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CERT UPDATE A PUBLICATION FROM THE BOARD OF CERTIFICATION SUMMER 2026 Early Progress with CPC Renewal CERTIFIED FOR TOMORROW 2 BOCATC.ORG SUMMER 2026 AT Alliance Strengthening Collaboration Across the Athletic Training Profession The Athletic Trainer Alliance (AT Alliance) brings together leading organizations that support the athletic training profession to collaborate on shared priorities. Formerly known as the Strategic Alliance, the group recently transitioned to the AT Alliance name to better reflect its renewed focus on alignment, collaboration and advancing the profession through coordinated efforts. The AT Alliance includes the Board of Certification (BOC), the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA), the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and the NATA Research & Education Foundation. Each organization plays a unique role in supporting ATs through professional membership, certification, education, accreditation and research advancement. Together, the AT Alliance works to coordinate strategies, address profession- wide challenges and create opportunities that benefit ATs across all practice settings. During recent meetings, several key initiatives were highlighted. The AT Alliance is currently developing a new strategic plan to guide its shared priorities and has implemented a joint project management platform to streamline communication, document sharing and collaboration among committees and partner organizations. AT Alliance leaders discussed key issues impacting the profession, including workforce challenges, retention and the need to increase awareness of the value ATs bring to health care teams, schools and communities. In addition, AT Alliance partners are working together to strengthen the pipeline of future ATs through improved transition-to-practice support, leadership development opportunities and continued investment in research that demonstrates the profession’s impact. Through ongoing collaboration, joint initiatives and shared communication, the AT Alliance will continue to ensure that the profession’s key organizations are aligned in supporting ATs and advancing the future of practice. The Athletic Trainer (AT) Compact, created to improve access to care across state lines, has reached a major milestone with compact legislation now enacted in seven states — the minimum number required to activate the AT Compact and begin operationalization. Designed to allow ATs licensed in one state to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses, the AT Compact enhances career mobility and patient access to care. The AT Compact was developed in partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Council of State Governments (CSG), which provides expertise in multi-state policy and legislative processes. As operationalization begins, a compact commission with representation from each participating state will establish rules and regulations, implement a data system to process compact privilege applications and oversee administration of the Compact. Compact privileges are anticipated to begin being issued within 18–24 months. The BOC has played a central leadership role in launching, financing and advancing this initiative, working closely with consultants, AT Alliance partners and state regulators to move it from concept to action. “We’re excited to see continued conversation around the AT Compact and the opportunities it brings to the profession,” BOC CEO Anne Minton said. “This kind of progress takes coordination, persistence and shared vision—and we’re committed to continuing that work as more states move toward adoption.” States continue introducing and advancing AT Compact legislation, signaling growing momentum for the initiative. As additional states enact the legislation, ATs will be better positioned to provide seamless care across borders, benefiting both the profession and the communities they serve. To follow the progress of the AT Compact, view state activity on the interactive legislative tracking map, which highlights states introducing, advancing or considering Compact legislation. State leaders and ATs can stay informed and access advocacy and education resources on the AT Compact website. Each successful adoption brings ATs closer to greater professional flexibility, expanded reach and improved patient access across state lines. REACHES THRESHOLD TO BEGIN OPERATIONALIZATION SUMMER 2026 BOCATC.ORG 3 INSIDE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2026 BOC Board Officers 3 Letter from the President 4 BOC Public Director Board Member Named for Upcoming Term 5 BOC CONNECTION Cover Article: Certified for Tomorrow - Early Progress with CPC Renewal 6 Don’t Miss a Step: Certification