How many questions are on the NATA BOC exam?

The BOC exam contains 175 questions in a computer-adaptive format delivered through Prometric. The exam includes scored operational questions and a small number of unscored pretest items used for future exam development. Because the test is adaptive, each candidate receives a unique set of questions calibrated to their ability level.

What is the passing score for the NATA BOC certification exam?

Candidates must achieve a scaled score of 500 on a 200–800 scale to pass the BOC exam. Because the test is computer-adaptive, raw scores are converted to scaled scores that account for the difficulty level of the questions each candidate received, ensuring fair comparison across different testing sessions.

Can I use a printed PDF to study for the BOC exam?

Yes — printed practice questions are a valuable study tool, especially for reviewing content domains, memorizing special test names and procedures, and self-quizzing without screen fatigue. Use the PDF alongside online adaptive practice tests to cover both content mastery and test-format familiarity before your Prometric appointment.

Which domain has the most questions on the NATA BOC exam?

Domain 2 (Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis) and Domain 4 (Therapeutic Intervention) together account for the largest share of BOC exam questions. Special orthopedic tests, therapeutic modality parameters, and exercise progression principles are consistently high-yield areas. Review the official BOC Role Delineation Study/Practice Analysis for the most current percentage breakdowns by domain.

NATA BOC Athletic Training Exam Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026 June)

Pass your NATA BOC Athletic Training exam on the first attempt. 💡 Practice questions with detailed answer explanations, hints, and instant scoring.

NATA-BOC TestJun 3, 20264 min read

Free NATA BOC Practice Test PDF Download

The NATA BOC exam — formally the Board of Certification (BOC) Athletic Trainer Certification Examination — is the credentialing test required to earn the ATC (Athletic Trainer Certified) credential. Our free printable PDF gives you real exam-style questions across all five BOC domains so you can study anywhere, even without internet access.

The computer-adaptive exam is administered through Prometric and draws 175 questions from five content domains. Use the PDF below to drill the concepts that appear most frequently, then head to our full online practice test to simulate the adaptive testing experience.

Pro Tip: Focus your NATA-BOC study time on areas where you score lowest. Most exam questions test application of knowledge, not memorization.

NATA BOC Athletic Training Exam Practice Test PDF (Free Printable 2026)

📄Free NATA BOC Practice Test PDF

What the NATA BOC Exam Covers

Domain 1 — Injury and Illness Prevention and Wellness Promotion

This domain covers pre-participation physical examinations, sport-specific conditioning programs, and environmental risk management. Expect questions on heat illness recognition and treatment (heat cramps, heat exhaustion, exertional heatstroke), lightning safety protocols, concussion screening tools, and nutritional counseling for athletes.

Domain 2 — Examination, Assessment and Diagnosis

Orthopedic special tests are heavily tested: Lachman and anterior drawer tests for the knee, empty-can and Neer impingement tests for the shoulder, Thompson test for the Achilles, and anterior talofibular ligament stress tests for the ankle. Neurological screening (dermatomes, myotomes, reflexes) and vital-sign assessment are also included.

Domain 3 — Immediate and Emergency Care

Questions focus on emergency action plan (EAP) activation, CPR and AED use, spinal motion restriction for suspected cervical injuries, management of anaphylaxis with epinephrine auto-injectors, hypovolemic shock recognition, and acute fracture and dislocation care including splinting protocols.

Domain 4 — Therapeutic Intervention

This domain covers therapeutic exercise progression (ROM → strengthening → functional), manual therapy techniques, and physical modalities. Study parameters for ultrasound (MHz, duty cycle, W/cm²), electrical stimulation (TENS, NMES, interferential), cryotherapy (ice vs. cold whirlpool), and hydrotherapy.

Domain 5 — Healthcare Administration and Professional Responsibility

Expect questions on SOAP note documentation, appropriate referral pathways, HIPAA privacy rules, OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards (standard precautions, exposure control plans), and professional ethics under the BOC Standards of Professional Practice.

✓Review all five BOC content domains and their percentage weights
✓Memorize orthopedic special tests for shoulder, knee, and ankle
✓Study heat illness progression and on-field management protocols
✓Practice CPR/AED steps and emergency action plan components
✓Learn ultrasound and electrical stimulation parameter ranges
✓Review spinal motion restriction techniques and indications
✓Study HIPAA and OSHA bloodborne pathogen standards
✓Complete taping and bracing technique review (ankle, knee, wrist)
✓Practice interpreting goniometric measurements and MMT grading
✓Take at least three full-length timed NATA BOC practice tests

Free NATA BOC Practice Tests Online

The PDF is an excellent offline resource, but the actual BOC exam is computer-adaptive — meaning question difficulty adjusts based on your answers. To build the stamina and test-taking strategy the adaptive format demands, pair your PDF study sessions with our full NATA BOC practice test online. The online tests include detailed rationales for every answer, helping you understand not just what is correct but why.

Aim to complete the PDF questions first, note any weak domains, then target those domains in the online question bank before your scheduled Prometric appointment.