Apply, check your application status, and see what's ahead.
Maintain Your Certification
The ABPTS model for certification focuses on continuing competence of the physical therapist specialist.
"What this credential means to me is just a greater commitment toward the patients who I serve, the profession, and the students who I teach. I would encourage others to pursue specialty certification to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to open up future career opportunities."
Important Dates and Deadlines
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Oncology, Women's Health, and Wound Management
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May 13
Initial Certification Application Window Opens -
June 30
MOSC Submission Deadline -
July 1
Initial Certification Early Bird Application Submission Deadline -
Aug. 31
Reapplication DeadlineFor candidates who did not sit or pass on first attempt.
Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, and Sports
-
May 13
Initial Certification Application Window Opens -
June 30
MOSC Submission Deadline -
July 31
Initial Certification Early Bird Application Submission Deadline -
Aug. 31
Reapplication DeadlineFor candidates who did not sit or pass on first exam attempt.