TEXAS ATHLETIC TRAINER LICENSING EXAM —
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best describes the primary role of an
athletic trainer?
A. Diagnose medical conditions
B. Prevent, evaluate, and rehabilitate athletic injuries
C. Prescribe medications
D. Perform surgical procedures
Rationale: Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention,
assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries under
physician supervision.
2. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
oversees the licensing of which professionals?
A. Only physicians
B. All medical professionals
C. Athletic trainers and various health-related occupations
D. Only physical therapists
,Rationale: TDLR regulates athletic trainers, among other
licensed occupations in Texas.
3. The “scope of practice” for an athletic trainer in Texas is
primarily defined by:
A. The trainer’s education level
B. Texas Administrative Code Chapter 110
C. National Athletic Trainers’ Association guidelines
D. Employer policy
Rationale: Chapter 110 of the Texas Administrative Code
specifically outlines legal duties and limitations for athletic
trainers.
4. Which organization administers the national certification
exam for athletic trainers?
A. NCAA
B. NATA
C. BOC (Board of Certification)
D. TDLR
Rationale: The BOC administers the national exam required for
athletic trainer certification.
,5. When developing a return-to-play protocol, which
professional must be consulted?
A. Physical education teacher
B. Licensed physician
C. Coach
D. Strength and conditioning specialist
Rationale: State law requires physician involvement in
clearance decisions for injured athletes.
6. Which of the following injury mechanisms is classified as
“chronic”?
A. Fracture from a fall
B. Tendonitis from overuse
C. Concussion from collision
D. Dislocation during a tackle
Rationale: Chronic injuries result from repetitive stress or
overuse, not a single traumatic event.
7. Which of the following best defines “eccentric muscle
contraction”?
A. Muscle shortens while producing force
B. Muscle remains the same length
, C. Muscle lengthens while producing force
D. Muscle relaxes completely
Rationale: During eccentric contraction, the muscle generates
force while lengthening, often controlling movement.
8. In Texas, an athletic trainer may legally perform all of the
following except:
A. Apply therapeutic modalities
B. Prescribe medication
C. Tape or bandage injuries
D. Design rehabilitation programs
Rationale: Prescribing medication is outside an athletic
trainer’s scope and limited to physicians.
9. What is the first step in managing a suspected cervical spine
injury?
A. Stabilize the head and neck
B. Remove the helmet
C. Log roll the athlete immediately
D. Apply traction
Rationale: Cervical spine stabilization prevents further spinal
cord injury until medical help arrives.
PRACTICE TEST QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES
2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best describes the primary role of an
athletic trainer?
A. Diagnose medical conditions
B. Prevent, evaluate, and rehabilitate athletic injuries
C. Prescribe medications
D. Perform surgical procedures
Rationale: Athletic trainers specialize in the prevention,
assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of injuries under
physician supervision.
2. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
oversees the licensing of which professionals?
A. Only physicians
B. All medical professionals
C. Athletic trainers and various health-related occupations
D. Only physical therapists
,Rationale: TDLR regulates athletic trainers, among other
licensed occupations in Texas.
3. The “scope of practice” for an athletic trainer in Texas is
primarily defined by:
A. The trainer’s education level
B. Texas Administrative Code Chapter 110
C. National Athletic Trainers’ Association guidelines
D. Employer policy
Rationale: Chapter 110 of the Texas Administrative Code
specifically outlines legal duties and limitations for athletic
trainers.
4. Which organization administers the national certification
exam for athletic trainers?
A. NCAA
B. NATA
C. BOC (Board of Certification)
D. TDLR
Rationale: The BOC administers the national exam required for
athletic trainer certification.
,5. When developing a return-to-play protocol, which
professional must be consulted?
A. Physical education teacher
B. Licensed physician
C. Coach
D. Strength and conditioning specialist
Rationale: State law requires physician involvement in
clearance decisions for injured athletes.
6. Which of the following injury mechanisms is classified as
“chronic”?
A. Fracture from a fall
B. Tendonitis from overuse
C. Concussion from collision
D. Dislocation during a tackle
Rationale: Chronic injuries result from repetitive stress or
overuse, not a single traumatic event.
7. Which of the following best defines “eccentric muscle
contraction”?
A. Muscle shortens while producing force
B. Muscle remains the same length
, C. Muscle lengthens while producing force
D. Muscle relaxes completely
Rationale: During eccentric contraction, the muscle generates
force while lengthening, often controlling movement.
8. In Texas, an athletic trainer may legally perform all of the
following except:
A. Apply therapeutic modalities
B. Prescribe medication
C. Tape or bandage injuries
D. Design rehabilitation programs
Rationale: Prescribing medication is outside an athletic
trainer’s scope and limited to physicians.
9. What is the first step in managing a suspected cervical spine
injury?
A. Stabilize the head and neck
B. Remove the helmet
C. Log roll the athlete immediately
D. Apply traction
Rationale: Cervical spine stabilization prevents further spinal
cord injury until medical help arrives.
