The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is the accreditation body of Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE). The NCCA's mission is to ensure the health, welfare and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of individual certification programs that assess professional competency. The NCCA sets standards that include "Essential Elements" that must be met by organizations offering certification programs.
The NCCA S"tandards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs" categories:
- Purpose, Governance and Resources
- Responsibilities to Stakeholders
- Assessment Instruments
- Recertification
- Maintaining Accreditation
BOC requirements are often originated from NCCA standards. These standards answer questions as to why ATs must complete continuing education units (CEUs) and why the BOC and NATA are two separate organizations. Examples include but are not limited to:
- BOC recertification must demonstrate that continued competence is in the best interest of the public and athletic training profession.
- BOC recertification requirements must measure or enhance continued competence of ATs.
- The BOC must be structured and governed in a way that is appropriate for the profession, occupation, role or skill and that ensures autonomy in decision making over essential certification activities.
The BOC has the only accredited certification program for Athletic Trainers in the US. Since 1982, the BOC has been continuously accredited by the NCCA and must undergo review and reaccreditation every five years.