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Athletic Trainer
Total cost: $375
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.
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.
State CE Hours
No state requirement
BOC CEUs still required
Renewal Cycle
N/A (BOC certification: 2 years)
BOC Certification Maintenance
50 CEUs / 2 years
Required for all BOC-certified ATs
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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.
BOC (Board of Certification) Athletic Trainer Exam
Format
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.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the BOC (Board of Certification) Athletic Trainer Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — BOC Athletic Trainer Exam
Prepare for your BOC Athletic Trainer Exam with Mometrix study guides, flashcards, and practice tests.
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Study guides and practice tests for the BOC certification exam.
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Compare California with other states →
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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.
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
See how California compares: Athletic Trainer License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does California compare to other states for athletic trainer? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your athletic trainer license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in California.
Athletic Trainer Schools in California
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
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 →
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.