Athletic Trainer / Pennsylvania
2026 data Pennsylvania board official source

Pennsylvania Athletic Trainer License Requirements

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

Prevents and treats injuries for athletes. Requires BOC examination.

What the Pennsylvania data shows for Athletic Trainers

Becoming a licensed athletic trainer in Pennsylvania means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 3,068 training hours, a passing score on BOC Examination, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Pennsylvania regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Masters Degree".

Upfront cost is $164, with renewal running $135 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 50-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For athletic trainers, the reciprocity picture is: Athletic Training Compact: adoption underway.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
36/100
Athletic Trainer · Pennsylvania

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
3,068 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$164
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$68/yr
$135 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
25.0 hrs/yr
50 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

Education / Training Hours
Masters Degree
3,068 hours
Exam Requirement
BOC Examination
Required
Initial License Fee
$164
Renewal Fee
$135
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
50 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Pennsylvania licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires 3068 education/training hours, passing an exam (BOC Examination), and an initial fee of $164. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as an Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania licenses athletic trainers who complete its requirements (3068 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Pennsylvania licensing board.
Can I transfer my Athletic Trainer license to Pennsylvania from another state?
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for athletic trainers: Athletic Training Compact: adoption underway. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Pennsylvania require a background check for Athletic Trainer licensing?
Yes, Pennsylvania requires a criminal background check as part of the athletic trainer licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania ties continued athletic trainer licensure to 50 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $135 renewal fee.

What to do with this athletic trainer license

Athletic Trainer in Pennsylvania, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in an athletic trainer-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Pennsylvania's athletic trainer requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Athletic Trainer in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state athletic trainer license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Pennsylvania's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Pennsylvania overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Pennsylvania licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.