The Value of BOC Certification: Supporting Athletic Trainers and Advancing the Profession

Achieving the BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC®) health care credential is more than a mere milestone—it’s a transformative gateway to expanded opportunities and career advancement. As the official certifying organization for Athletic Trainers (ATs), the Board of Certification (BOC) plays a pivotal role in supporting ATs, upholding the integrity of the ATC® credential, strengthening the athletic training profession and safeguarding public health through excellence in care.

BOC CERTIFICATION: A MARK OF EXCELLENCE

The ATC® credential represents the highest standard in athletic training competence, distinguishing professionals who have demonstrated exceptional education, clinical expertise and dedication to patient-centered care. This designation is only earned after completing a rigorous accredited professional athletic training program recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and successfully passing the comprehensive BOC AT Certification Exam.

What sets this certification process apart is its meticulous development. Each exam question is crafted by a committee of BOC Certified ATs and undergoes extensive validation by independent subject matter experts. This approach ensures the exam assesses the precise knowledge and skills essential for safe, effective athletic training practice.

BOC CERTIFICATION EMPOWERS AN AT’S CAREER

The impact of BOC certification extends beyond professional recognition. It serves as the cornerstone of a thriving athletic training career. By verifying that ATs meet a minimum level of competence, certification enhances patient safety and reinforces public trust in the profession. This foundation of credibility creates career stability and a clear path for continued professional advancement.

Certification also connects ATs with vital educational resources that keep them at the forefront of the ever-changing health care landscape. Through structured continuing education requirements and professional development pathways, certified ATs continuously refine their expertise, expand their clinical capabilities and ultimately deliver superior care to their patients.

BOC PROVIDES A FOUNDATION FOR COLLABORATION AND GROWTH

Today’s health care environment demands seamless interprofessional collaboration, where ATs work alongside physicians, physical therapists and other health care professionals to provide coordinated, comprehensive patient care. The BOC makes sure that ATs are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to diverse health care settings.

Beyond individual professional growth, the BOC actively promotes the athletic training profession through strategic advocacy efforts that shape policies, establish professional standards and advance the field’s position in health care. The BOC also tracks critical demographic and professional trends, using this data to inform forward-thinking initiatives that support ATs as their roles continue to expand, ensuring the certification remains relevant and valuable even as health care evolves.

BOC’S COMMITMENT TO THE ATHLETIC TRAINING COMMUNITY

Professional growth thrives within strong networks, which is why the BOC fosters a vibrant community that connects ATs with peers, mentors and industry leaders. Through an extensive volunteer program, certified ATs gain opportunities to contribute to the profession, share specialized knowledge and develop leadership capabilities that help shape the future of athletic training.

The ATC® credential symbolizes a commitment to excellence, lifelong learning and the continuous advancement of health care standards. The BOC stands firmly behind every certified AT, providing the comprehensive support, educational resources and advocacy necessary for individual success and the collective strength of the profession.

With BOC certification as their foundation, ATs are empowered to innovate, excel and elevate patient care standards across all practice settings. The future of athletic training is bright, and the BOC is here to champion ATs every step of the way.

THE VALUE OF CERTIFICATION VIDEO

The BOC developed The Value of Certification video to promote the value of ATs, ATC® credential and BOC. Watch now as ATs explain in their own words the role the ATC® credential and BOC play in their practice.

This article was originally published in the 2025 summer “Cert Update” newsletter.