Renewal Deadlines and Options 8 Featured BOC Approved Provider 14 New BOC Approved Providers 14 ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALTY CERTIFICATION Advancing Recognition: How One AT Elevated the BCS-O ® Credential 10 Orthopedic Specialty - September 2026 Exam Deadlines 11 INDUSTRY NEWS AT Compact Reaches Threshold To Begin Operationalization 2 AT Alliance Strengthening Collaboration Across the Athletic Training Profession 2 Parenting and the Profession: Strategies to Make it Work 12 In-Depth Look: Associate Athletic Trainer for NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball 16 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND STATE REGULATION Legislative News 18 Professional Practice and Discipline 22 BOC CORNER BOC News in Brief 18 BOC Volunteer Group Spotlight: Strengthening Practice Through Updated BOC Resources for Facility Safety, Policies and Procedures 20 BOC Holiday Closures 21 NATA NEWS Latest News and Updates from NATA 19 CANDIDATES Athletic Trainer Certification - 2026 Exam Deadlines 21 2026 BOARD OFFICERS President/ Corporate/Educational Director Brian Conway, LAT, ATC Vice President/Athletic Trainer Director Lynne-Marie Young, M.Ed, LAT, ATC Treasurer/Athletic Trainer Director Jeremy Marra, MS, ATC, CSCS, CES Athletic Trainer Director Chris Ashton, MS, LAT, ATC Athletic Trainer Director Christina Chapski, EdD, AT, ATC Physician Director Sujan Gogu, DO, FAAFP Public Director Robin Jenkins, MSW, DCSW, CPM, ICE-CCP, CAE Athletic Trainer Director Kelsey Rynkiewicz, PhD, LAT, ATC, NREMT Athletic Trainer Director Bonnie Van Lunen, PhD, ATC, FNATA, FNAP Public Director Appointee Staci Mason, PHD, CPM Chief Executive Officer Anne Minton, MBA, ICE-CCP4 BOCATC.ORG SUMMER 2026 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Brian Conway, LAT, ATC The athletic training profession has always been grounded in preparation; preparing patients and communities for what comes next. Today, that same mindset must guide how we prepare ourselves for the future. The theme “Certified for Tomorrow” reflects the BOC’s commitment to ensuring Athletic Trainers (ATs) are equipped for both today’s practice and the evolving opportunities and responsibilities that lie ahead. Health care continues to change rapidly. New practice settings are evolving, expectations for patient care are growing and collaboration across professions is expanding. As ATs, we must ensure we are ready to meet those changes with confidence. The BOC’s work focuses on supporting that readiness while ensuring the highest standards of care for the patients and communities we serve. One of the most significant steps forward is the recent introduction of Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Renewal. At its core, CPC Renewal – powered by Pathfinder, guides ATs to think intentionally about their professional growth. Rather than simply collecting continuing education units to meet a requirement, Pathfinder encourages you to reflect on where you are in your career, where you want to go and how continuing education can help you get there. Another important step toward the future is advancing the AT Interstate Compact. As more states introduce and consider legislation, the compact represents a major opportunity to increase mobility for ATs. Once fully implemented, it will make it easier for ATs in participating states to obtain the privilege to practice across state lines. This increased flexibility supports emerging practice opportunities and strengthens ATs’ ability to respond to evolving workforce needs. Equally important is the work being done through the AT Alliance, formerly the Strategic Alliance, which is comprised of the BOC, Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE), National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) and the NATA Education & Research Foundation. Collaboration within this strong coalition of organizations continues to grow, guided by a shared commitment to advancing the athletic training profession. Together, we are working to amplify the voice of athletic training across health care, engage with other professional communities and support initiatives that strengthen the future workforce. One of the AT Alliance’s key priorities is expanding the pathway for future ATs. While the demand for ATs continues to grow, from secondary schools to the military and beyond, many athletic training education programs currently have unfilled seats. Through coordinated outreach and awareness efforts, the AT Alliance is working to open the funnel and bring more talented individuals into the profession. The future of athletic training depends on all of us and on our willingness to adapt, collaborate and invest in our continued growth. Together, we are not just maintaining certification; we