NATA-BOC Practice Test

The NATA BOC exam assesses five domains of athletic training practice: Injury and Illness Prevention, Examination and Diagnosis, Immediate and Emergency Care, Therapeutic Intervention, and Healthcare Administration. Mastery of these domains is essential for passing the BOC exam. Practice with the free NATA-BOC practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).

NATA-BOC Exam at a Glance

What changed for NATA-BOC in 2026

• Oct 27, 2026: Other (update 2027-03-20) changed to Starting with the March/April 2027 BOC exam window, all new ADA accommodation requests must use the new Accommodations Request Form. The current form remains valid for exams through January 2027. (previously A new ADA accommodation request form is required for any new accommodation requests starting with the March/April 2027 BOC exam window; the current form stays valid for exams through January 2027.).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Other (update 2026-01-01) changed to Athletic trainers certified in 2026 or later must meet the mandatory CPC Renewal requirements through the Pathfinder platform, including 20 CEUs due by January 31, 2028. (previously Athletic trainers certified in 2026 or later must follow the mandatory CPC Renewal (Pathfinder) requirements, with 20 CEUs due by January 31, 2028.).^[2]
• Oct 27, 2026: Retake fee changed to $375 per retake (US/Canada); $495 outside US/Canada (previously $375 per retake (US/Canada)).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Delivery changed to Internet-based exam at proctored Meazure Learning testing centers (previously Internet-based, proctored Meazure Learning testing centers).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Eligibility changed to Confirmed by a CAATE-accredited program director, or credentialed through the International Arrangement (ARTI, BASRaT, CATA) (previously Entry-level athletic training program (CAATE) confirmation, or an International Arrangement credential).^[1]
• Oct 27, 2026: Exam fee (Exam fee (outside US/Canada)) changed to $495 ($375 + $120 international surcharge) (previously $495).^[1]
• Oct 26, 2026: Late registration deadline changed to Applications after 5 p.m. CT on the deadline miss the current window (previously Applications after 5 p.m. CT on the deadline are not processed).^[1]
• Jan 1, 2026: Athletic trainers certified in 2026 or later must meet the mandatory CPC Renewal requirements through the Pathfinder platform, including 20 CEUs due by January 31, 2028.^[2]

According to Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer, “The exam contains a combination of 175 scored and unscored (experimental) items including:”^[1]

NATA-BOC content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official NATA-BOC content outline published by Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Worked examples: how to reason through NATA-BOC questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: An asthmatic athlete becomes severely dyspneic during practice and is not responding to their rescue inhaler. What is the appropriate next step?

1. Administer a second dose of the rescue inhaler and wait 15 minutes
2. Have the athlete lie supine and elevate the legs
3. Activate EMS and prepare to administer epinephrine if available
4. Move the athlete indoors and apply a cold pack to the chest

Answer: C. Activate EMS and prepare to administer epinephrine if available

Explanation:

Option C is correct. An asthmatic athlete who is severely short of breath and not responding to a rescue inhaler is in a life-threatening emergency, so EMS must be called right away and epinephrine prepared if it is available.

Option A is wrong because repeating the inhaler and waiting delays emergency care. Option B is wrong because lying flat with the legs raised is a shock position and can worsen breathing. Option D is wrong because moving indoors and applying a cold pack does nothing for airway obstruction.

Rule to remember: when a known treatment fails and breathing is compromised, escalate to emergency care immediately rather than repeating the same step.

Example 2

Question: An athlete is struck in the chest by a baseball and immediately collapses. The athletic trainer suspects commotio cordis. What is the most time-sensitive intervention?

1. Begin chest compressions and activate EMS
2. Apply an AED as quickly as possible
3. Administer a precordial thump
4. Position the athlete in the recovery position and monitor

Answer: B. Apply an AED as quickly as possible

Explanation:

Option B is correct. A sudden collapse after a blow to the chest points to commotio cordis, which usually causes ventricular fibrillation. The treatment that matters most is defibrillation, so the AED goes on as quickly as possible.

Option A is wrong as written because compressions alone do not correct the rhythm, although they are used until the AED is ready and EMS is still called. Option C is wrong because a precordial thump is not a recommended response. Option D is wrong because the recovery position and monitoring is for an athlete who is breathing and has a pulse.

Rule to remember: in sudden collapse with a shockable rhythm, time to defibrillation drives survival.

Example 3

Question: An athlete tells the athletic trainer they have a specific plan to end their life tonight. What should the athletic trainer do first?

