Medbridge CEUs Support Extended Athletic Trainer Certification Renewal Deadline

Athletic trainers now have more time to meet their continuing education (CE) requirements, thanks to a recent update from the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC). The certification renewal deadline has been extended to Monday, February 2, 2026, with the current renewal cycle now spanning January 1, 2024, through February 2, 2026. 

This adjustment was made to provide flexibility in years when the traditional January 31 deadline falls on a weekend and to help avoid end-of-cycle reporting delays.

What does it take to stay certified?

To maintain certification with the BOC, athletic trainers must complete several requirements during each renewal cycle:¹

1. Attest to compliance with the BOC Standards of Professional Practice 

Athletic trainers must annually confirm that they adhere to the professional, ethical, and legal standards outlined in the BOC Standards of Professional Practice.

2. Pay the annual certification maintenance fee 

This fee supports the administration of the certification program and is due every year, even if you're in the middle of a two-year CE cycle.

This non-refundable fee supports BOC’s operations and ensures continued NCCA accreditation.

• The fee is waived for ATs certified in the same year it is assessed

• Discounts are available for NATA members who provide their membership information in their BOC profile at the time of payment

3. Report all completed CEUs before the renewal deadline 

The BOC defines CE requirements as a way to promote ongoing professional competence, ensuring ATs can:

• Stay current in evidence-based practice

• Develop new knowledge and clinical techniques

• Enhance ethical decision-making and patient care

• Expand their scope and quality of services

CE requirements based on certification year

CEUs earned in January 2026 may be applied to either the 2024–2025 renewal period or the upcoming cycle ending in 2028, giving you added flexibility in how you plan your professional development

Want to learn more about CEU types, categories, and approved activities? Check out our 2025 Athletic Trainer BOC CEU Requirements: Recertification Quick Reference Guide.

What happens if you miss the certification deadline?

Failing to meet the February 2, 2026 deadline can result in your certification status being marked as expired effective February 3, 2026. However, the BOC offers a limited reactivation period through March 2, 2026, during which you can:

• Report CEUs using the AT203 form (if not already completed)

• Pay outstanding 2024 and/or 2025 maintenance fees

• Pay the applicable late fees

• Reactivate your certification status (note: you will be subject to audit)

If you don't reactivate within this window, you'll need to go through the BOC's reinstatement process. If documentation is submitted by the February 2 deadline, extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances (such as military deployment or medical emergencies).

To avoid the stress of reactivation or reinstatement, complete your CEUs early and make sure all requirements are reported in your BOC profile before the deadline.

Continuing education built for athletic trainers

To help athletic trainers meet their certification renewal requirements with ease and confidence, Medbridge (a BOC-approved provider) offers a comprehensive, industry-leading continuing education platform designed for modern athletic training practice.

With over 675 approved courses totaling more than 980 CEU hours, Medbridge's CE library supports both early-career and experienced ATs in building skills, staying compliant, and enhancing patient outcomes.

Courses are created and led by industry experts and cover high-impact clinical areas, including:

• Injury prevention and rehabilitation protocols

• Concussion assessment and emergency management

• Return-to-play strategies

• Orthopedic care and sports performance

• Emergency preparedness, functional movement, and more

Whether you practice in a clinic, on the sidelines, in schools, or in growing fields like occupational health, performing arts, or public safety, Medbridge makes it easy to earn CEUs on your schedule without disrupting your routine.

Stay on track and ahead of the deadline

Athletic trainers are encouraged to complete their CE early to avoid last-minute reporting issues and to take full advantage of the flexible reporting window. CEUs earned in January 2026 can be applied toward either the 2024–2025 cycle or the following cycle ending in 2028.

For more information about the BOC’s deadline change, visit the BOC newsroom announcement. To explore Medbridge’s BOC-approved course library, browse our athletic training course catalog. 

With the deadline extended and more than 980 CEU hours at your fingertips, now is the perfect time to get started and stay ahead.

References

1. Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. (2024). 2024–2025 certification maintenance requirements for certified athletic trainers. https://bocatc.org