are building a profession that is Certified for Tomorrow. With deep appreciation, Brian Conway SUMMER 2026 BOCATC.ORG 5 Staci M. Mason, PhD, CPM BOC Public Director Board Member Named for Upcoming Term The BOC is pleased to announce the appointment of Staci M. Mason, PhD, CPM, as Public Director to the BOC Board of Directors. Mason will serve a three-year term beginning in January 2027, following nine months of mentorship and onboarding as a director appointee. “Public representation is essential to strong governance and accountability,” said BOC CEO Anne Minton. “Dr. Mason’s experience will further strengthen our commitment to protecting the public and upholding the integrity of our credentialing programs.” Mason’s career has been dedicated to ensuring that credentialing and regulatory systems serve the public interest. As director of operations for the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) in Washington, DC, she oversees the strategic development and execution of business operations, administration and service delivery for a national, externally facing application program supporting medical education. Her background has prepared her to be a strong advocate for public protection through sustained leadership in professional licensure, certification-adjacent operations, and health and safety oversight. Throughout her career, she has supported regulatory boards and certification-related programs that ensure practitioners meet established standards before serving the public. Mason’s service as President (2024–2025) and longtime Board Director of the Council on Licensure, Enforcement & Regulation (CLEAR) reflects deep expertise in regulatory governance and public protection, directly supporting her role as a Public Director for the BOC. “I am honored to pursue this opportunity to support the BOC’s mission by bringing a public-focused lens to governance, ensuring decisions reflect accountability, transparency and the best interests of those we serve,” Mason said. “I look forward to contributing an independent perspective that strengthens trust in the certification process.” Mason was appointed by the BOC Board of Directors following a nomination process guided by the Nominating Committee. “We are pleased to welcome Staci Mason to the BOC Board as our newest Public Director,” said Brian Conway, LAT, ATC, president, BOC Board of Directors. “Her breadth of experience and commitment to public accountability will strengthen our work and help advance our vision to provide exceptional credentialing programs that protect the public. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Nominating Committee for their thoughtful efforts and to the many accomplished candidates who expressed interest in serving.”6 BOCATC.ORG SUMMER 2026 The combination of structure and choice within CPC Renewal and the Pathfinder platform allows ATs to select CE that fits their practice setting, interests and career goals, while staying aligned with professional standards. CERTIFIED FOR TOMORROW CPC RENEWAL = CERTIFIED FOR TOMORROW Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Renewal – powered by Pathfinder, is the new option from the BOC designed to help Athletic Trainers (ATs) stay competent, current and connected with their professional development. Through CPC Renewal, ATs can take a more personalized and flexible approach to continuing education (CE). This strategic approach to renewing certification will help position ATs to remain competitive in the health care industry, prepare for the future and be certified for tomorrow. WHY PARTICIPATE CPC Renewal shifts the focus from simply collecting continuing education units (CEUs) to engaging in meaningful, ongoing professional development. And importantly, it does so with fewer required CEUs, greater flexibility, a personalized path and no cost to participate in the Pathfinder platform. At the center of the experience are Pathfinder’s My Challenge Questions (MCQs)— short multiple-choice questions completed during each three-month segment. These prompts help ATs identify strengths, uncover gaps and guide more relevant learning choices, taking the guesswork out of what CE to pursue. WHAT AT FEEDBACK SHOWS Early feedback from ATs who completed Segment 1 highlights a strong and encouraging start for ATs engaging with Pathfinder, particularly in how quickly they can get up and running and begin to see value. Most ATs reported a positive experience overall, with many sharing that it was easier and more intuitive than expected. Most ATs were able to complete their first segment in 30 minutes or less, showing that getting started fits easily into busy schedules. Many ATs moved through the experience without encountering significant barriers, reinforcing that the platform is