How do I become an athletic trainer in California?

California does not regulate athletic training. No state license is required to practice. However, employers typically require BOC certification.

Is the BOC exam required in California?

California requires the BOC (Board of Certification) exam for athletic trainer licensure. The exam format is Computer-based; 175 questions (some unscored); 4 hours; alternative item types (drag-and-drop, multi-select, hot spot). Passing score: scaled score of 500. Practice Analysis: 8th Edition, effective March/April 2023..

Is California an AT Compact member state?

California is not currently a member of the AT Compact. Out-of-state athletic trainers must apply for licensure by endorsement.

Does California allow dry needling for athletic trainers?

California does not allow dry needling for athletic trainers.

Athletic Trainer

CaliforniaAthletic Trainer License Requirements

No License RequiredLast verified: March 2026

Governing Authority

No State Regulatory Board

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.

Important Information

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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.

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California does not regulate athletic trainers at the state level. ATs may practice with BOC certification only; there is no state license, registration, or certification required.

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California does not regulate athletic trainers at the state level.

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BOC certification is required for all athletic trainers in California.

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The Athletic Trainer Compact is not yet operational; no states have formally enacted membership as of March 2026.

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Dry needling is not permitted for athletic trainers in California.

Your Next Steps

Other Licenses in California

Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.

Nearby States

ArizonaAthletic trainer requirements →NevadaAthletic trainer requirements →OregonAthletic trainer requirements →

State Rankings

Compare all states

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

Salary & Earnings

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)

$50,860

10th

$62,980

25th

$74,150

Median

$81,590

75th

$101,070

90th

1,760 employed in this state

Source: BLS OEWS – Athletic Trainers (May 2024)

Job Outlook & Growth

National employment projections for 2024-2034

Projected Growth

+11.1%

High Demand

New Jobs

+3,800

over 10 years

Annual Openings

2,400

per year (avg.)

vs. all occupations (4% avg.):+7.1 percentage points

33,900 currently employed nationwide (2024)

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)

Licensing Cost Breakdown

Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license

BOC Fee

$375

Total Government Fees$375

Time investment: 6.1 years–6.4 years

Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.

Source: State licensing board fee schedule

Time to Get Licensed

Estimated total: 316–334 weeks

Complete bachelor's degree (prerequisite)

4 years

Complete CAATE-accredited master's program (includes 1000+ clinical hours)

2 years (master's program)

Pass BOC (Board of Certification) exam

1–4 weeks

Submit license application

1–2 weeks

Background check & application processing

2–6 weeks

Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.

Source: No State Regulatory Board — Licensing Requirements

Application Processing Time

2–6 weeks

Estimated processing time

Source: No State Regulatory Board — Licensing Requirements

Athletic Training Exam Prep for California

Study guides and practice tests for the BOC certification exam.

Browse Study Guides on Amazon →

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Sources

https://bocatc.org/state-regulation/

https://bocatc.org/candidates/

https://www.nata.org/state-regulatory-board

https://www.nata.org/about/athletic-training

Disclaimer: This information is compiled from official state licensing board websites and verified against multiple sources. Always confirm current requirements directly with your state's licensing authority, as licensing rules can change. Links to official state resources are provided for each data point. LicenseMap does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice. See something incorrect? Report it here.

Athletic Training in California

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.