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Certification Exam Candidate Handbook A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR CANDIDATES PREPARING FOR THE BOC EXAM EFFECTIVE FOR MARCH/APRIL 2023–JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 EXAM WINDOWS PUBLISHED JANUARY 2023 CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATE HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 2 Table of Contents GLOSSARY3 INTRODUCTION4 64 CERTIFICATION EXAM ELIGIBILITY6 Students/Graduates of a CAATE Accredited Program6 The International Arrangement for the Athletic Training and Therapy Profession6 Discrimination Statement 6 Determining Eligibility 7 Application Process7 Accommodation Requests 8 Registration Process10 Scheduling the Exam 10 PREPARING FOR THE EXAM 11 Exam Format 11 Practice Analysis, 8th Edition 11 Study Aids11 EXAM DAY12 Candidate Check-In for Exam 12 Exam Administration 14 Inclement Weather Policy for Exam 14 Appeal of Exam Administration 14 EXAM SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY15 Ethical Behavior 15 Security Violations15 SCORING AND RESULTS 16 The Scoring Process16 Notification of Results16 Appeal of Exam Results 16 RESCHEDULING AN EXAM 17 Rescheduling Within the Same Exam Window 17 Rescheduling to a Different Exam Window Before Scheduling an Exam17 Rescheduling to a Different Exam Window After Scheduling an Exam 17 Rescheduling Due to Extenuating Circumstances17 Failure to Schedule Exam17 Submitting a Rescheduling Fee 18 Rescheduling Locations 18 CANCELLATION, NO SHOW AND EXAM FEE FORFEITURE 19 Cancellation19 Appeal of Exam Fee Forfeiture 19 RETAKING THE EXAM 20 Retake Requirements20 COMPLETING FILE FOR CERTIFICATION 21 Submission of Required Information21 Records21 Documentation Required to Complete File for Certification21 BOC CERTIFICATION ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES 23 Newly Certified Information23 State Regulation23 Certification Verification23 Certification Maintenance Requirements23 Personal Profile24 APPENDIX A: BOC CONTACT INFORMATION25 APPENDIX B: BOC PRIVACY POLICY26 APPENDIX C: BOC EXAM PREPARATION 28 APPENDIX D: FEE STRUCTURE29 APPENDIX E: CONTENT OUTLINE BOC ENTRY-LEVEL EXAM 30 APPENDIX F: BOC STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 34 CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATE HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 3 ADA Americans with Disabilities Act ARTI Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland BOC Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer BASRaT British Association of Sport Rehabilitators Breakdown on Two Business Days for Rescheduling/Canceling The BOC must receive the written request from the candidate no later than 5 p.m. CT, offset UTC-6 hours, on the following: Testing DayWritten Request Due Mondaythe previous Thursday Tuesdaythe previous Friday Wednesdaythe previous Monday Thursdaythe previous Tuesday Fridaythe previous Wednesday Saturday or Sundaythe previous Thursday Business Days Monday–Friday, excluding holidays CAATE Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education CATA Canadian Athletic Therapists Association ECC Emergency Cardiac Care Exam Application Process Step 1: Complete AT102: Exam Application (Step 1 of 2) Step 2: Complete and pay AT102: Exam Application (Step 2 of 2) Exam Registration Step 3: Submit and pay AT103: Exam Registration Exam Scheduling Log into Meazure Learning website to schedule exam site/date/time Exam Window Specific dates when a candidate may sit for the exam Government-Issued Photo ID This is a requirement for admittance into the BOC exam. Must meet all of the following requirements: •Be an original document; photocopied documents, electronic images and temporary IDs are NOT accepted •Be valid; expired documents (bearing expiration dates that have passed) are not acceptable •Include a recent, recognizable photograph •Include your signature (the name and signature on the ID document must match) •School IDs are NOT accepted Holiday Closures Good FridayApril 7 Memorial DayMay 29 JuneteenthJune 19 Independence DayJuly 4 Labor DaySeptember 4 ThanksgivingNovember 23–24 Winter HolidayDecember 22–25 New Year’s DayJanuary 1, 2024 Martin Luther King DayJanuary 15, 2024 IA International Arrangement (IA) provides an opportunity for Athletic Trainers (ATs), Athletic Therapists and Sport Rehabilitators to be mobile on a global scale by creating a pathway to challenge each other’s credentialing exam. Legal Name The first and last name (including any suffix such as Jr, Sr, I, II, III, etc.) as it appears on a valid, government-issued photo ID (i.e., driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID). Candidates with more than one last name listed on their government-issued photo ID must have the same last name reflected on the exam admission ticket. Meazure Learning BOC’s professional testing vendor NATA National Athletic Trainers’ Association PD Program director UCJC University Camilo José Cela Glossary CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATE HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 4 BOARD OF CERTIFICATION The Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) was incorporated in 1989 as a not-for-profit credentialing agency to provide a certification program for the entry-level athletic training profession. The BOC establishes both the standards for the practice of athletic training and the continuing education requirements for BOC Certified ATs. The BOC also works with state regulatory agencies to provide credential information, professional conduct guidelines and regulatory standards on certification issues. The BOC has the only accredited certification program for ATs in the United States and has a mutual recognition agreement with Ireland (ARTI). BOC MISSION Provide exceptional credentials and standards the public can trust BOC VISION Lead credentialing excellence globally BOC VALUES STATEMENT Each day we: •exhibit integrity through transparency, honesty and accountability •foster a devoted service culture through a commitment to exceed stakeholder expectations •uphold fairness through quality credentialing standards and practices •promote collaboration through strong partnerships and diverse perspectives EXPANDING AWARENESS, OPPORTUNITY AND OUTREACH - OUR VISION FOR INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND ADVOCACY Our responsibility In line with our responsibility of public protection, the BOC is dedicated to inclusion, diversity, equity and advocacy. Our goal Our ultimate mission is to protect the public – a serious responsibility. The population includes everyone and ALL its diversity! The BOC must be diligently aware, equitable and inclusive to provide protection to our constituents. Our approach AT credentialing- We will ensure our credentialing exams reflect cultural competence. We will ensure our exam delivery process is inclusive and we will make appropriate accommodations for applicants. We understand the diversity of our stakeholders is ever-changing and our competency is a continuum. We will remain humble so we can learn and make continuous improvements. Volunteerism - We rely on skilled volunteers to carry out the vision of the BOC. We intentionally seek diverse representation, viewpoints and experiences to contribute to this work. There are opportunities for all to participate through volunteer and leadership roles. Employment - The BOC strives to create a diverse and inclusive culture, valuing employees with distinct backgrounds and experiences. Our environment allows for creative and analytical thinkers to provide feedback on how we can continue to grow and improve. We work to build a welcoming workplace that puts a strong focus on individual strengths, teamwork and enabling both personal and professional growth. BOC CERTIFICATION In order to attain BOC certification, an individual must graduate from an athletic training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) with a bachelor’s or master’s degree or meet the eligibility requirements for established with the International Arrangement (IA) for the athletic training and therapy profession and pass the BOC exam. If the program is in the accreditation process, candidates must be enrolled in the program during the semester of the CAATE site visit. A current list of CAATE Accredited Programs are available on the CAATE website. Application and completion of the BOC certification program is voluntary. Introduction CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATE HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 5 This handbook has been developed for individuals who are candidates for certification or reinstatement as ATs. As such, it contains information on eligibility requirements, the application process, BOC certification, ongoing responsibilities to maintain certification and a variety of other important topics. Candidates are responsible for becoming familiar with its contents and using it in completing the certification process. CONTACT THE BOC Board of Certification Attn: Credentialing Relations 1411 Harney St, Ste 100 Omaha, NE 68102 Exam@bocatc.org BOCATC.org Office: (402) 559-0091 Toll Free: (877) 262-3926 Fax: (402) 561-0598 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. CT Friday hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. CT Introduction CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATE HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 6 I. STUDENTS/GRADUATES OF A CAATE ACCREDITED PROGRAM Candidates who are enrolled and/or registered in their final semester/quarter prior to graduation are eligible to sit for the BOC exam. Qualified candidates for the BOC exam must have received confirmation on their exam application by the program director recognized by CAATE that they have earned or will earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree. Candidates who graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree from a CAATE accredited program in 2003 or later meet the education requirements for the BOC exam. II. THE INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR THE ATHLETIC