straightforward to use. Just as important, ATs are recognizing how Pathfinder supports more effective, practice-connected learning: The impact is already clear: “It’s intuitive and makes my CE more intentional… the questions suggest CE relevant to areas I may be struggling in.” - Larisa (Libby) Taylor, MS, AT, ATC And shifts mindsets: “ I look forward to using this new CPC – powered by Pathfinder process to strengthen my skills and knowledge as an AT.” - Mike Hopper, MS, LAT, ATC Head Athletic Trainer at Bishop Lynch High School Helping identify knowledge gaps and areas for growth Providing clear direction on what to learn next without removing flexibility or choice Bringing CE activities into one organized, easy-to-manage space SUMMER 2026 BOCATC.ORG 7 A REALISTIC LOOK AT THE EXPERIENCE Early adopters are also helping to set realistic expectations. The most common challenge is understanding how it works at first. Some ATs reported initial confusion around requirements or next steps, and others perceived it as “extra work” compared to simply logging CEUs. However, the overall data tells a different story: most completed their first segment quickly, and many found that once they started, the system became intuitive. Importantly, Pathfinder is designed as a guide. ATs remain in control of their CE choices, whether selecting recommended activities or pursuing options that best fit their needs and budget. MODERN APPROACH TO CERTIFICATION CPC Renewal introduces a more adaptable certification experience: •Fewer CEUs required (40 vs. 50) •Flexible pacing across a two-year cycle FLEXIBLE, CONTINUOUS LEARNING Pathfinder encourages ATs to engage in learning throughout the renewal cycle at their own pace, at their convenience, reducing the end-of-cycle rushing, supporting meaningful growth over time and helping connect CE directly to patient care and professional growth. THE EARLY FEEDBACK IS CLEAR CPC Renewal – powered by Pathfinder, offers a different approach, but one that delivers real value. It may take logging in first to understand. It may feel strange at the start. But most who try it find the same thing: It’s easier than expected, more flexible and ultimately more meaningful. - Early Progress with CPC Renewal My Reflection To close the loop on your professional development journey, complete the 5 reflection questions My Goals To give you professional growth direction, create two goals My Learning Path To keep your professional development on track, add at least two learning activities. Enhanced Resource Library Pathfinder also includes an online resource library, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health Online, a database for deeper exploration, providing curated, scholarly materials that allow ATs to: •Explore topics in greater depth •Conduct additional research •Apply learning directly to practice My Challenge Questions To select meaningful learning activities, complete 15 challenge questions in each segment: •The renewal period includes 8 learning segments, each 3 months long •ATs complete 15 My Challenge Questions (MCQs) during each segment •To stay in CPC Renewal, at least 7 of the 8 segments must be completed EARN A STACKABLE PATHFINDER DIGITAL BADGE ATs who stay committed to CPC Renewal will earn recognition. By engaging in the Pathfinder pathway, individuals can earn a shareable, milestone-based BOC digital badge that showcases their dedication to excellence and professional growth. Through completion of the first phase of Pathfinder, including Segment 1 (February-April) and Segment 2 (May-July), ATs unlock the Pathfinder Early Adopter digital badge, the first step toward full completion. HOW PATHFINDER WORKSMaintaining your BOC credential is essential to your role as an Athletic Trainer (AT). Beyond demonstrating your commitment to professional excellence, certification renewal ensures continued compliance with regulatory standards and supports the credibility of the athletic training profession. As renewal requirements evolve, it’s important to stay informed, particularly when it comes to certification renewal fees, updated deadlines and new renewal pathways. CERTIFICATION RENEWAL FEE – DUE FEBRUARY 1, 2027 All ATs are required to pay an annual BOC certification renewal fee. This fee directly supports critical functions, including administrative operations, disciplinary processes, regulatory oversight and professional development initiatives. These efforts are vital to maintaining accreditation through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which reinforces the credential’s quality and integrity. There are a few key points to keep in mind regarding the certification renewal fee: •To receive the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) member discount, your membership must be current and listed on your BOC profile at the time of payment •Non-members will receive an annual notice to pay the standard renewal fee NATA MEMBER Fee: $50 DeadlinePenalty If Not Paid by Deadline 2026 Renewal Fee Due by Feb. 1, 2027 Remain certified and must pay $50 fee plus a $20 late fee by Jan. 31, 2028. 