Certification

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: 

• Professional Growth: The process typically leads to a review and new knowledge through studying content in preparation for the exam.

• Job Qualification: In some states individuals will gain an endorsement in APE with successful achievement of the APENS process. 

• Obtaining a Job: Having achieved the APENS process, elevates the professionals marketable value when searching for a position above the peers without the credential. 

• Networking: The new CAPE receives 1 free year of membership to the NCPEID organization offering opportunities to collaborate with the leaders and future leaders in the field of APE and APA. 

• Continued Education: The new CAPE receives 1 free year of the PALAESTRA magazine, supporting the professional to stay current in the trends and research related to APE and APA. 

• Validates Expertise: The CAPE post-nominal letters are awarded to the professional and validates their work to parents, colleagues, administrators, and students. There is an elevated level of respect and value that comes with the letters following their name.  

• Advances the Field: As more professionals earn the CAPE credential, local education agencies take notice which strengthens the field to make further gains throughout the Country and improves job security. 

Who Can Become Certified?

Persons who are eligible to become a CAPE fall into two categories:

• Physical Education and Adapted Physical Education Practitioners

• Higher Education Faculty/Personnel 

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

1. Candidates applying for the national CAPE certification must meet the following criteria established by the NCPEID Board of Directors. 

2. Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to be eligible to sit for the APENS exam:

1. Bachelor's degree with a major in Physical Education or equivalent (e.g., Sport Science, Kinesiology, etc.).

2. A minimum of *twelve semester hours (credits) specifically addressing the educational needs of individuals with disabilities. It is required that nine semester hours (credits) be specific to the area of adapted physical education or meet the following criteria:

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

1. Candidates applying for the national CAPE certification must meet the following criteria established by the NCPEID Board of Directors. 

2. Candidates must meet the following minimum criteria to be eligible to sit for the APENS exam:

1. Graduate degree with documented evidence of meeting the following criteria:

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:

1. Apply for certification using the appropriate application (i.e., PE/APE Practitioner or Higher Education Faculty/Personnel). 

1. Prior to completing the application online, please print the Endorsement of Supervisor/Administrator page and have it signed by the appropriate personnel for uploading.

2. Prior to completing the application online, please print the Applicant Affidavit page and sign it for uploading.

3. Prior to completing the application online, please print the Acknowledgement of Examination Terms page and sign it for uploading.

2. Fill out and submit the application and pay the APENS fee of $250.

3. Send official transcripts to APENS to complete the application process. Transcripts can be sent via email to [email protected] or by mail to:

4. Secure the appropriate signature for the Endorsement of Supervisor/Administrator page.

5. Notarize the completed application package (i.e., application, signed Endorsement of Supervisor/Administrator page, and notarized Applicant Affidavit).

6. Submit the notarized application to the APENS Office along with your University/College transcripts. 

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.