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Orthopedic Specialty Applicant Handbook A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR APPLICANTS PREPARING FOR THE BOC SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION EXAM EFFECTIVE FOR 2024 EXAM WINDOWS PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 2023 VERSION 1.2 APPLICANT HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 2 Table of Contents GLOSSARY 3 INTRODUCTION 4 ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 9 Eligibility Path 1 9 Eligibility Path 2 9 Non-Discrimination Statement 10 Determing Eligibility 10 Application Process 10 Registration Process 11 Accommodation Requests 11 Scheduling the Exam 12 PREPARING FOR THE EXAM 13 16 Exam Format 13 BOC Orthopedic Practice Analysis 13 Study Aids 13 EXAM DAY 15 Applicant Check-In for Exam 15 Exam Administration 17 Inclement Weather Policy for Exam 17 Appeal of Exam Administration 17 EXAM SECURITY AND CONFIDENTIALITY 18 Ethical Behavior 18 Security Violations 18 SCORING AND RESULTS 19 The Scoring Process 19 Notification of Results 19 Appeal of Exam Results 19 RESCHEDULING AN EXAM AT AN EXAM SITE 20 Rescheduling Within the Same Exam Window 20 Rescheduling to a Different Exam Window Before Scheduling an Exam 20 Rescheduling to a Different Exam Window After Scheduling an Exam 20 Rescheduling Due to Extenuating Circumstances 20 Failure to Schedule Exam 20 Submitting a Rescheduling Fee 20 CANCELLATION, NO-SHOW AND EXAM FEE FORFEITURE 21 Cancellation 21 Appeal of Exam Fee Forfeiture 21 TAKING THE EXAM 22 Retake Requirements 22 ORTHOPEDIC CONTINUING SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 23 Continuing Specialty Certification Requirements 23 Listing Credentials 23 Certification Verification 23 Personal Profile 23 FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CERTIFICATION 24 Reactivation 24 Reinstatement 24 Request an Extension 24 Audit 24 Contact Information 24 APPENDIX A - BOC CONTACT INFORMATION 25 APPENDIX B -BOC PRIVACY POLICY 26 APPENDIX C - EXAM PREPARATION GUIDE 28 APPENDIX D - FEE STRUCTURE 29 APPENDIX E - SAMPLE LETTERS 30 APPENDIX F - LIVE REMOTE PROCTORING 31 APPENDIX G - MEAZURE LEARNING DESCRIPTION OF LIVE REMOTE- PROCTORED TEST ADMINISTRATION 32 APPENDIX H - MEAZURE LEARNING PROCTORU TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR SECURE LIVE REMOTE-PROCTORED TEST ADMINISTRATION 35 APPENDIX I - CONTENT OUTLINE ORTHOPEDIC PRACTICE ANALYSIS 36 APPLICANT HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 3 ADA Americans with Disabilities Act BCS-O Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics BOC Board of Certification, Inc. Breakdown on Two Business Days for Rescheduling/Cancelling The BOC must receive the written request from the applicant 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 Exam Application Process Log into your BOC profile and follow the prompts to apply Exam Registration Log into your BOC profile and follow the prompts to register Exam Scheduling Log into Meazure Learning website to schedule an exam site/date/time Exam Window Specific dates when an applicant 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 and electronic images are not acceptable • 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) • Temporary IDs are NOT accepted Holiday Closures Martin Luther King Jr. DayJanuary 15 Good FridayMarch 29 Memorial DayMay 27 JuneteenthJune 19 Independence DayJuly 4 Labor DaySeptember 2 ThanksgivingNovember 28-29 Winter HolidayDecember 24-31 New Year’s Day January 1, 2025 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). Applicants 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. Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) For details visit Appendix F, G and H. Meazure Learning BOC’s professional testing vendor NATA National Athletic Trainers’ Association Window Specific dates when applicant may challenge the exam Glossary APPLICANT HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 4 Introduction Dear Certified Athletic Trainer: Congratulations! By accessing the “BOC Orthopedic Specialty Certification Applicant Handbook” you are taking that first step in pursuit of achieving the credential of Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O). This certification has been designed to formally recognize Athletic Trainers (ATs) who have attained advanced knowledge and skills in defined areas of orthopedics. The BCS-O credential is achieved through the successful completion of a standardized online application and exam process. The BOC Specialty Council (Council) oversees the recognition and validation of athletic training specialties, as well as oversees the credentialing of ATs who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills and abilities in the respective area of specialization. The dedicated volunteers giving their time and service to the development of this process are listed in the rosters to the right. The Council consists of six members, along with liaisons from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) staff, NATA Executive Committee for Education (ECE) and CAATE. Those who achieve the BCS-O credential will clearly demonstrate their commitment to service through the variety, depth and consistency of their professional involvement. Their desire to attain formal recognition of advanced clinical knowledge, competence and skills reflects their commitment to their profession and patients. In these times of dramatic health care reform, dedication to public service by providing high quality athletic training services is paramount. If you share these personal and professional principles, then you are in the right place! Please join the growing number of ATs who have chosen