Certification

The American Trauma Society endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic certification by examination for all trauma registrars. Certification is one part of a process called credentialing. It focuses specifically on the individual and is an indication of current competence in a specialized area of practice. Board certification in trauma registry is highly valued and provides formal recognition of basic trauma registry knowledge.

Purposes of Certification
To promote delivery of effective practice through the certification of qualified trauma registrars by:

• Recognizing formally those individuals who meet the eligibility requirements of the American Trauma Society and pass the Certification Examination for Trauma Registrars.
• Encouraging continued personal and professional growth in the practice of trauma registry.
• Establishing and measuring the level of knowledge required for certification in trauma registry practice.
• Providing a standard of knowledge requisite for certification; thereby assisting the employer, public, and members of the health professions in the assessment of the trauma registrar.

Eligibility Requirements

• A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent
• At least 2 years of full – time or the equivalent (4,000 hours) experience in trauma registry practice.
• Completion and filing of an Application for the Certification Examination for Trauma Registrars.
• Payment of required fee

Attainment of Certification

Eligible candidates who pass the Certification Examination for Trauma Registrars are eligible to use the registered designation CSTR after their names and will receive certificates from the ATS. A registry of Certified Specialists in Trauma Registers will be maintained by the ATS and may be reported in it’s publications.

Administration

The Certification Examination for Trauma Registrars is administered for the ATS by the Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), 1350 Broadway - 17th Floor, New York, New York 10018, (212) 356-0660.  Click here to visit the testing website.  

For more information, please see the Handbook for Candidates.  For additional questions concerning the examination, please contact PTC.