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How to become a licensed athletic trainer (ATC/LAT) in North Dakota. Master's degree in Athletic Training required. BOC exam required. Total initial fees: $575. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Athletic Trainer
Governing Authority
North Dakota Athletic Trainers Advisory Committee - State Board of Medical Examiners
Official website →(701) 328-6500
Yes
License Required
Yes
BOC Required
No
Compact Member
Not Allowed
Dry Needling
25 hrs
CE Hours
$575
Total Initial Fees
Degree & Program Requirements
VerifiedDegree Required
Master's degree in Athletic Training
CAATE Accreditation
Required
Program Length
2 years (master's program)
Clinical Hours
1000 hrs
Prerequisite Education
Bachelor's degree (any field accepted for entry into CAATE master's program)
Athletic trainers must earn a master's degree from a CAATE-accredited (Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education) program. Programs include extensive clinical education in injury prevention, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Exam Requirements
VerifiedBOC Exam Required
Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer
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.
BOC Fee
$375
Exam fee paid directly to BOC (Board of Certification, Inc. — bocatc.org); application fee is $100 ($75 for NATA members)
Jurisprudence Exam
Not Required
State Exam
Not Required
Retake Policy
3 attempts within 3-year eligibility window from program graduation date
The BOC (Board of Certification) exam is the standard certification exam for athletic trainers. It is a computer-based exam with multiple-choice and alternative item formats. Most states require passing the BOC exam as a prerequisite for licensure.
Athletic Trainer Compact Membership
VerifiedNot a Compact Member
Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact
Compact Privileges
Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact: Model legislation finalized in 2025. Several states have enacted compact legislation but the compact has not yet reached full operational status as of March 2026. Check athletictrainercompact.com for current status.
The Athletic Trainer Licensure Compact (AT Compact) allows licensed athletic trainers to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. This is particularly beneficial for athletic trainers who travel with sports teams across state lines.
Permitted Services & Activities
VerifiedYes
Emergency Care
Yes
Injury Evaluation
Yes
Therapeutic Intervention
Yes
Rehabilitation
No
Dry Needling
Yes
Physician Direction Required
Practice Settings
Restricted Activities
Athletic trainers provide emergency care, injury evaluation, therapeutic intervention, and rehabilitation services. Dry needling privileges and physician direction requirements vary by state. Practice settings range from secondary schools and colleges to professional sports and clinics.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
BOC Fee Exam fee paid directly to Board of Certification (BOC); does not include $100 application fee | $375 |
License Fee | $100 |
Renewal Fee | $50 |
Total Initial Fees Includes BOC exam fee, BOC application fee, and state application/license fees | $575 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual
Renewal Period
25 hrs
CE Hours Required
BOC requires 50 CEUs per 2-year reporting period for maintenance of certification
BOC CE Requirements
Required CE Topics
Renewal Fee
$50
Regulatory Board
Athletic trainer licenses must be renewed on schedule. In addition to state CE requirements, athletic trainers must maintain their BOC certification, which has its own continuing education requirements. Topics typically include evidence-based practice, emergency care, and professional responsibility.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Credentials
AT Compact
Non-Member
Endorsement Available
Yes
Reciprocity Requirements
The AT Compact allows licensed athletic trainers to practice in other compact member states without obtaining additional licenses. This is particularly valuable for athletic trainers who travel with sports teams. Non-compact states require license by endorsement.
North Dakota has annual license renewal.
North Dakota requires licensure for athletic trainers.
BOC certification is required for all athletic trainers in North Dakota.
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 North Dakota.
Physician direction is required for athletic training practice in North Dakota.
25 continuing education hours are required per Annual renewal cycle.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in North Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#29 of 51
Cost
#24 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Athletic Trainers (SOC 29-9091)
Entry Level
$50,740
25th percentile
Median
$58,380
-3% vs. national avg ($60,250)Experienced
$62,950
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
120 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)
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
Study guides and practice tests for the BOC certification exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
North Dakota requires passing the BOC exam for athletic trainer licensure. All licensing is managed through the North Dakota Athletic Trainers Advisory Committee - State Board of Medical Examiners.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.