this pathway to professional development. Thank you for your interest and I wish you success in this endeavor. Sincerely, Anne Minton, MBA, ICE-CCP Chief Executive Officer Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer APPLICANT HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 5 BOARD OF CERTIFICATION The 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 works with state regulatory agencies to provide credential information, professional conduct guidelines and regulatory standards on certification issues. The BOC also has the only entry-level accredited certification program for ATs in the United States and has an International Arrangement with Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI), British Association of Sport Rehabilitators (BASRaT) and Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA). In 2021, the BOC Orthopedic Specialty Certification (orthopedic specialty) for ATs was launched. The Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O) credential is available to ATs who have acquired specialized education and focused experience in orthopedics beyond the requirements for the ATC ® credential. It is the first and only board-certified specialty for ATs who specialize in orthopedics and it is backed by the BOC’s rigorous process and standards. 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. Introduction APPLICANT HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 6 BOC SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION IN ORTHOPEDICS This handbook has been developed for ATs with specialized education and focused experience in orthopedics beyond the requirements for the ATC ® credential. WHAT IS A SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION? BOC specialty certification is a voluntary process by which an AT earns formal recognition of their advanced education and experience within a specialized area of clinical practice. Specialty certification identifies ATs who have clinical practice abilities beyond the ATC ® credential. These abilities will be identified via demonstration of post-professional education and training (e.g., CAATE-accredited residency and/or employment experience), and passage of a specialty certification exam. The specialty certification demonstrates an ability to enhance quality of patient care, optimize clinical outcomes, increase cost-effectiveness, provide value-based care and improve patients’ health- related quality of life within a specialized area of athletic training practice. WHAT IS THE BOC ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION? This is a board-certified certification for ATs who specialize in orthopedics. It is a way to formally recognize ATs who have acquired specialized education and focused experience in orthopedics beyond the requirements for the ATC ® credential. ATs who are board-certified in orthopedics possess advanced experience and specialized knowledge, skills and professional behaviors to provide optimal care for orthopedic patients. This orthopedic specialty is much more than a certificate earned after a day-long seminar. It is the first and only board-certified specialty for ATs in orthopedics and is backed by the BOC’s rigorous process and standards. CONTACT THE BOC Board of Certification Attn: Specialty 1411 Harney St, Ste 100 Omaha, NE 68102 Specialty@bocatc.org BOCATC.org Office: (402) 559-0091 Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. CT Friday 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. CT MEAZURE LEARNING TEST SITE AND LRP COMPARISON The following table shows an overview of differences between challenging the exam via the Meazure Learning testing site versus LRP. Introduction APPLICANT HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 7 Introduction MEAZURE LEARNING TEST SITE AND LRP COMPARISON TABLE ProceduresMeazure Learning Test SiteLRP ADASee pages 10-11Additional time is the only ADA accommodation available for applicants utilizing LRP. Applicant ResponsibilitiesSee pages 13-16Applicants are responsible for providing a desktop or laptop computer for testing. The computer must have reliable internet connection, a microphone and a webcam. The computer MUST pass the system check prior to the testing appointment. Breaks The exam is divided into two parts with a scheduled break between parts 1 and 2. Applicants will review and complete all questions in part 1 and then submit part 1 of the exam before moving on to part 2. Once part 1 is submitted, the applicant cannot go back to any of the items on part 1. Applicants can then take a break of no more than 10 minutes before beginning part 2. Applicants 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. Applicants may not leave the supervised exam area or access personal belongings during a break. Upon return, click “Resume” to continue. The exam is divided into two parts with a scheduled break between parts 1 and 2. Applicants will review and complete all questions in part 1 and then submit part 1 of the exam before moving on to part 2. Once part 1 is submitted, the applicant cannot go back to any of the items on part 1. Applicants can then take a break of no more than 10 minutes before beginning part 2. The scheduled 10-minute break is the only break for the exam. Applicants may use this break to use the restroom, grab a snack, stretch, etc. Cancellation Prior to Scheduling50%, see page 1950%, see page 19 Cancellation After Scheduling25%, see page 1925%, see page 19 Failure to Schedule$50, see page 18$50, see page 18 No ShowNo refund, see page 15No refund, see page 15 Rescheduling within the Same Window Utilizing the Same Testing *Modality *Meazure Learning Site/Date/Time to a Different Meazure Learning Test Site/Date/Time *LRP