How to Become a Licensed Athletic Trainer in 2026: Complete State-by-State Guide
Athletic trainers are allied health professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of injuries and illnesses in active populations. They work alongside physicians, physical therapists, and coaches in schools, colleges, professional sports, hospitals, and military settings. Becoming a licensed athletic trainer requires completing an accredited graduate program, passing a national certification exam, and satisfying your state's specific licensure requirements.
We track athletic trainer requirements across 51 states. Of these, 50 require a license or other state credential to practice, and 0 participate in the Athletic Training Compact, which allows multi-state practice under a single license. Average continuing education requirements are 42.1 hours per renewal cycle, with average initial licensing fees around $574.
Quick Overview: Becoming a Licensed Athletic Trainer
Education
Master's degree from a CAATE-accredited program (required since 2023)
National Exam
BOC (Board of Certification) Exam — required in 50 states and effectively required everywhere
State Licensure
50 of 51 tracked states require a formal license or registration
Multi-State Practice
0 states belong to the AT Compact for streamlined multi-state privileges
Dry Needling
9 states permit athletic trainers to perform dry needling within scope
Physician Direction
50 states require some form of physician direction or supervision
Requirements vary significantly by state. Always verify current requirements with your state's athletic training licensing board before applying.
What Does an Athletic Trainer Do?
Athletic trainers (ATs) are credentialed by the Board of Certification (BOC) and are recognized by the American Medical Association as allied health professionals. Despite the name, athletic trainers are healthcare practitioners — not personal trainers or strength and conditioning coaches. Their scope of practice covers five domains:
Injury and Illness Prevention
Developing conditioning programs, pre-participation screening, implementing safety protocols, and educating athletes on injury prevention techniques.
Examination, Assessment, and Diagnosis
Evaluating musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses, performing clinical examinations, and making evidence-based clinical decisions about treatment and referral.
Immediate and Emergency Care
Providing first response to acute injuries and medical emergencies, including concussion management, cardiac emergencies, heat illness, and spine injuries.
Therapeutic Intervention
Designing and implementing rehabilitation programs, applying therapeutic modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, manual therapy), and overseeing return-to-play progressions.
Health Care Administration and Professional Responsibility
Documenting patient care, managing athletic training facilities, coordinating with physicians and other providers, and maintaining professional and ethical standards.
Athletic trainers work in a wide variety of settings beyond the traditional sideline role. Common employment settings include secondary schools and colleges, professional and Olympic sports, military and law enforcement, industrial and occupational health, physician offices, and hospitals and clinics.
Education Requirements: The Master's Degree Mandate
As of January 1, 2023, the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) no longer accredits undergraduate athletic training programs. All entry-level athletic training education is now delivered at the graduate level. This means that to sit for the BOC exam and obtain licensure, you must earn a Master of Science or Master of Athletic Training degree from a CAATE-accredited program.
Important: The 2023 Transition to Graduate-Level Education
Students who completed an undergraduate AT program before the 2022 – 2023 academic year may have been able to sit for the BOC exam under the old requirements. New students entering athletic training today must complete a CAATE-accredited master's degree program. Exceptions for previously enrolled students no longer apply to new applicants.
If you hold a degree in a related field (kinesiology, exercise science, biology), many CAATE programs offer two-year master's tracks specifically designed for pre-AT students with prerequisite science coursework.
What to Look for in a CAATE-Accredited Program
CAATE accreditation ensures programs meet standards for curriculum content, clinical education hours, faculty qualifications, and program outcomes. When evaluating programs, consider:
- Clinical hours and sites: Programs must include supervised clinical practice across diverse settings and patient populations, including at least one experience outside traditional sports.
- BOC pass rates: CAATE publishes first-time BOC pass rates for each accredited program — a key quality indicator.
- Curriculum emphasis: Some programs specialize in sports medicine, others in occupational or clinical settings. Choose one aligned with your career goals.
- Residency and fellowship opportunities: Post- professional CAATE-accredited residencies are available for ATs who want advanced specialty training after entry-level credentialing.
- In-state tuition: Because many AT programs require a master's degree, cost is a significant factor. Public university in-state tuition can be substantially lower than out-of-state or private program tuition.
The BOC Certification Exam
The Board of Certification (BOC) Exam is the national credentialing exam for athletic trainers and is a prerequisite for licensure in virtually every regulated state. The BOC is an independent credentialing organization separate from NATA (the National Athletic Trainers' Association), though both are central to the profession.
