Exam Application Open: Apply for the Exam click here
For Members:
Overview & Benefits
The Certified Cervical & Temporomandibular Therapist (CCTT) credential is recognized worldwide as the gold standard for physical therapists specializing in craniofacial and cervical care for TMJ certification physical therapy.
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Independent & International – The PTBCCT is an independent, non-profit 501(c) organization with sole authority over the examination.
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Trusted & Validated – Developed and psychometrically validated by the Data Recognition Corporation, a leader in medical/dental testing.
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Recognized by Peers & Patients – Your name, bio, and contact details appear in the PTBCCT directory, making you discoverable to those seeking expert care.
Why Certify?
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Elevate your professional profile
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Gain peer recognition and credibility
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Increase patient trust and referrals
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Demonstrate advanced expertise
CEU evaluations are essential to ensuring educational activities remain relevant, evidence-based, and aligned with professional standards across disciplines.
Sharon Farquharson, PT, CCTT
Vice-Chair CEU & Application Committee
Exam Details
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Purpose: Assess advanced knowledge and competency in cervical, temporomandibular, and orofacial therapeutics
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Format: 150 multiple-choice questions
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Time Limit: 4 hours
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Date & Location: Offered onsite at the year's American Academy of Orofacial Pain annual meeting, the Wednesday before the conference. 2027 cycle: Wednesday April 28th, Nashville, TN.
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Onsite exam administration is preferred, with discounted AAOP meeting registration available for candidates sitting for that year's CCTT exam.
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For those unable to attend the onsite administration, offsite administration with a CCTT Proctor is available for an additional $150 fee. Candidates wishing to pursue this option must complete the Proctor Request Form to gain pre-approval before proceeding.
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Passing standard: Established using criterion-referenced Angoff analysis. A panel of specialty experts evaluates the difficulty of each question to determine the minimum level of knowledge required to achieve specialty certification with consideration for the margin of human error. Because the exam forms vary slightly from year to year, the passing threshold is statistically equated for fairness to all candidates. The 2026 exam cutoff was 75%.
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Update Cycle: Questions and references reviewed and updated annually by the PTBCCT CCTT Exam committee to reflect current best evidence supporting clinical practice
Study Resources:
Category | % of Exam |
|---|---|
Anatomy, neurophysiology, and biomechanics of the masticatory system and
epidemiology of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) | 20% |
Anatomy, neurophysiology, and biomechanics of the cervical spine, airway,
epidemiology, and classification of disorders affecting the cervical region as they
impact orofacial pain and headache | 10% |
Dental terminology, occlusion, oral appliances and interprofessional collaboration | 5% |
Screening, examination, differential diagnosis, medical screening and referral for
TMDs and other orofacial pain and headache conditions, and physical therapy
management of TMDs and other orofacial pain condition, headache conditions,
airway and sleep | 30% |
Oral and maxillofacial surgery with pre- and post-surgical physical therapy
management and oncological rehabilitation for the orofacial and cervical region | 5% |
Evaluation and differential diagnosis and management of cervical/upper quarter
pain and dysfunction related to orofacial pain and headache | 20% |
Screening and referral, examination, differential diagnosis for evaluation and physical therapy management of airway and sleep | 10% |
Fees & Key Dates
At-a-Glance:
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August 15-October 15: The CCTT application fee is $750, with a $600 refund if the application is denied.
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April 28. 2027 Exam is given at the AAOP Conference at Gaylord Opry in Nashville, TN
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Within 1 year: The exam retake fee is $375 when scheduled within one year of receiving a fail notice.
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October 15 through January 15: Annual dues are $180.
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February 1 (biennial): CEU submissions are due every two years, with 30 CEUs required for each reporting period.
Application Process
At-a-Glance:
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Step 1 – Pay Application Fee of $750 (Deadline: October 1)
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Step 2 – Complete Application Form (Deadline: October 15)
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Step 3 – Receive Authorization Letter
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Step 4 – Sit for Exam (Deadline: Day before AAOP Annual Conference)
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Proctoring is available for an additional fee. Use this form to request proctoring.
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If you have any questions, please email exam@ptbcct.org
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Notes
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Payment – Secure online credit card payment prior to access to the application
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Refund Policy – If denied, $600 of the $750 fee is refunded
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Retake Fee – $375 if retaken within one year
Completing the process earns you the exclusive CCTT certification in physical therapy, placing you among the world’s most trusted TMJ specialists.
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After years of feeling isolated and on my own treating patients with orofacial pain, I found collaboration and support in the CCTT community... Pursuing certification was a critical turning point and I have never looked back!
Emily Kahnert
Chair of Examination Committee
Eligibility Checklist
To apply for the CCTT examination, you must meet the following criteria:
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Experience – Minimum 3 years as a licensed PT (2 years in specialty)
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Specialty Hours – 2000 hours in cervical, temporomandibular, and/or orofacial pain/dysfunction (500 in the last 3 years)
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Continuing Education – 100 CE hours in the last 10 years (see CEU Policy)
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Recommendations – 2 letters (1 from a CCTT/AAOP member, 1 from a medical/dental professional or PT meeting committee criteria)
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Professional Credentials – Current PT license, professional letterhead/business card/website
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Professional Headshot (ID required at test)
Maintaining Your Certification
To maintain your CCTT status and remain listed in the PTBCCT directory:
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Annual Dues – $180, due January 15 each year (A $25 late fee will be applied before Feb 15 at which time an account moves into delinquency and must utilize the re-instatement policy).
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Biennial CEUs – 30 CEUs every 2 years (your exam counts as 15 CEUs)
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Compliance – Submit dues and CEUs on time to maintain active status
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This certification path has been instrumental in equipping us to provide better care and drive positive change in the field.
Janey Prodoehl
PTBCCT Vice President
Take Your Next Step with PTBCCT
Take Your Next Step with PTBCCT
