APTA Specialist Certification - Governed by ABPTS

September 30: Final Initial Certification Application Deadline for All Specialties.

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APTA Specialization Program Fee Schedule and Deadlines

Applicants are required to pay application review and examination fees. The application review fee is nonrefundable.

Upon submission of an application, applicants are granted online access to an electronic copy of "Description of Specialty Practice" as well as the corresponding Self-Assessment Tool for Physical Therapists within the online application system.

Discounted Fees for APTA Members

APTA members receive a significant discount on application and exam fees.
Not an APTA member? Explore membership and check out the impact APTA makes with PTs, PTAs, and students.

Payment Assistance for U.S. Army Soldiers

Payment assistance for soldiers seeking to become ABPTS board-certified specialists is available through the ArmyIgnitED program. The program will pay the exam fee for soldiers interested in seeking specialist certification to elevate their practice, become a recognized leader in their profession, and advance their career.

To obtain funding, soldiers must first contact the Specialist Certification department and obtain a price quote. The department can be contacted at 800-999-2782, ext. 8520, or at spec-cert@apta.org.

After a quote has been acquired soldiers must create a Credentialing Assistance (CA) Request and submit the quote for funding to the ArmyIgnitED website for FY25 to sit for the exam. The exam dates are 26.Feb—19.Mar 2025.