Format
Computer-based, administered at Pearson VUE testing centers nationwide
Question Types
Multiple choice, multiple-response, and stand-alone scenario questions based on real clinical situations
Eligibility
Must have completed or be within 60 days of completing a CAATE-accredited master's program
Exam Fee
Currently $350 for first-time candidates (NATA member discount available)
Retake Policy
Candidates have up to six attempts to pass; each attempt requires a new application and fee
Continuing Certification
BOC-certified ATs must complete 50 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain BOC certification
Passing the BOC Exam earns you the credential “ATC” (Athletic Trainer, Certified). This credential is separate from and in addition to any state license. In most states, you must hold the ATC credential (or at minimum have applied for it) before applying for a state license. Our data shows 50 of the 51 states we track explicitly require BOC certification as a condition of licensure.
State Licensure: What You Need After the BOC Exam
Athletic training regulation varies by state. Most states issue a “license” to practice, but some use other credential titles such as “certification,” “registration,” or “exemption.” A small number of states have no formal regulation specific to athletic trainers, though practicing in those states typically still requires the BOC credential.
After passing the BOC Exam, the typical state licensure process involves:
- Completing your CAATE-accredited master's degree (if not already complete at the time of the exam)
- Receiving official BOC score confirmation and the ATC credential
- Submitting a state licensure application with the appropriate fee, typically including proof of BOC certification, official transcripts, and sometimes a background check
- Meeting any state-specific requirements, such as jurisprudence exams, CPR/AED certification, or documentation of supervised clinical experience
- Receiving your state license or credential, which must be renewed periodically (typically every 1–2 years) with continuing education
The Athletic Training Compact (AT Compact)
The Athletic Training Compact is an interstate agreement that allows licensed athletic trainers to practice across state lines more easily. Athletic trainers who hold a “home state” license in a Compact member state can apply for privilege to practice in other Compact states without obtaining a separate license in each state. This is particularly valuable for ATs who travel with professional or collegiate teams, or who work near state borders.
Currently, 0 states in our database are members of the AT Compact:
Compact member data not yet available.
To use Compact privileges, you must hold an active, unencumbered license in good standing in your home state. If your home state joins the Compact after you already hold a license, you may need to apply to designate it as your home state under the Compact. The AT Compact Commission maintains the official list of member states and processes privilege applications.
Dry Needling: An Expanding Scope
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin filiform needles into myofascial trigger points to reduce pain and improve function. It is distinct from acupuncture in its theoretical basis and application, and it has become a growing area of practice for athletic trainers in states that permit it.
Currently, 9 states in our database explicitly permit athletic trainers to perform dry needling within their scope of practice:
In states where dry needling is permitted, athletic trainers typically must complete additional post-professional training — often a minimum number of hours in a structured dry needling course — before performing the technique. Requirements for that training vary by state. In states where dry needling authorization is unclear or contested, ATs should consult their state licensing board and their professional liability carrier before adding it to their practice.
State-by-State Athletic Trainer Requirements
The table below provides a snapshot of key requirements across all 51 states we track. Click any state name to view the full detailed profile, including application procedures, renewal deadlines, reciprocity information, and specific exam or documentation requirements.
| State | Credential | License Req. | BOC Req. | AT Compact | Dry Needling | CE Hours | Initial Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 25 | $550 |
| Alaska | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $675 |
| Arizona | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 50 | $675 |
| Arkansas | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $575 |
| California | ATC | No | Yes | No | No | — | $375 |
| Colorado | RAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 75 | $475 |
| Connecticut | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 10 | $775 |
| Delaware | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 40 | $575 |
| District of Columbia | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 40 | $695 |
| Florida | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 24 | $580 |
| Georgia | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 |
| Hawaii | RAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 75 | $520 |
| Idaho | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $525 |
| Illinois | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 40 | $550 |
| Indiana | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 40 | $475 |
| Iowa | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $550 |
| Kansas | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 |
| Kentucky | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 50 | $575 |
| Louisiana | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $575 |
| Maine | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $475 |
| Maryland | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 40 | $825 |
| Massachusetts | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 30 | $675 |
| Michigan | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 75 | $525 |
| Minnesota | RAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $525 |
| Mississippi | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $525 |
| Missouri | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 40 | $475 |
| Montana | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $575 |
| Nebraska | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $550 |
| Nevada | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 50 | $675 |
| New Hampshire | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $595 |
| New Jersey | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $595 |
| New Mexico | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 |
| New York | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 45 | $691 |
| North Carolina | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 25 | $575 |
| North Dakota | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $575 |
| Ohio | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $505 |
| Oklahoma | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $525 |
| Oregon | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 |
| Pennsylvania | CAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $475 |
| Rhode Island | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $485 |
| South Carolina | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 |
| South Dakota | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $525 |
| Tennessee | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 |
| Texas | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 40 | $695 |
| Utah | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $499 |
| Vermont | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $525 |
| Virginia | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $640 |
| Washington | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 25 | $725 |
| West Virginia | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 50 | $525 |
| Wisconsin | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 40 | $531 |
| Wyoming | LAT | Yes | Yes | No | No | 50 | $575 |
Data reflects requirements as of our last verification. Fees and requirements change frequently. Always confirm current requirements directly with your state's athletic training licensing board before submitting an application.
