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Maximize your potential by becoming a board-certified clinical specialist in any of 10 physical therapy specialty areas offered by the APTA Specialist Certification Program for physical therapists, governed by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.
Who Are Board-Certified Clinical Specialists?
Join a prestigious group of over 30,000 of your peers who demonstrate competency in specialized knowledge and advanced clinical proficiency. Specialization is the process by which a physical therapist builds on a broad base of professional education and practice to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skills related to a particular area of practice, exceeding that of the physical therapist at entry into the profession.
Learn more about specialist certification.
Getting on Board With Specialist Certification
Board certification in physical therapy specialty areas has been evolving since its beginnings. Here are some of the latest developments.
A Physical Therapy Profile: Wages for the Profession, 2021-22
A recent APTA study shows that Board-certified PTs earn higher incomes than non-certified PTs, and the higher earnings are compounded when certification is achieved earlier in a PT’s career. Read the report here.
"Becoming board certified has always been a goal of mine. It feels great to show my commitment to my patients, my profession, and to be part of an ever-growing specialty. Preparing for the specialty exam has provided me with the opportunity to network with others who have the same passion that I do, and I’m forever thankful."
Certified Specialization Primer
It takes time and commitment, but the personal and professional rewards that come with achieving board-certified specialist status can last an entire career.
The Process
The road to certification begins with understanding the process, from initial application to examination.
Dates and Deadlines
Initial certification deadlines for all specialities are pretty consistent from year to year.
Specialty Areas
Cardiovascular & Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Oncology, Women's Health, and Wound Management
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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.
-
Sep. 30
Initial Certification Final Application Deadline(Additional $100 fee for submissions received after July 1).
-
Nov. 30
Initial Certification Exam Fee Deadline -
Mid-December
Exam Scheduling Information IssuedAn email will be sent with information on how to schedule the date and location to sit for your exam.
-
February/March
2025 Exam DatesFebruary 26 - March 19, 2025.
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By June 30
Exam Results ReleasedNotification of exam results will sent by email (from spec-cert@apta.org) and shortly after to the online portal.
Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopaedics, Pediatrics, and Sports
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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.
-
Sep. 30
Initial Certification Final Application Deadline(Additional $100 fee for submissions received after July 31).
-
Nov. 30
Initial Certification Exam Fee Deadline -
Mid-December
Exam Scheduling Information IssuedAn email will be sent with information on how to schedule the date and location to sit for your exam.
-
February/March
2025 Exam Test DatesFebruary 26 - March 19, 2025.
-
By June 30
Exam Results ReleasedNotification of exam results will sent by email (from spec-cert@apta.org) and shortly after to the online portal.