Practitioner Certified Adapted Physical Education (CAPE) Initial Certification Exam

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.

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.

Initial CAPE Certification: Practitioner Track

Before you begin your application
Please ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria before purchasing your exam, as this exam is nonrefundable after seven days or if the exam has been completed. You will be required to provide information regarding your degree, coursework, and teaching experience when submitting your exam. An APENS committee member will verify the submitted documentation after a certificate is issued and reserves the right to withdraw the certification if information is found to be inaccurate.

Valid Teaching License

• You must hold a valid teaching license in Physical Education, Health and Physical Education, or Adapted Physical Education

Coursework Completion

• You must provide documentation of at least 12 semester credit hours focused on the educational needs of individuals with disabilities
• At least nine of these credit hours must be in Adapted Physical Education
• All coursework will be verified by an APENS Committee member

Instructional Experience

• You must document a minimum of 200 instructional hours in Adapted Physical Education
• These hours will be verified by a member of the APENS Committee

Exam Requirement 

• The exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions that assess essential knowledge of the APENS standards 
• Applicants have three hours to complete the exam
• Questions are drawn from all 15 APENS areas, reflecting the domains defined in the APENS manual
• You must pass the exam with a 65% score or higher before CAPE certification can be awarded
   

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.