CertificationApply for CAPE CertificationBefore you apply, please read the page carefully. Why Become Certified? There are many reasons for a professional serving individuals with disabilities in physical education or physical activity to seek national certification in adapted physical education. There are multiple benefits that come from achieving CAPE recognition:
Who Can Become Certified? Persons who are eligible to become a CAPE fall into two categories:
Though each of the above categories have specific definitions and require proof of certain qualifications, all initial candidates applying to earn the CAPE Certification MUST take and pass the APENS exam. Criteria for Eligibility for Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education Practitioners
i. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 9 credits in APE coursework and 3 credits of coursework from a related field (e.g., special education, speech, OT, PT, recreation, psychology) as documented with official college/university transcripts. ii. Satisfactory completion of a minimum of 6 credits in APE coursework and 3 credits in coursework from a related field as documented with official college/university transcripts; and up to 3 credits awarded for professional experience teaching APE as documented in writing from a local education agency. c. A minimum of 200 hours of documented experience providing physical education instruction to individuals with disabilities. d. A current valid teaching certificate in physical education. *Evidence of coursework for consideration of Criteria b.2. must relate to physical activity and students with disabilities as set forth by state and/or national standards for professional preparation in adapted physical education. The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) believe that coursework in adapted physical education should provide evidence of competency in the following areas: i. Disability studies ii. Motor assessment of individuals with disabilities iii. Report writing iv. Special education law v. Development of individualized education programs (IEP) vi. Adaptations and modifications for physical education vii. Behavior management viii. Collaboration and consultation skills ix. Advocacy skills x. Instructional design and planning xi. Individual teaching and learning styles xii. Inclusion practices xiii. Community and family resources xiv. Professional leadership xv. Assistive technology for physical education Criteria for Eligibility for Higher Education Faculty/Personnel
i. Major in physical education, adapted physical education (minimum of 15 hours), special education or related area in a graduate program.
ii. Record of a minimum of 2 years of experience in higher education.
iii. Evidence of being the instructor of record for a minimum of 15 credit hours teaching the area of adapted physical education and/or supervising college/university students in practica, internships, and/or student teaching related to the direct instruction of students with disabilities in physical education environments (e.g., school environments, disability sports programs, adapted physical activity service-learning programs).
If you have any questions concerning the various eligibility criteria, please contact APENS at (607) 753-4969 or email us at [email protected]. Note: Persons who have already received the CAPE and are applying for recertification after the initial 7 year CAPE certification expires, will follow the guidelines as posted under recertification on the application and website.
How Do I Apply for National Certification through the APENS Exam Process? Once you have determined which category best represents you, please:
APENS
1124 Park Center Department of Physical Education PO Box 2000 SUNY Cortland Cortland, NY 13045 Phone 607 753 4969 Email: [email protected]
Once your application (including transcripts) is received in the APENS office, it will be reviewed by the APENS Chair and/or members of the APENS Committee. Where necessary, additional information (e.g., course syllabus, presentation/workshop description) may be requested in order to determine whether you are eligible for CAPE certification. Applicants with completed applications who are eligible for CAPE certification will be contacted by APENS personnel to schedule the administration of their APENS exam. Individuals who pass the APENS exam will receive an official certificate acknowledging their status as a nationally certified adapted physical educator (CAPE) and the term of certification (period of 7 years from examination date). Each CAPE will also be added to the national CAPE registry and receive a one-year membership to the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities with full benefits of that membership. |