Preparing Students for Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Renewal (Launching 2026)

Beginning in 2026, all certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) will automatically be enrolled in the Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Renewal path, incorporating the Pathfinder platform. Unlike currently credentialed ATs, who may transition to the Legacy Renewal model, students certified in 2026 and beyond will remain in the CPC Renewal model as their renewal pathway for professional growth.

Why This Matters for Educators

As educators, you play a vital role in preparing students to not only pass the BOC exam but also to thrive in their ongoing professional journey. Introducing CPC Renewal expectations early helps students:

• Understand what continuous certification entails
• Build habits of reflection, steady engagement and professional growth
• Enter the profession with confidence about their renewal requirements

By familiarizing students with CPC Renewal and Pathfinder requirements before graduation, you can help them see certification as more than a one-time achievement—it is an ongoing, structured process that supports their professional development, advances patient care, and reinforces a commitment to lifelong learning.

CPC Renewal at a Glance – Structure and Requirements

• Timeline: Recertification takes place over two years. An AT’s requirement for their initial renewal period is dependent on when they were granted certification.
• Completion of all Pathfinder Requirements (Due by January 31, 2028)
  • My Goals – ATs must create at least 2 SMART goals (1 if prorated).
    • It is encouraged that goals are developed at the beginning of the renewal period and can be modified at any point in the renewal period.
  • My Challenge Questions – MCQs are divided into 8 segments (each ~3 months long) over the two-year renewal period. ATs must complete 7 of the 8 segments (3 of 4 if prorated).
    • Each segment requires completion of 15 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which provide immediate feedback, rationales, references and recommended learning opportunities. MCQs segments have specific open and close dates that must be followed.
  • My Learning Path – ATs are required to add at least 2 learning activities (1 if prorated) to their learning path during a renewal period. Completion of those activities is encouraged but not required.
  • My Reflection – In the final few months of the renewal period, ATs are required to reflect on their professional development journey and progress toward their goals and aspirations by completing a short questionnaire.
• CEUs: A total of 40 CEUs (prorated to 20 CEUs) must be completed by the end of the renewal period.
• Annual Certification Fee: Paid each year

Certification Timing

Just as it is currently, renewal requirements will be prorated for the initial renewal period for ATs certified in an even year.

• Certified during 2026: Prorated requirements apply, and the following are due by January 31, 2028:
  • Create 1 SMART goal
  • Complete at least 3 of 4 My Challenge Questions (MCQ) segments
  • Add 1 Learning Path activity
  • 20 continuing education units (CEUs)
  • Odd year annual certification fee (1 year)
• Certified during 2027: Full requirements apply, and the following are due by the end of the renewal period on January 31, 2030:
  • Create 2 SMART goals
  • Complete at least 7 of 8 MCQ segments
  • Add 2 Add Learning Path activities
  • 40 CEUs
  • Annual certification fee (2 years)

Supporting Student Readiness

Weaving awareness into classroom discussions or professional development workshops can make a difference. Consider:

• Encouraging students to think of CPC Renewal as a series of checkpoints

• Highlighting the Pathfinder process as a supportive tool for setting professional goals, tracking progress and fostering habits that advance lifelong learning

• Reinforcing the idea that CPC Renewal is designed to help ATs stay current, reflective and engaged in their practice

CPC represents the future of professional renewal for ATs. By helping students understand the structure and expectations before they graduate, you empower them to enter the profession ready for both initial certification and sustained professional growth.

CPC Renewal Journey Begins in 2026

Newly certified ATs will start their professional career in the Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Renewal program. CPC is designed to support their growth with professional goal setting, progress reflection and habits that foster lifelong learning.

All ATs certified in 2026 will begin the CPC Renewal program (with Pathfinder) in February 2027, regardless of certification date. They may, however, enter Pathfinder in 2026 once certified to begin exploring the platform, setting goals and using the learning timeline.

Requirements for Starting in 2027
✔ 15 My Challenge Questions (MCQs) per segment

✔ 1 SMART Goal (done in Pathfinder)

✔ 1 Learning Path Activity (identified)

✔ 20 CEUs by end of period

✔ Annual fee (waived in year certified)

Timeline Example (2027 Start)

2028 CPC Cycle Overview (2 Years/8 Segments) and Requirements
For ATs certified in 2026, 2028 will begin their first full renewal cycle when all CPC requirements apply.

✔ 15 MCQs) per segment ✔ 2 SMART Goals (done in Pathfinder)

✔ 2 Learning Path Activities (identified)

✔ 40 CEUs by end of cycle

✔ Annual fee (per year)

2028 Segment Timeline for ATs certified in 2026

Tips for AT Success

• Stay consistent—complete each segment as it opens
• Use Pathfinder’s dashboard to track strengths and learning needs
• Think of Pathfinder as checkpoints for growth, not an assessment
• Engage with references and recommended learning to strengthen practice