to a Different LRP Date/Time Rescheduling a site/date/time to a different site/date/time within the same window must happen at least two days prior to the initial appointment and at least two days prior to the new appointment. Fee: $45 paid online to Meazure Learning Rescheduling an LRP appointment to another LRP appointment within the same window must happen at least 24 hours prior to the initial appointment and at least 24 hours prior to the new appointment. No fee APPLICANT HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 8 Introduction MEAZURE LEARNING TEST SITE AND LRP COMPARISON TABLE (CONTINUED) ProceduresMeazure Learning Test SiteLRP Rescheduling within the Same Window and Changing Testing *Modalities *Meazure Learning Site/Date/Time to an LRP Date/Time *LRP to a Meazure Learning Site/Date/Time Rescheduling a site/date/time to an LRP appointment must happen at least two days prior to the initial site/date/time appointment and at least 24 hours prior to the new LRP appointment. Fee: $45 paid online to Meazure Learning Rescheduling an LRP appointment to a site/date/ time must happen at least 24 hours prior to the initial LRP appointment and at least two days prior to the new site/date/time. No fee Rescheduling to a Different Window After Scheduling $100, see page 18$100, see page 18 Scheduling an INITIAL AppointmentAppointments must be scheduled at least two days prior to the actual appointment Appointments must be scheduled at least 24 hours prior to the actual appointment Scratch Paper/White Board During ExamThe proctor will provide a dry erase board or scratch paper and a pencil for making notes. No items or paper may be removed from the testing center, this includes writing exam content on body or clothing. Scratch paper/white board, writing utensils, writing exam content on body or clothing during exam is strictly prohibited. APPLICANT HANDBOOK BOCATC.ORG 9 The BCS-O credential is available to ATs who have acquired specialized education and focused experience in orthopedics beyond the requirements for the ATC ® credential. The minimum requirements for the Orthopedic Specialty Certification are: • BOC Certified AT in good standing • Demonstration of education and practice experience in one of two paths listed below • Achieve a passing score on the Orthopedic Specialty Certification Exam ELIGIBILITY PATH 1 Completion of a CAATE accredited residency in orthopedics from 2012 forward and two years of practice experience* after BOC certification has been earned. °1 YR RESIDENCY + 1 YR FULL- TIME EMPLOYMENT (before or after residency) = 2 YRS PRACTICE EXPERIENCE -OR- ELIGIBILITY PATH 2 Completion of at least 260 hours of professional development** (e.g., continuing education, grand rounds, journal reviews, etc.) in orthopedics^ and four years of practice experience* after BOC certification has been earned. °Practice experience is to include at least 3500 hours in orthopedic patient care^ -1200 of the 3500 hours must be in a mentored relationship~ -1000 of the 3500 hours must be completed in the year preceding exam application. *To demonstrate practice experience, applicants must provide an attestation from their employer, on company letterhead, that verifies this experience accurately. In addition, this practice experience must have occurred within the six years immediately preceding the application. See Appendix E for sample letters. The attestation must contain the following: • Be on company letterhead (or a BOC form) • Name of the applicant in which they are verifying • Dates the employer is verifying • Verifier contact information • Path 1: Verification of full-time employment as an AT for one year (not residency year) °Full-time employment is to be determined by the employer but is typically 1,500 hours or more annually °Two consecutive years of part-time employment may be considered • Path 2: Verification of 3,500 practice experience hours in one or more domains described in the “Orthopedic Practice Analysis” (OPA) Please note: • All practice experience must be attested for. • Employer is unable to attest to practice experience outside of the applicant’s employment. • Supervisors who work for another company are unable to use their current company’s letterhead if the AT does not work for that company. • Applicants who work independently or without a supervisor should have another health care professional or administrator they work with verify their practice experience. **To demonstrate professional development, applicants must provide documentation of each activity utilizing the Professional Development Activity Form. Applicants will be asked to provide additional documentation for professional development activities that do not clearly identify as falling within the domains and task statements of the OPA. ^ In alignment with the OPA. ~ Mentored relationship is a health care provider specializing in orthopedics (mentor) supporting and advising the learning, development and growth of an AT who wants to gain more knowledge, skills and experience in orthopedics (mentee). The mentee is responsible for establishing a structured accountability process with a mentorship agreement. Mentors: • AT with at least three years of experience in orthopedics • CAATE accredited residency trained AT in orthopedics • Fellowship trained doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) • Nurse practitioner or physician assistant with at least three years of experience in orthopedics To demonstrate the mentored relationship, applicants must provide an attestation from their mentor(s), on company letterhead, that verifies this experience accurately. The attestation must contain the following: Orthopedic Specialty Certification Requirements Next >