1. Tell the athlete to call a crisis hotline after practice
2. Stay with the athlete and start immediate emergency referral per the mental health emergency action plan
3. Schedule a counseling appointment for the next morning
4. Promise to keep the conversation confidential

Answer: B. Stay with the athlete and start immediate emergency referral per the mental health emergency action plan

Explanation:

Option B is correct. An athlete who states a specific plan to end their life tonight is in a psychological emergency. The athletic trainer stays with them and starts immediate emergency referral through the mental health emergency action plan.

Option A is wrong because sending the athlete to call a hotline after practice leaves them alone and delays help. Option C is wrong because an appointment the next morning does not address the immediate danger. Option D is wrong because confidentiality cannot be promised when there is a risk to life.

Rule to remember: when there is imminent risk of self-harm, safety comes before confidentiality and before convenience, and the athlete is never left alone.

How to use these practice tests

Start with the official material. Read the BOC exam information and the content area outline, and note which areas you feel least sure about. Then take the general NATA-BOC set to see where you stand, without worrying about the score.

Next, work through the topic sets that match your weakest areas, for example Critical Incident Management, Therapeutic Intervention and Modalities and Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis. After each set, read the explanation for every question you missed and write down the rule behind it in your own words. Return to those notes before your next session.

Mix topics later by using the MCQ sets, so you practise switching between injury assessment, pharmacology, rehabilitation and administration the way a long exam requires. Take at least one session at a stretch, close to the time limit, so you get used to the stamina involved.

Our questions are written by us with AI tools and are not real exam questions, so treat them as practice for reasoning, not as a preview. In the final days, review your notes and the official policies, confirm your testing center and schedule, and rest.

Free NATA-BOC Test Study Tools

Interactive NATA-BOC Test resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• NATA-BOC Test flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• NATA-BOC Test study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• NATA-BOC Test cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

Budget approximately $500-$700 for the initial certification process, including the NATA BOC exam fee and state licensure application. NATA membership can reduce exam costs and provide access to resources.

Master the NATA BOC Exam

Get unlimited access to over 850+ NATA BOC practice test questions, detailed answer explanations, and our complete study guide. Pass your athletic trainer certification exam on the first try.

Ensure you report your BOC NATA CEU credits before the December 31st deadline of your reporting year. Failure to report can result in certification suspension.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sample NATA-BOC Test Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free NATA-BOC Test practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. An athletic trainer is performing an anterior drawer test of the ankle. To specifically isolate and test the integrity of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the foot should be positioned in:

   • A. Maximal dorsiflexion and inversion.
   • B. Slight plantar flexion and inversion.
   • C. Neutral (90 degrees) and eversion.
   • D. Maximal plantar flexion and eversion.

Answer: B. Slight plantar flexion and inversion.

The anterior drawer test for the ankle primarily assesses the stability of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), the most commonly injured ligament in an inversion ankle sprain. To perform this test effectively, the ankle should be placed in a position of slight plantar flexion (around 10-20 degrees) and some inversion to bring the ATFL perpendicular to the direction of the applied anterior force.

Answer: C. Absence of plantar flexion when the calf is squeezed.

The Thompson test assesses the integrity of the Achilles tendon. When the calf muscle (gastrocnemius-soleus complex) is squeezed, the foot should plantar flex if the tendon is intact. The absence of this movement indicates a likely complete rupture of the Achilles tendon.

Answer: C. Supraspinatus

The Empty Can test is specifically designed to isolate and assess the integrity of the supraspinatus muscle and its tendon. Placing the shoulder in the 'empty can' position (scaption and internal rotation) directs the fibers of the supraspinatus for optimal testing against resistance, making it a key diagnostic tool for supraspinatus impingement or tears.

Answer: B. 1950

NATA was established in 1950 at a meeting in Kansas City, Missouri. The organization was founded to advance the athletic training profession and improve the quality of healthcare for athletes.

Take the full NATA-BOC Test practice test

Official Resources

• Board of Certification (BOC) – Candidate Process: the BOC is the independent body that writes and administers the athletic trainer certification exam and grants the ATC credential.
• National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA): the professional membership association for athletic trainers, offering career resources and continuing education.
• Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE): accredits the athletic training degree programs that make graduates eligible to sit for the BOC exam.

Sources & last verified

1. Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer — number of questions, time limit, passing score, exam fee (official source). “The exam contains a combination of 175 scored and unscored (experimental) items including:” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 28, 2026.
2. Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer — other (official source). “ATs certified in 2026 or later who fail to remain current with CPC Renewal requirements (falling behind two or more segments) will have an opportunity…” Verified Oct 28, 2026 · source checked Oct 28, 2026.
3. Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer — other (official source). “assessment evaluation and diagnosis” Verified Oct 29, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.