Understanding CPC Renewal Requirements: A Guide for State Regulatory Agencies

Beginning in early 2026, the BOC introduced Continuing Professional Certification (CPC) Renewal – powered by Pathfinder as a new option for certification renewal. This updated model reflects the evolving demands of athletic training practice and reinforces the BOC’s commitment to ongoing competence and public protection.

Because state regulators play a vital role in overseeing professional standards, it is important to understand how CPC Renewal is structured and how it compares to the current renewal framework.

A Modernized Approach to Continuing Competence

CPC Renewal – powered by Pathfinder emphasizes reflective, outcome-focused professional development rather than solely tracking the accumulation of continuing education units (CEUs). The goal is to ensure that continuing education (CE) directly supports clinical effectiveness, patient safety and professional growth. Pathfinder is an interactive professional development platform/tool that helps Athletic Trainers (ATs) map out their growth.

Under CPC Renewal, ATs are required to:

• Earn 40 continuing education units (CEUs) during the two-year renewal period
• Participate regularly in the Pathfinder platform by completing specific criteria:
  • Develop at least two goals
  • Complete 15 challenge questions every three months
  • Add at least two learning activities to a personal learning path

To recognize the structured engagement required through Pathfinder, including assessment for learning, the BOC will provide documentation of 10 additional CEUs to ATs who meet the platform participation requirements. As a result, ATs will complete the equivalent of 50 CEUs—40 through traditional continuing education activities and 10 awarded for participation in the reflective and developmental components of Pathfinder.

This structure maintains rigorous educational expectations while strengthening the connection between CE and clinical practice.

Renewal Pathways During the Transition

All certified ATs will be automatically enrolled in CPC Renewal beginning in 2026.

However, renewal options will differ based on certification date:

• ATs certified prior to 2026 may choose between:

• • CPC Renewal (40 CEUs + Pathfinder participation), or
  • Legacy Renewal, which maintains the current requirement of 50 CEUs without structured Pathfinder engagement
• ATs certified in 2026 and beyond will renew exclusively through CPC Renewal.

While the BOC encourages adoption of CPC Renewal due to its enhanced competency framework, the Legacy Renewal option provides continuity for those who prefer the traditional CE model.

Pathfinder: The Core of CPC Renewal

At the center of CPC Renewal is the Pathfinder platform, an interactive and personalized professional development tool designed specifically for ATs.

Pathfinder integrates:

• Guided reflection and SMART goal development

• Challenge questions aligned with practice domains
• Immediate feedback to challenge questions
• Recommended educational resources
• Structured self-reflection

The platform is intentionally flexible to reflect the diverse practice settings of ATs. By identifying strengths and areas for growth, ATs are guided toward continuing education that aligns with their professional goals and clinical responsibilities.

Strengthening Public Protection Through Meaningful Certification Renewal Process

CPC Renewal shifts the focus from “counting CEUs” to ensuring CEUs meaningfully contribute to professional competence. For state regulators, CPC Renewal strengthens assurance of ongoing competence by embedding reflective practice into the renewal process and encouraging proactive identification of knowledge gaps. Renewal becomes not only a mechanism for maintaining certification but a structured opportunity to elevate practice and reinforce professional standards.

The BOC remains committed to collaboration and transparency as CPC Renewal launches in 2026 and welcomes continued dialogue with regulatory partners to ensure clarity and alignment. For additional information, please visit CPC Renewal and don’t hesitate to reach out to BOC staff at statereg@bocatc.org.