Credential Recognition Agreements

CATA/BOC Mutual Recognition Arrangement
The information below is provided as service to Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) and Certified Athletic Therapists (CAT(C)) to assist with the process involved in the CATA/BOC Mutual Recognition Arrangement.

Certified Athletic Therapist CAT(C)
Please visit www.bocatc.org.
Once on the website click on the Becoming an AT link.
Now click on Application Forms
This will lead you to the form - BOC Exam Application for Canadian Athletic Therapists
If you have any question concerning this process please contact the CATA National Office or the BOC.

Certified Athletic Trainers ATC
The Frequently Asked Question's section below is provided for your convenience.
CATA Temporary International Membership Application

CATA/BOC Mutual Recognition FAQ's - for BOC members
1. How do I qualify to write the CATA exam as a BOC Certified Athletic Trainer in the United States?
Currently, in order to attempt the CATA Certification Exams as a Temporary International Candidate [CC(TI)], you must be in good standing with the BOC as an ATC and with the CATA as a CC(TI). Additionally, you are required to carry valid First Responder certification at the time of application as well as the time of examination through a nationally based provider (such as the American Red Cross).

2. Do I need to have graduated from an accredited degree granting program or does the previous internship programs qualify?
The previous NATA internship program does not qualify for this mutual recognition agreement unless you are also a member in good standing with the BOC.

3. Do I need to be a member of the CATA before I apply to do the exam? What are the fees?
Yes you must be a member of the CATA before you can attempt certification. The CATA Temporary International Membership Application is found at the top of this page.

4. Is there a timeline during which time I must write the exam once I become a member?
Yes there is a timeline for certification. You have one year to attempt the exam after being accepted as a member of the CATA.

5. Is there a limit on the number of times I can attempt the exam?
No there are no limits to the number of times you can attempt certification however failure after a second attempt and every attempt thereafter must be preceded by a process of upgrading to minimize the potential of a subsequent failure.

6. Where and when can I write the exams?
Currently, the CATA Certification Exams are held twice per year, once in a western Canadian city and once in an eastern Canadian city. The exam schedule, including location, exam dates and application deadline dates, is posted up to one year in advance on the CATA website and is advertised in our newsletter in Athletic Therapy Today.

7. Can I write the written exam in my home state?
The written exam must be proctored by a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)) in good standing with the CATA. If there is such an individual in your home state that is available and willing to proctor the exam on the scheduled date and time, you would be able to write the exam at that location.

8. Am I automatically allowed to work in Canada once I become certified with the CATA?
Certification with the CATA does not have any legal status as per your eligibility to work in Canada. If you are not a Canadian citizen, this becomes a matter for the federal government. If you are a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant, your certification status permits you the same status as any other voting member of the CATA.

9. Where can I go to get an application to do the CATA exam?
CATA Temporary International Membership Application

10. What is my membership classification once I certify?
Once certified there are two categories with the difference being whether you are legally allowed to work in Canada:
1. Certified International Voting Membership: legally allowed to work in Canada
2. Certified International Non-Voting Membership: not legally allowed to work in Canada

11. Once I am certified how do I maintain my certification in both countries at the same time?
You would be required to fulfill the maintenance requirements of the CATA in order to remain in good standing. Some if not all of your credits could be applied to more than one association simultaneously.