NCCA Accreditation Sets BOC Orthopedic Specialty Apart
The BOC’s Orthopedic Specialty, the Board-Certified Specialist in Orthopedics (BCS-O) credential, recently reached a major milestone, receiving National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) accreditation. This achievement sets the BCS-O credential apart in the world of orthopedic credentials within the athletic training profession.
Accreditation is the process by which a credentialing or educational program is evaluated against defined standards by a third party. When in compliance with these standards, it is awarded recognition.
The Value of Accreditation for a Credential
- Enables credentialing organizations to demonstrate to the profession it represents, and to the general public its certificants serve, that their program has met the stringent standards set by the credentialing community
- Enhances a program’s credibility and legitimacy by providing impartial, third-party oversight of a conformity assessment system
- Provides organizations with a way to answer the question “who reviewed your certificate/certification program?”, a question often posed by members of an occupation, employers, and sometimes, the courts
“NCCA accreditation signifies that the BOC has met rigorous standards, validating the BCS-O credential as the benchmark in orthopedic specialty,” said Shannon Fleming, MA, ICE-CCP, AT Ret., Vice President of Credentialing at the BOC. “This third-party accreditation serves as evidence that the orthopedic specialty certification program was developed and is maintained in accordance with best practices within the certification industry.”
A high-quality certification validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in a defined profession, occupation, skill, or role. Certified individuals in the workforce reduce risk and enhance consumer protection and public safety. In addition, these certifications allow employers and other stakeholders to identify individuals with the competencies needed to perform a role or task.
Certification holders benefit from:
- Increased recognition by peers and respect of colleagues in the profession
- Improved opportunities for employability and advancement
- Greater confidence in their professional competence
- Increased professional trust from employers or the public
- Increased autonomy in the workplace
- Better compensation and career longevity
The next orthopedic specialty exam period will occur in February 2025. Find out more about the BCS-O and eligibility here.