Continuing Education Requirements
Athletic trainers must complete continuing education (CE) to renew both their BOC certification and their state license. These two requirements overlap but are not identical — hours that count toward BOC renewal may or may not satisfy state CE requirements, and vice versa.
BOC Continuing Education
The BOC requires 50 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain the ATC credential. At least one CEU must be in evidence-based practice, and specific topic mandates (such as emergency cardiac care) may apply. CEUs can be earned through a variety of methods including conferences, online courses, research publication, clinical simulation, and post-professional education programs.
State CE Requirements
State CE requirements are separate from BOC requirements and vary considerably. Most states tie CE requirements to their renewal cycle (typically 1 or 2 years). The average among states we track is 42.1 hours per renewal period.
States with the highest CE hour requirements per renewal cycle:
Some states specify mandatory CE topic areas in addition to total hour counts. Common mandatory topics include CPR/AED, concussion management, child abuse recognition and reporting, and state law/jurisprudence courses. Always review your state's specific CE topic requirements when planning your renewal coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I become an athletic trainer with a bachelor's degree?
Not for new students entering the profession today. Since 2023, CAATE only accredits master's-level entry programs. If you previously completed an undergraduate CAATE-accredited program before the transition deadline, check directly with the BOC to confirm your eligibility under the prior requirements. New students must complete a master's degree.
What is the difference between the BOC credential and a state license?
The BOC credential (ATC) is a national certification issued by the Board of Certification. It demonstrates that you have met the profession's national competency standards. A state license is a legal authorization issued by your state government to practice athletic training within that state. Most states require the BOC credential as a prerequisite for their license, but they are separate credentials with separate renewal requirements.
How do I move my athletic training license to a new state?
If both your current state and your destination state are AT Compact members, you may be able to practice in the new state under Compact privileges without a separate license. If either state is not a Compact member, you will need to apply for a new license in the destination state, typically through an endorsement or reciprocity process. Most states accept the BOC credential as the exam requirement and will waive re-examination if you hold an active ATC credential.
Do athletic trainers need physician supervision?
It depends on the state. 50 states in our database require some form of physician direction, consultation, or supervision for athletic trainers. The scope of required oversight varies — some states require a formal written protocol with a team physician, while others require only a general collaborative agreement. Check your state's practice act for the specific physician direction language.
How long does it take to become a licensed athletic trainer?
Timeline depends on your educational background. Students entering a CAATE-accredited master's program directly from an undergraduate exercise science or kinesiology program typically complete in 2 years. Students who need additional prerequisite science coursework may require an additional semester or year before starting the graduate program. After graduation, the BOC exam can typically be scheduled within weeks, and state licensure applications are usually processed within 4–8 weeks.
Is NATA membership required to become an athletic trainer?
No. NATA (National Athletic Trainers' Association) is the professional membership organization for athletic trainers, but membership is not required for BOC certification or state licensure. However, NATA members receive a discount on the BOC exam fee, and membership provides access to professional resources, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy support.
Can I practice athletic training in a state without a specific AT licensing law?
A small number of states do not have athletic trainer-specific licensing laws. In those states, the practice of athletic training may be regulated under other health profession statutes, or it may be unregulated at the state level. You should still hold your BOC certification (ATC) as a professional and liability standard of care. Review the specific state's regulatory landscape before practicing.
Sources
The information in this guide was compiled from the following primary sources. Requirements change frequently — we recommend verifying current information directly with the relevant organization before making educational or career decisions.
- Board of Certification (BOC) — bocatc.org — National credentialing body for athletic trainers; source for exam eligibility, application procedures, continuing education requirements, and the ATC credential.
- National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) — nata.org — Professional membership association for athletic trainers; source for scope of practice information, state regulation summaries, and professional standards.
- Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) — caate.net — Accrediting body for entry-level and post-professional athletic training programs; source for program search, accreditation standards, and the 2023 transition to graduate-level education.
- AT Compact Commission — atcompact.org — Governing body for the Athletic Training Compact; source for current member state list, compact privilege applications, and interstate practice information.
- State Athletic Training Licensing Boards — Each state's licensing board or regulatory agency is the authoritative source for that state's specific requirements, fees, application forms, and renewal procedures. Links to individual state boards are available on each state's detail page.
LicenseMap compiles this data from official state and national sources for informational purposes. We are not a licensing authority and this content does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the appropriate state licensing board before submitting an application.
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