2027 Renewal Fee Due by Jan. 31, 2028 Certification expires and must pay $50 fee plus a $20 late fee by Feb. 29, 2028. NON-NATA MEMBER Fee: $65 DeadlinePenalty If Not Paid by Deadline 2026 Renewal Fee Due by Feb. 1, 2027 Remain certified and must pay $65 fee plus a $20 late fee by Jan. 31, 2028. 2027 Renewal Fee Due by Jan. 31, 2028 Certification expires and must pay $65 fee plus a $20 late fee by Feb. 29, 2028. A NEW CERTIFICATION RENEWAL DEADLINE – DUE JANUARY 31, 2028 To improve flexibility, the BOC has implemented a new certification renewal deadline. Beginning with the last cycle, the deadline shifted to January 31 (or the next business day if it falls on a weekend). DON’T MISS A STEP: 8 BOCATC.ORG SUMMER 2026Current Certification Renewal Period Began: January 1, 2026 Ends: January 31, 2028 This change is designed to create a smoother renewal experience, minimize disruptions caused by weekends and holidays, and maintain consistency in the renewal process. It also enables enhanced support and troubleshooting for ATs navigating their requirements. CPC RENEWAL – A NEW CERTIFICATION RENEWAL OPTION As the profession evolves, so does the approach to continuing education (CE). Beginning in early 2026, the BOC launched the Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Renewal – powered by Pathfinder as a new option for renewing your certification. CPC Renewal emphasizes a more personalized and meaningful approach to professional development. Rather than focusing solely on accumulating continuing education units (CEUs), this model encourages ATs to engage in reflective, outcome-based learning that aligns with their individual practice and career goals. At the center of CPC Renewal is the Pathfinder platform, an interactive tool designed to guide ATs through their professional development journey. Pathfinder integrates self-assessment, learning activities and reflection, helping ATs identify strengths, address gaps and select relevant educational opportunities. This structured yet flexible approach allows ATs to take ownership of their professional growth while staying aligned with certification standards. LEGACY RENEWAL ATs certified prior to 2026 will have the option to continue with Legacy Renewal. This pathway reflects the traditional model, which requires completing 50 CEUs, including 10 from Category A. While the BOC encourages adoption of CPC Renewal, Legacy Renewal serves as a bridge for those who prefer a familiar approach. However, ATs certified in 2026 and beyond will be required to follow the CPC Renewal pathway exclusively. MOVING FORWARD Staying certified is about reinforcing your commitment to quality care, professional accountability and the continued advancement of athletic training. By understanding your professional responsibilities and planning, you can avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure your certification remains in good standing. More importantly, you can take full advantage of new opportunities, such as Pathfinder, to make your CE more meaningful and impactful. Certification Renewal Deadlines and Options CPC RENEWAL Certified Prior to 2026 Pathfinder Completion • My Goals – Create 2 goals • My Challenge Questions – Answer 15 questions per 3-month segment (7 of 8 segments are required) • My Learning Path – Add at least 2 CE activities onto their learning path (Completion and/or purchase of these activities is not required) • My Reflection – Complete reflection questions 40 CEUs Due • Minimum of 10 CEUs from Category A • 30 CEUs can be from any approved learning activity (Category A-D) • Alternative Learning Activities are optional LEGACY RENEWAL Certified Prior to 2026 50 CEUs Due • Minimum of 10 CEUs from Category A • 40 CEUs can be from any approved learning activity (Category A-D) • Alternative Learning Activities are optional CERTIFICATION RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS AT A GLANCE SUMMER 2026 BOCATC.ORG 9 Certified in 2026 Pathfinder Completion • My Goals – Create 1 goal • My Challenge Questions – Answer 15 questions per 3-month segment (3 of the 4 segments are required) • My Learning Path – Add at least 1 CE activity onto their learning path (Completion and/ or purchase of this activity is not required) • My Reflection – Complete reflection questions 20 CEUs Due • Minimum of 5 CEUs from Category A • 15 CEUs can be from any approved learning activity (Category A-D) • Alternative Learning Activities are optionalNext >