TRAINING AND THERAPY PROFESSION The International Arrangement (IA) for the profession of athletic training and therapy plays a key role in optimizing care, injury prevention, rehabilitation and supporting the rights of patients and the public to achieve their potential to live well. The IA ensures comparable best practices, quality education and professional standards. The IA provides an opportunity for ATs, Athletic Therapists and Sport Rehabilitators to be mobile on a global scale by creating a pathway to challenge each other’s credentialing exam. The current credentialing organizations included in the IA are Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI), British Association of Sport Rehabilitators (BASRaT), BOC and Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). Organizations who have met all criteria except the exam requirements may be granted provisional acceptance into the IA. For instructions on how to complete the BOC exam application as an IA for the athletic training and therapy professional, see Apply for Exam on the BOC website. Additional fees will apply, see Appendix D for further information. Please note that earning BOC certification does not guarantee the ability to obtain a license to practice athletic training in the United States. Visit the state regulatory page to view laws and contact information for each state or contact the BOC for assistance. III. DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT The BOC will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, gender, color, age, disability, religion, sex (including sexual harassment), pregnancy, national origin, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, creed, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, ordinance or regulation. Certification Exam Eligibility CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATE HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 7 IV. DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY Applications are reviewed by BOC staff to determine candidate eligibility. Candidates must use their legal first, last name and suffix when completing the application. All candidates are required to have an email address. Candidates have one year to complete the application process once started. Failure to successfully complete the application process within this time frame will require submission of a new application meeting all current fee and eligibility requirements. V. APPLICATION PROCESS A. CREATING A BOC PROFILE 1. Enter Name Correctly - When creating a BOC profile, it is critical that candidates enter their legal first, last name and suffix exactly as it appears on their valid government-issued photo ID (acceptable IDs include driver’s licenses, passports and state-issued IDs). The candidate’s exam admission ticket will use the name provided by the candidate in the “Personal Information” section of their BOC profile. On exam day, candidates will be asked to produce their valid, government-issued photo ID. The legal first, last name and suffix on the photo ID must match exactly the first name, last name and suffix on the exam ticket. If the name on the photo ID does not match the name on the admissions ticket, the candidate will not be permitted to take the exam and will be considered a “no show.” School IDs will not be accepted. 2. Name Change Requests - Candidates who have a change of name (e.g.; marriage, divorce, second last name, suffix) are required to notify the BOC by logging into their BOC profile and completing “AT401: Name Change Request” form. Candidates will need to provide documentation that supports this name change. Information of correct documentation is outlined on the AT401: Name Change Request form. B. COMPLETING EXAM APPLICATION 1. Step 1 - Complete AT102: Exam Application •Log into your BOC profile •In the “My To Do List” section, click “Apply for BOC Exam” •After you submit Step 1 of 2, your program director will receive an email to review your information •If Step 1 is rejected, you will need to correct the data and resubmit the form •If your graduation date changes after your application is approved, you must complete a “AT105: Graduation Date Change” form 2. Step 2 - Complete AT102: Exam Application •Log into your BOC profile •In the “My To Do List” section, click “Apply for BOC Exam” •Candidate answers affidavit questions •Documentation will be required if candidate has a legal or academic discipline case •Candidate submits ADA request and documentation •Candidate pays non-refundable application fee and submits Step 2 Meeting exam deadlines is the candidate’s responsibility. If it is getting close to the exam application deadline date and the candidate has not yet received an email from the BOC indicating Step 1 of the application has been approved, the candidate should contact the appropriate person (i.e. program director) and remind them of the upcoming application deadline. Applications received by 5 p.m. CT on the application deadline date are processed within two business days for the current exam window. If the exam application