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.
-
Independent & International – The PTBCCT is an independent, non-profit 501(c) organization with sole authority over the examination.
-
Trusted & Validated – Developed and psychometrically validated by the Data Recognition Corporation, a leader in medical/dental testing.
-
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?
-
Elevate your professional profile
-
Gain peer recognition and credibility
-
Increase patient trust and referrals
-
Demonstrate advanced expertise
CEU evaluations are essential to ensuring educational activities remain relevant, evidence-based, and aligned with professional standards across disciplines.
Moreza Bahar
Chair of PTBCCT Application and CEU Review Committee
Exam Details
-
Format: 150 multiple-choice questions
-
Time Limit: 3 hours
-
Update Cycle: Annually reviewed and updated by PTBCCT & the Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) to reflect clinical best practice.
-
Purpose: Assess advanced knowledge and competencies in cervical, temporomandibular, and orofacial therapeutics.
Study Resources:
-
Recommended reading list
-
Sample exam questions
Download:
- Full Study Guide & Reading List (Updated Reference will be shared by December 2025)
Category | % of Exam |
|---|---|
Anatomy, mechanics, and epidemiology of TMD | 20% |
Anatomy, mechanics, airway, etc. of the cervical region for headache and orofacial pain | 10% |
Dental terminology and collaboration | 5% |
Differential diagnosis, screening, and management of TMD, airway, orofacial pain, and headache | 30% |
Oral and maxillofacial surgery pre/post PT management | 5%% |
Differential Diagnosis and management of cervical spine/Upper quadrant | 20% |
Differential diagnosis and PT management of airway and sleep | 10% |
Fees & Key Dates
At-a-Glance:
-
March 1: The CCTT application fee is $750, with a $600 refund if the application is denied.
-
Within 1 year: The exam retake fee is $375 when scheduled within one year of receiving a fail notice.
-
April 15: Annual dues are $150, with the first year waived for newly certified CCTTs.
-
April 15 (biennial): CEU submissions are due every two years, with 30 CEUs required for each reporting period.
Application Process
At-a-Glance:
-
Step 1 – Pay Application Fee of $750 (Deadline: March 1)
-
Step 2 – Complete Application Form (Deadline: March 1)
-
Step 3 – Receive Authorization Letter
-
Step 4 – Sit for Exam (Deadline: Day before AAOP Annual Conference)
Notes
-
Payment – Secure online credit card payment after submitting form
-
Refund Policy – If denied, $600 of the $750 fee is refunded
-
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.
Download:
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:
-
Experience – Minimum 3 years as a licensed PT (2 years in specialty)
-
Specialty Hours – 2000 hours in cervical, temporomandibular, and/or orofacial pain/dysfunction (500 in the last 3 years)
-
Continuing Education – 100 CE hours in the last 10 years (see CEU Policy)
-
Recommendations – 2 letters (1 from a CCTT/AAOP member, 1 from a medical/dental professional or PT meeting committee criteria)
-
Professional Credentials – Current PT license, professional letterhead/business card/website
-
Photo ID – Passport-style photo (see requirements)
Maintaining Your Certification
To maintain your CCTT status and remain listed in the PTBCCT directory:
-
Annual Dues – $150, due April 15 each year (first full year waived)
-
Biennial CEUs – 30 CEUs every 2 years (15 CEUs if certified in an odd year)
-
Compliance – Submit dues and CEUs on time to maintain active status
Download:
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
