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: $550

• Examination Fee: $810

• Reapplication Fee: $190

Non-member

• Application Fee: $895

• Examination Fee: $1,535

• Reapplication Fee: $190

Test Format

In-Person through PSI Testing

The GSC 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. To maintain GCS certification, applicants must submit evidence of continuing competence every three years. The Maintenance of Specialist Certification (MOSC) program requirements must be met by June 30 of their certification's third, sixth and ninth year.

Recertification Fee

MOSC Fees and Deadline for renewal include:

• APTA Members: $760 total

  • Three installments of $220 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $100 at-cost exam fee in year 10

• Nonmembers: $1,400 total

  • Three installments of $400 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $200 exam fee in year 10

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)