Becoming Certified

BOC offers five professional certification programs:

Preparing for BOC Certification

Each of our certification programs varies, in terms of scope of practice, as do the eligibility requirements and exam processes. Education, work experience requirements and examinations reflect job practice analyses of your profession. Some of our exam series are multiple choice, while others are more extensive, testing your technical and practical knowledge or hands-on skills through computer-based simulation and videotape.

BOC takes pride in helping people become certified practitioners as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. To help you know what to expect, an overview of the certification process is described below. Additionally, each certification program includes details on the prerequisites needed, actions required and resources that you can use to prepare for your examination(s).

Prior to applying, please carefully consider the following process toward earning your certification.

Review education and experience prerequisites.

Each certification program requires specific levels of education and experience. Visit the eligibility prerequisites section of each certification program for details. You will need to verify that you meet these requirements by submitting proper documentation with your application.

Complete and submit your application.

Be sure to thoroughly prepare and review all documentation that will be submitted with your application. The necessary documentation includes your résumé, résumé verification form (notarized), and proof of education. You may submit all of your certification program fees with your application. However, only the application fee is required for application processing. Review the certification payment information page for more details.

Take your exam preparation needs into consideration.

Once your application is approved, you will receive notification of your eligibility to sign up for your exam(s). The letter you receive will provide details on how to sign up for your exam(s). You will need to select a test location for your computer-based examination(s), register for a date within your exam period and then sit for up to 120 minutes to complete all questions. Take into consideration the time you will need to be away from work to travel to the test location and take the exam, as well as the time you may need to study for the exam.

Complete your certification examinations.

BOC examinations are designed to ensure that you are ready to completely fulfill your program’s scope of practice. Each certification program varies, and so do the exam processes. You will need to complete between one and three exams, depending on your program. Consult the exam schedule for information about the time windows for registration and submission. Upon successful completion of the exams, you will be awarded certification.

Once certified, you will need to keep up-to-date in your specialty by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Meeting your continuing education requirements and paying your renewal fees annually will enable you to maintain your status as a BOC-Certified practitioner.