NATA-BOC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield NATA-BOC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The heel lock maneuver in ankle taping is primarily designed to control which motion? → Excessive inversion and eversion of the calcaneus
2. What is the mechanism by which acetaminophen reduces pain? → Acting centrally to raise the pain threshold
3. Which type of insurance provides coverage specifically for claims arising from professional negligence or malpractice by an athletic trainer? → Professional liability (malpractice) insurance
4. Which type of protective equipment has been shown to be most effective in reducing the incidence of lateral ankle sprains? → Semi-rigid ankle braces
5. An athletic trainer is progressing an athlete's ACL rehabilitation. Which functional test should be used to assess readiness for return to sport? → Single-leg hop for distance with limb symmetry index
6. An athletic trainer receives a subpoena for an athlete's medical records in a legal proceeding. What is the appropriate response? → Contact the institution's legal counsel before releasing any records
7. A volleyball player complains of shoulder pain and weakness with overhead serving. The Speed test is positive. Which structure is most likely involved? → Long head of the biceps tendon
8. Which of the following is a primary indicator used in the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) to identify asymmetrical movement patterns? → Side-to-side score differences of 1 or more points
9. The charge that denotes the highest sum an insurance provider will accept is called the ______? → UCR
10. What is the primary goal of the proliferative phase of wound healing as it relates to rehabilitation? → Collagen deposition and scar tissue formation
11. Which clinical test assesses for a tear of the medial meniscus? → McMurray test with external rotation and valgus
12. What organ system is mostly in charge of supplying energy during a 400-meter sprint? → anaerobic glycolysis system
13. During the return-to-play protocol after concussion, at which step is resistance training first introduced? → Step 4: Non-contact training drills
14. An athlete sustains a direct blow to the lateral aspect of the knee. Which structure is most at risk for injury? → Medial collateral ligament
15. An asthmatic athlete becomes severely dyspneic during practice and is not responding to their rescue inhaler. What is the appropriate next step? → Activate EMS and prepare to administer epinephrine if available
16. Which type of ankle brace maintains its restriction of inversion most consistently throughout prolonged athletic activity compared to taping? → Rigid stirrup brace
17. What three tendons make up the pes anserinus? → semitendinosus, sartorius, gracilis
18. The primary functional distinction between elastic tape (e.g., Elastikon) and non-elastic white athletic tape is that: → Elastic tape allows motion and provides compression; non-elastic tape restricts motion
19. True or False: When an AT has a legal obligation to act, what does that mean exactly? → True
20. What is the recommended work-to-rest ratio for training the phosphocreatine (alactic anaerobic) energy system? → 1:5 to 1:10
21. Which principle of rehabilitation states that exercises should progress from simple to complex and from stable to unstable surfaces? → Principle of functional progression
22. An athlete sustains a mallet finger injury during a basketball game. Which deformity is characteristic of this injury? → Flexion deformity of the DIP joint with inability to actively extend it
23. Which energy system is the PRIMARY source of ATP during a 100-meter sprint lasting approximately 10 seconds? → Phosphocreatine (ATP-PC) system
24. Except for one, all are indications or symptoms of dehydration. → seizure
25. What is the recommended wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) threshold above which outdoor athletic activities should be modified or cancelled? → 82 degrees F (27.8 degrees C)
26. Which medication is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis in an athletic setting? → Epinephrine
27. The McConnell taping technique is primarily used to address which condition? → Patellofemoral pain syndrome
28. What typical symptom aids in the diagnosis of an ACL injury? → A popping sound made at the time of injury
29. An athlete reports a sensation of the knee 'giving way' during cutting maneuvers. Which ligament is most likely deficient? → Anterior cruciate ligament
30. The Rockport Walk Test is used to estimate which fitness parameter? → Cardiovascular endurance (VO2 max)