GCS (ABPTS) - Geriatric Clinical Specialist

The Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GSC) certification, is awarded by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS),

The Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS) certification is for physical therapists with expertise and clinical experience in the specialty of geriatrics. It shows knowledge of therapies for individuals over 65. This certification demonstrates a physical therapist’s proficiency in assessing, treating, and evaluating seniors. Therapists seeking this national board certification must meet experience requirements and pass a computerized examination.

Cost to certify

APTA member

• Application Fee: $525

• Examination Fee: $810

• Reapplication Fee: $180

Non-member

• Application Fee: $870

• Examination Fee: $1,535

• Reapplication Fee: $180

Test Format

In-Person through Prometric

The GPTSC examination is computer-based and contains 200 questions. 

The official exam is administered during a seven-hour testing session. This consists of four 90-minute test blocks and 50 minutes of optional break time to be sued after any block. 

Content areas include:

• Knowledge Areas (15%)

  • Foundation Sciences

  • Clinical Sciences

  • Behavioral Sciences

• Practice Expectations (85%)

  • Professional Roles and Responsibilities

  • Patient/Client Management

Results

The exam results are posted online in approximately one month. The scaled score required to pass the exam is 500.

Prerequisites:

1. An active, unrestricted Physical Therapist (PT) license in the US

2. Evidence of 2000 hours of direct patient care in geriatrics during the past ten years

3. Evidence of 500 hours of geriatric care in the past three years

Candidates can find details on the minimum eligibility requirements here.

Application Process:

1. Visit ABPTA to create an account.

2. Complete application for the GSC certification exam.

3. Upload copies of required documentation.

4. Allow six weeks for application review of online submissions.

The application deadline is July 31.

Board-certified GSC therapists must renew their certification every ten years. Renewal requirements are changing.

For certification expiration before 2023, see the Recertification of Specialist Certification requirements. 

For certification expiration in 2023 or beyond, see the Maintenance of Specialist Certification (MOSC) program requirements.

Recertification Fee

• APTA member rate: $660 - in three installments of $220, reduced exam fee

• Non-member rate: $1200 - in three installments of $400, reduced exam fee

The ABPTS offers the following:

• Candidate Guide

• Certification Exam Outline

• General Resources

• Tips for Exam Day

The ABPTS also offers the following certifications:

• Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS)

• Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)

• Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)

• Board-Certified Oncologic Clinical Specialist (Oncology)

• Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

• Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist (WCS)

• Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)

• Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS)

• Board-Certified Wound Management Clinical Specialist (Wound)