CAPE Practitioner Recertification

NOTE: The Recertification Exam is not a graded nor timed exam. Completion of the associated question simply allows you to document your 10 points of professional activity across your previous certification period.

The Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) were developed by the National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) to define the essential knowledge and skills needed to provide high-quality adapted physical education services.

NCPEID established the APENS to define the knowledge required to deliver high-quality adapted physical education services. To ensure professionals meet these expectations, NCPEID awards the Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE) certification to individuals who successfully meet all APENS eligibility requirements and pass the APENS national certification examination.

Two certification tracks are available:

• Practitioner Track, for PK–12 school-based professionals.
• Higher Education Track, for faculty who prepare preservice or in-service adapted physical education professionals.

Individuals who earn CAPE certification demonstrate that they have met the nationally validated knowledge standards needed to provide appropriate adapted physical education services to students with disabilities or to prepare future professionals in higher education settings.
CAPE certification is valid for seven years. To maintain certification, individuals must complete the recertification process. Details on eligibility, requirements, and application procedures are provided below.

CAPE Recertification: Practitioner Track
CAPE recertification requires earning at least ten points across approved professional activities during the seven-year certification period. You will complete only the categories that apply to you. Each selected activity must include the required supporting documentation.

Activities you may document include:

• Sustained service in PK-12 or higher education
• Peer-reviewed publications
• Conference presentations
• Elected board or committee chair service
• Professional certifications
• Graduate coursework in APE
• Continuing education in APE
• In-service presentations
• Mentorship or supervision of interns or student teachers
• Post-secondary APE courses taught
• Coaching experience
• APE program development  (PK-12 or higher education)

Please note:
Point values may not always reflect the exact time associated with each activity. The recertification system is designed to recognize a broad range of professional contributions that reflect the depth and scope expected of individuals holding CAPE certification. All documentation is reviewed by an APENS Committee member.

Audience

For PK-12 school-based adapted physical education professionals.

The National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID) plays a leading role in shaping the direction of adapted physical education and adapted physical activity nationwide.

NCPEID, formerly known as National Consortium for Physical Education and Recreation for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPERID), was founded in 1975 by a group of higher education professionals committed to advancing personnel preparation, research, demonstration projects, and service in adapted physical education and adapted physical activity.

NCPEID's mission is to promote, stimulate, and encourage legislative mandates, professional preparation, advocacy, and research in physical activity, physical education, and recreation for individuals with disabilities. NCPEID supports the development of high-quality programs and services and disseminates professional information to assist its members.

Membership is open to individuals engaged in professional preparation, research, advocacy, or program development related to physical education, physical activity, and recreation for individuals with disabilities. University faculty, public school professionals, residential and community-based practitioners, and professionals in related fields are encouraged to join and contribute to NCPEID’s mission to advance equitable, high-quality opportunities for individuals with disabilities.