Pursuing Board Certification
Pursuing Board Certification
Become a Board-Certified Pelvic and Women’s Health Clinical Specialist
Become a Board-Certified Pelvic and Women’s Health Clinical Specialist
Certification and Credential Name Change
Posted January 20, 2026
The Women’s Health specialty, approved by the APTA House of Delegates in 2006, underwent a formal title change to “Pelvic and Women’s Health” in September 2025 following approval by ABPTS. Credentialed specialists may now use the PWCS credential or spell out the designation as “Board-Certified Pelvic & Women’s Health Clinical Specialist.”
About the Certification
The American Board of Physical Therapist Specialties (ABPTS) oversees and facilitates the Pelvic and Women’s Health Clinical Specialist Board Certification. Earning this certification indicates that a Physical Therapist (PT) has proven that he/she has the knowledge, skill, and experience exceeding that of an entry-level physical therapist and is unique to the area of women’s health practice. The certification examination is a comprehensive assessment of all areas described in the Description of Specialty Practice (DSP).
While many Academy of Pelvic Health members pursue this certification, please note that this certification is not overseen, administered, or facilitated by the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. Please direct all board certification-related questions to the American Board of Physical Therapist Specialties (ABPTS) at spec-cert@apta.org. Please visit the ABPTS certification website to learn more about eligibility requirements, key deadlines, check the status of your application and additional information about this certification.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
How to Correctly List Your Designation
If you have become a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist, please make sure that your designation is compliant with ABPTS designation listing rules and is correctly displayed on your profile, business cards, websites, etc.
Acceptable Example 1:
Joanna Doe, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Pelvic and Women’s Health Physical Therapy
Acceptable Example 2:
Joanna Doe, PT, DPT
Board-Certified Pelvic and Women's Health Clinical Specialist
Acceptable Example 3:
Joanna Doe, PT, DPT, PWCS
2023 WCS Study Guide for Members
To help our members prepare for the WCS exam, the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy developed a task force of members to generate a list of recommended books and articles to help you prepare for the exam. While this study guide is free for Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy members, this study guide is available for purchases to non-members.
Board-Certified Pelvic and Women's Health Clinical Specialist Members
We are proud of the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy members who have earned this distinguished certification designation. Click below to access our directory listing members who opted-in to PT Locator and who have earned the board-certification designation.
View APTA Pelvic Health Member PWCS Directory
Maintenance of Specialty Certification (MOSC)