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Athletic training is not regulated in California. No state license is required. BOC certification may still be required by employers. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Athletic Trainer
Governing Authority
No state regulatory agency listed for California; California row in NATA state board table shows no agency name, contact, or address — only a link to the CA legislature.
Official website →Athletic training is not regulated in California
No state license is required to practice as an athletic trainer. However, national BOC certification may still be required by employers.
Browse Athletic Trainer study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
Overall licensing difficulty: 34/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
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Athletic Training Exam Prep
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Study guides and practice tests for the BOC certification exam.
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Government & exam fees
Application, exam & license fees
$375
Study guides & supplies
Athletic Training Exam Prep
Estimated total (gov't fees)
$375
Average Athletic Trainer salary in California: $74,150/year
Your investment pays for itself in approximately 2 days
Education and training costs vary by provider. Government fees sourced from state licensing board websites.
We'll send you courtesy reminders at 90, 60, and 30 days before your license expires — so you can stay ahead of your CE and renewal deadlines.
California does not regulate athletic training
There is no state licensure, certification, or registration requirement for athletic trainers in California. However, employers may still require national BOC certification. Athletic trainers practicing in California should maintain their BOC credentials for professional credibility and employment opportunities.
Confirmed: NATA state board table shows no agency for California; BOC FAQ states 'California does not have licensure'
California does not regulate athletic trainers at the state level.
BOC certification is required for all athletic trainers in California.
The Athletic Trainer Compact is not yet operational; no states have formally enacted membership as of March 2026.
Dry needling is not permitted for athletic trainers in California.
Athletic Trainer requirements in nearby states
California ranks #1 out of 51 for lowest athletic trainer licensing fees ($375). See full ranking →
More rankings: Lowest Renewal Cost · Fewest CE Hours
Related Guides
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
Athletic Trainer Schools in California
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#3 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Athletic Trainers (SOC 29-9091)
Entry Level
$62,980
25th percentile
Median
$74,150
+23% vs. national avg ($60,250)Experienced
$81,590
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,760 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Athletic Trainers (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+11.1%
High DemandNew Jobs
+3,800
over 10 years
Annual Openings
2,400
per year (avg.)
33,900 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
BOC Certification Exam — 2022-2023National rate
80%
First-time Pass Rate
Approximately 75-85% first-time, varies by program. Programs must maintain a three-year aggregate first-time rate of at least 70%.
Source: BOC (Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer) (2023)
Pass rates are approximate national averages and may vary by state, exam provider, and candidate preparation.
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 316–334 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Moving to California? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Athletic Trainer license to California →
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
A week-by-week action plan built for your situation — with every cost, deadline, and next step mapped out.
California does not regulate athletic training at the state level. No license is required, but employers typically require BOC certification.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.