ATC
BOC Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC)
The BOC ATC exam certifies athletic trainers in injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation. ATC is required for state licensure in most states.
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ATC Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | BOC Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC) |
| Governing Body | BOC |
| Number of Questions | 175 |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 500 scaled (200-800 scale) |
| Exam Fee | $375 USD exam plus $75 application ($100 non-member) |
| Category | Fitness & Personal Training |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | BOC official website ↗ |
ATC Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion | 21% |
| Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis | 26% |
| Immediate and Emergency Care | 12% |
| Therapeutic Intervention | 20% |
| Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility | 21% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the BOC content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Domain I: Risk Reduction, Wellness and Health Literacy (20.0%)
- ✓ Domain II: Assessment, Evaluation and Diagnosis (25.6%)
- ✓ Domain III: Critical Incident Management (20.8%)
- ✓ Domain IV: Therapeutic Intervention (25.6%)
- ✓ Domain V: Health Administration and Professional Responsibility (8.0%)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the ATC
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the ATC is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real ATC format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
ATC Frequently Asked Questions
What does ATC stand for?
ATC stands for BOC Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC). It is administered by BOC.
Who administers the ATC?
The BOC Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC) is administered by BOC. For official information, visit the BOC website.
How many questions is the ATC?
The ATC consists of 175 questions. Candidates are given 4 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the ATC?
The passing score for the ATC is 500 scaled (200-800 scale), as set by BOC. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the ATC exam cost?
The ATC exam fee is $375 USD exam plus $75 application ($100 non-member). This fee is set by BOC and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the ATC are scored?
175 items total, a combination of scored and unscored (experimental) items. BOC does not publish the exact scored/unscored split - null. Item formats include multiple choice, multi-select, drag-and-drop and hot spot; multi-select and drag-and-drop items are eligible for partial credit. Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the ATC scored?
Scaled score of 500 on a 200-800 scale. No official raw percentage. Always confirm the current standard with BOC before testing.
What does the ATC cost?
Application fee $75 (NATA members) / $100 (non-members), plus registration/testing fee $375 (US and Canada) or $495 (international). Retest fee is the same as the registration fee. Fees are set by BOC and change periodically; confirm current pricing before you register.
What should I know about the current ATC exam blueprint?
Domain weights are from the BOC Practice Analysis, 8th Edition (PA8), effective with the March/April 2023 exam window. The BOC Certification Exam Candidate Handbook in force covers the March/April 2025 through January/February 2027 exam windows (published November 2024). Domain V is sometimes rendered 'Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility' in the PA8 document. Not retired or renamed.
How difficult is the BOC ATC exam and what is the pass rate?
The BOC Athletic Trainer Certification exam is considered highly rigorous. First-time pass rates typically range from 70–80% for graduates of CAATE-accredited programs, though rates vary by program and year. The exam tests clinical decision-making, injury evaluation, and emergency response across a wide range of scenarios.
What are the eligibility requirements for the BOC ATC?
Candidates must have graduated from a CAATE-accredited professional Athletic Training Program, either a master's-level entry program (the current standard) or a pre-2022 bachelor's-level program. This is not a certification that can be obtained through a short course or personal training background; it requires an accredited AT academic program. Current CPR/AED certification is also required.
How long should I study for the BOC ATC exam?
Most candidates prepare for 2–4 months after completing their academic program, since much of the knowledge base is built during the degree program itself. BOC-approved practice examinations and content outlines are the primary study resources. Many graduates use study groups and clinical scenario practice as part of their preparation.
What career opportunities does the BOC ATC credential provide?
BOC ATCs work in high schools, colleges, professional sports teams, military, physician offices, industrial settings, and performing arts organizations. The ATC is required to practice as an athletic trainer in most U.S. states. Salaries range from approximately $45,000 to $75,000+, with higher earnings in professional sports and clinical settings.
What is the retake policy for the BOC ATC exam?
Candidates who fail may retake the exam up to six times total. Wait periods between attempts apply, and candidates should review current BOC guidelines for specific scheduling intervals. After the sixth failed attempt, candidates cannot sit for the exam again without special petition.
How long is the BOC ATC credential valid?
The BOC ATC credential requires ongoing maintenance, there is no fixed expiration date, but annual fees and continuing education requirements must be met to remain certified. Failing to complete continuing education requirements results in certification suspension.
What continuing education does the BOC ATC require?
Certified athletic trainers must complete 50 continuing education units (CEUs) over each two-year certification maintenance period, including specific required content areas such as evidence-based practice, CPR/AED, and prevention and wellness. BOC maintains an online reporting system for CEU documentation.
How does the BOC ATC compare to the NSCA CSPS for working with special populations?
The BOC ATC is a state-regulated healthcare credential that authorizes athletic trainers to evaluate and treat injuries within a defined scope of practice, including under physician referral in many states. The NSCA CSPS is a fitness credential focused on designing exercise programs for special populations (cardiovascular disease, obesity, etc.) in wellness settings. ATCs work in healthcare; CSPS holders work in fitness. They serve different roles and are not interchangeable.
Do I need state licensure in addition to the BOC ATC?
Yes. While the BOC ATC is the national standard, most states also require state licensure, registration, or exemption to practice as an athletic trainer. Requirements vary by state and you must obtain state credentials in addition to the BOC certification before practicing legally.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the BOC Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC), a Fitness & Personal Training certification, administered by BOC. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by BOC. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the BOC official website ↗ .