ICF Nexus certifies that care follows the clinical practice guidelines. It certifies practitioners, and it approves the education providers, clinical sites, and internships that train them.
The guidelines are APTA Orthopedics' ICF-based clinical practice guidelines. The examinations, skill proficiency standards, and internship standards were developed by ICF Nexus with Joe Godges, DPT, MA, FAPTA, initial ICF-based CPG coordinator and editor for the AOPT and JOSPT, implementation coordinator for the AOPT, and current associate with the APTA Orthopedics' practice guideline initiative.
Each tier is a scope of guidelines-based practice, matched to the practitioner's role. Every tier has the same three recognition levels: Knowledge Competency, Skill Proficiency, and Clinical Supervisor. A practitioner is recognized in one tier at a time and can hold recognition in more than one.
Who we certify
Tiers are defined by who provides the care and how far their scope extends. Each one is named for its guidelines-based practice area.
Tier 1
Guidelines-based Education and Exercise for Prevention and Management of Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
For physical therapist assistants and health and fitness practitioners, including personal trainers, Pilates and yoga instructors, and strength and conditioning coaches.
Skill proficiency covers two element families: Movement Analysis and Movement Training/Counseling, and Exercise Training.
Tier 2
Guidelines-based Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders
For healthcare providers, including physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists, traditional Chinese medical doctors, and Western medical physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
Skill proficiency covers four element families, adding Physical Examination and Manual Intervention.
Tier 3
Guidelines-based Primary Care for Individuals with Common Musculoskeletal Conditions
For licensed clinicians working as the first point of contact for musculoskeletal conditions.
Skill proficiency covers all four element families, along with primary musculoskeletal care. The Tier 3 examinations and internship are in development.
Levels build on each other. Recognition is written as the level followed by the tier's full name, for example, Knowledge Competency in Guidelines-based Education and Exercise for Prevention and Management of Common Musculoskeletal Conditions.
Level 1. Knowledge Competency. Pass the ICF Nexus Knowledge Competency Examination for the tier, a written examination.
Level 2. Skill Proficiency. Pass the ICF Nexus Skill Proficiency Examination, a practical examination administered by an ICF Nexus approved Clinical Mentor. Eligible after completing an in-person skill proficiency seminar series from an ICF Nexus approved education provider, or an accredited musculoskeletal clinical residency or fellowship. Recognized as Knowledge Competency and Skill Proficiency within the tier.
Level 3. Clinical Supervisor. Complete a Clinical Internship at an ICF Nexus approved clinical site. Recognized as Clinical Supervisor in the tier. See Certified Clinical Internships.
Skill proficiency is examined by ICF Nexus on the guidelines-based procedures for eighteen common musculoskeletal conditions across eight regions. Education providers teach the procedures. ICF Nexus-recognized clinical supervisors examine them. The procedures are grouped in five element families. Tier 1 is examined on two of them; Tier 2 on four of them; and Tier 3 on all five.
| Element family | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movement Analysis and Movement Training/Counseling | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exercise Training | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Examination | No | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Intervention | No | Yes | Yes |
| Primary Musculoskeletal Care | No | No | Yes |
We are building the first examination windows now. Practitioners, clinical educators, residency programs, practice networks, and academic programs with an interest in the credential are welcome to reach out. Education providers and clinical sites can contact us to learn about the approval review.
Contact: eric@icfnexus.com