Exam Comparison
ATC vs NPTE-PT
Comparing the BOC Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC) and the NPTE, Physical Therapist.
The Bottom Line
Athletic trainer versus physical therapist is a degree decision long before it is an exam decision: AT requires a CAATE master’s; PT requires a clinical doctorate (DPT). ATs own sideline, acute, and sport-performance care; PTs own rehabilitation across all populations with a higher salary ceiling. Choose the patient population and setting, and the exam follows.
ATC vs NPTE-PT: At a Glance
| Detail | ATC | NPTE-PT |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | BOC Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC) | NPTE, Physical Therapist |
| Governing Body | BOC | FSBPT |
| Number of Questions | , | , |
| Time Limit | , | , |
| Passing Score | , | , |
| Exam Fee | , | , |
| Category | Fitness & Personal Training | Allied Health & Medicine |
| C3RT App | Fitness Certification Exam Prep Soon | Allied Health Exam Prep Soon |
Content Areas Compared
ATC Domains
- Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion(21%)
- Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis(26%)
- Immediate and Emergency Care(12%)
- Therapeutic Intervention(20%)
- Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility(21%)
NPTE-PT Domains
- Musculoskeletal System(22%)
- Neuromuscular and Nervous System(20%)
- Cardiopulmonary System(13%)
- Integumentary System(7%)
- Metabolic and Endocrine Systems(5%)
- Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Systems(5%)
- System Interactions(6%)
- Non-Systems, Equipment, Devices and Assistive Technology(7%)
- Non-Systems, Therapeutic Modalities(5%)
- Non-Systems, Safety and Protection(5%)
- Non-Systems, Professional Responsibilities(5%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ATC and NPTE-PT?
The BOC exam certifies athletic trainers, experts in preventing, recognizing, and managing athletic injuries, from on-field emergency response through return-to-play, typically embedded with teams, schools, and sports-medicine clinics. The NPTE-PT licenses physical therapists, doctoral-trained clinicians who evaluate and rehabilitate movement dysfunction across orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, and geriatric populations in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health. Different degrees, different boards, different (though overlapping) skill sets.
Can I take both the ATC and the NPTE-PT?
Dual-credentialed AT/PTs are genuinely valuable in sports medicine, they cover the full arc from field to clinic and are prized by professional teams and sports-ortho practices. The price is both degrees and both credentialing cycles, so it is a deliberate career strategy rather than a default.
Which should I take first, ATC or NPTE-PT?
You take the exam your degree points at, so the real sequencing question is educational. If you are choosing now: AT gets you working with athletes sooner and lives closest to sport; PT costs more schooling but offers broader employment, autonomy in most states via direct access, and stronger long-run earnings. Some clinicians do AT bachelor’s-to-DPT precisely to combine them.
Does C3RT cover both the ATC and the NPTE-PT?
C3RT is building apps for both the ATC and the NPTE-PT. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The BOC Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC) (ATC) is administered by BOC. The NPTE, Physical Therapist (NPTE-PT) is administered by FSBPT. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.