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Athletic Trainer License in California

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Athletic Trainer license in CA. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$200

Processing Time

4-6 Weeks

Exam Required

BOC Certification Exam

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Athletic Trainer license in California.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Athletic Trainer training program in California.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your CA application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the BOC Certification Exam.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the California licensing board and pay the $200 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-6 weeks in CA. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

To obtain your Athletic Trainer license in California, you must first complete the state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. California requires all applicants to pass the BOC Certification Exam before submitting their application to the state licensing board. The application process in CA is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail and documentation.

Requirements

California has specific requirements for Athletic Trainer licensure that applicants must fulfill. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid government-issued identification. Educational requirements include completing an accredited program relevant to prevent and treat athletic injuries. A clean background check is mandatory in CA, and you must demonstrate good moral character. The BOC Certification Exam must be passed with a minimum score set by the California board.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed Athletic Trainer in California starts at $200 for the application fee. CA requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in California can add up to $63 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — Athletic Trainer in California

Base License Fee$200
Estimated Total$200

Renewal Process

License renewal for Athletic Trainer professionals in California occurs on a 2-year cycle. CA charges a renewal fee of $125 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in California at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — Athletic Trainer in CA

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. California requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Athletic Trainer professionals in California continues to grow. CA offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in California provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Athletic Trainer professionals in CA report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Athletic Trainer

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My California Athletic Trainer License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) PartialAK requires additional exam or paperwork for CA license holders.
Alabama (AL) PartialAL requires additional exam or paperwork for CA license holders.
Arizona (AZ) FullAZ accepts CA Athletic Trainer license via reciprocity agreement.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for CA license holders.
Colorado (CO) NoneCO does not recognize CA Athletic Trainer license. Full re-application required.
Delaware (DE) NoneDE does not recognize CA Athletic Trainer license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for CA license holders.
Iowa (IA) PartialIA requires additional exam or paperwork for CA license holders.

Where to File Locally in California

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Sacramento

1625 N Market Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95834

(916) 574-7170

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Los Angeles

320 W 4th St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

(213) 897-3722

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

San Francisco

455 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 557-3261

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

San Diego

1350 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 525-4235

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

San Jose

100 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose, CA 95113

(408) 277-4102

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official California Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the California state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.