was submitted after the exam application deadline date, the candidate will not be eligible to sit for the current exam window. If the program director of a CAATE accredited athletic training program refuses to confirm Step 1 of the exam application to allow a candidate to sit for the BOC exam, the candidate may submit an official transcript with degree, date of degree and a written request for the BOC to confirm Step 1 of the application. The BOC will review the official transcript to confirm graduation from a CAATE accredited program and approve Step 1 of the exam application without the program director verifying that the candidate was/is in the program. For more details on submitting an official transcript, see page 21 - Documentation Required to Complete File for Certification. If the candidate’s CAATE accredited athletic training program is closed, the candidate must provide the BOC an official transcript with degree and date of degree posted. After reviewing the official transcript, the BOC will process Step 1 of the candidate’s exam application. Certification Exam Eligibility CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATE HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 8 C. APPROVED APPLICATION Once a candidate’s eligibility is approved, the candidate will be notified via email and will be able to register and pay for the exam when the exam registration window opens. Candidates with an approved exam application are expected to comply with the “BOC Standards of Professional Practice” at all times. Registration dates can be found on the BOC website. Candidates have one year from their application approval date to register, pay and sit for the BOC exam. If a candidate has registered for the final exam window prior to their expiration date, the candidate must sit during that exam window; rescheduling is not an option. Failure to register, pay and sit for the exam within this time frame will require submission of a new application. When submitting a new application, candidates must satisfy the current eligibility and fee requirements. D. INCOMPLETE OR DENIED APPLICATION If an application does not meet eligibility requirements, the candidate will be notified via email. The notification will provide specific information regarding deficiencies with the application. Candidates who have a completed application to the BOC by 5 p.m. CT, offset UTC-6 hours on the application deadline will be given the opportunity to resolve their deficiencies prior to the exam registration deadline date. E. APPEAL OF A DENIED APPLICATION 1.If the BOC does not approve an application, candidates may appeal this decision. Appeals must include a written statement and documentation to demonstrate why the appeal should be granted. 2.Appeals must be received in writing via email to Exam@bocatc.org by the exam registration deadline date for the exam window the candidate is requesting. F. CANDIDATES WITH A LEGAL OR ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE CASE The affidavit portion of the exam application requires candidates to report any felony or misdemeanor convictions or pending charges. During the application process, candidates must upload a written explanation, in their own words, of the events that led to the conviction(s), upload a copy of court documents(s), including, but not limited to, an arrest report, sentence recommendation, compliance of all court requirements and proof of payment of all related fines. If the case(s) were alcohol or drug related, the candidate may also need to upload a current professional alcohol/substance abuse evaluation that is no older than three months. If an alcohol/substance abuse evaluation was not required by the court, the candidate must obtain an evaluation performed by a state licensed mental health professional who is capable of providing substance abuse treatment. An online evaluation is not acceptable. Allow at least five to seven business days for documentation to be reviewed. Candidates that have been suspended or expelled from an academic institution or program will need to provide a written explanation as to the events that led to suspension/expulsion or proof of reinstatement to the academic institution or program. Board of Certification Attn: Credentialing Relations 1411 Harney St, Ste 100 Omaha, NE 68102 Exam@bocatc.org Fax: (402) 561-0598 Candidates may request a predetermination of eligibility at any time by submitting their documentation to the BOC via email, fax or mail prior to submitting their application. The Professional Practice and Discipline Committee reviews all convictions. Candidates are notified in writing of the committee’s decision. Review the “Professional Practice and Disciplinary Guidelines and Procedures” for details. Candidates who are granted eligibility to sit for the BOC exam should review their state’s practice act prior to sitting for the BOC exam. Their conviction(s) could affect their ability to obtain licensure in that state. VI. ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS In adherence with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990, updated 2010), reasonable and appropriate accommodations are provided for qualified individuals with a disability who supply appropriate documentation. The BOC follows the guidelines set forth in the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) and Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE) Principles of Fairness. The BOC does not discriminate against any individual on the basis of religion, gender, ethnic background or physical disability. Certification Exam Eligibility CERTIFICATION EXAM CANDIDATE HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 9 A. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS Reasonable accommodations provide disabled candidates with a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in the essential functions being measured by the exam. Reasonable accommodations are decided on the basis of the individual’s specific request, disability, documentation submitted and the appropriateness of the request. Reasonable accommodations do not include steps that fundamentally alter the purpose or nature of the exam. The most frequent requests involve providing the candidate with extended time, a reader, a writer and/or a separate room. B. QUALIFIED INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY A “qualified individual with a disability” is one who has a disability and satisfies the requisite skill, experience, education and other requirements of the service, program or activity of which the individual is being measured and, with or without accommodations, can perform the essential functions of the service, program or activity. An essential function is one that individuals are required to perform, and removing that function would fundamentally change the service, program or activity. A person must be a “qualified individual with a disability” to be protected under the ADA. C. PROPER DOCUMENTATION Candidates requesting a change in exam procedures or processes due to disability, handicap or other reason must answer yes to “Do you have a disability that will require special accommodation(s) in order for you to take the BOC certification exam?” on the exam application. The candidate is responsible for demonstrating that the request should be granted. The BOC will accept either of the following types of documentation: 1. Medical Documentation - Documentation must be from an appropriate licensed professional or certified specialist who diagnosed the disability and include recommendations for reasonable accommodations. Recommendations should be based on testing that is not older than four years prior to the application. Documentation must be on the professional’s letterhead. Documentation must provide a diagnosis of the disability and the exam used to determine the disability. 2. Proof of Receiving Accommodations at College/University Level - Documentation must be provided on the college/ university’s letterhead and may include an individualized education plan (IEP). The confidentiality of all documentation submitted by the candidate is protected. The BOC will review the request and notify the candidate via email of its determination within two to three business days of receipt. D. REQUESTS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS 1.In order to be given consideration, appropriate documentation must be received by the BOC no later than 5 p.m. CT, offset UTC-six hours on the exam registration deadline date of the requested exam window. 2.Candidates approved for reasonable accommodations are notified via email of the accommodation(s) granted to them. Candidates not approved for reasonable accommodations are notified via email of the denial of their request. 3.If a candidate’s request for accommodations is not approved, the candidate may initiate an appeal. Appeals must be made in writing to the BOC. The candidate is responsible for demonstrating that the appeal should be granted. Appeals must be received no later than 5 p.m. CT on the exam registration deadline date for the exam window the candidate is requesting. Failure to appeal within the allotted time will render the original decision final. 4.The BOC will not pay any costs that a candidate may incur in obtaining the required diagnosis and recommendation. However, the BOC will pay for any reasonable exam-related accommodations that are provided to the candidate. E. EXAM ACCOMMODATIONS Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, the following: Accommodation(s) # of Items Total Exam Time Including Breaks No accommodations1754 hours Time and a half1756 hours Time and a half with frequent breaks* 1756.5 hours Double time1758 hours Double time with frequent breaks* 1758.5 hours Private room1754 hours Reader1754 hours *Candidates may break during the exam to go to the restroom or get some water; however, the timer will continue to run. Inform the proctor, and click the “Take a Break” button. Candidates may not leave the supervised exam area or access personal belongings during a break. Upon return, click “Resume” to continue. Certification Exam EligibilityNext >