Greetings! I’m Melissa Bittner, Chair of NCPEID’s Policy and Advocacy Committee. This post is part of our ongoing advocacy outreach focused on adapted physical education.
The Adapted Physical Education National Standards (APENS) were developed by NCPEID to define the core knowledge and skills required to effectively teach adapted physical education. These standards provide a nationally recognized framework that supports high-quality instruction for students with disabilities.
Professionals who successfully pass the APENS exam earn the Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE) credential. This certification affirms specialized expertise in working with students with disabilities and reflects a strong commitment to professional excellence in adapted physical education.
Why CAPE Certification Matters
Earning the CAPE credential offers significant professional and systemic benefits. It contributes to:
- Higher instructional quality
- Increased professional recognition
- Reduced professional marginalization
- A stronger sense of belonging within the field
CAPE certification also supports ongoing professional growth. It can enhance job qualifications, strengthen résumés, and in some states, may contribute toward official endorsements in adapted physical education.
Additionally, earning this national credential improves job marketability and opens doors to professional networking. New CAPEs receive:
- A complimentary one-year NCPEID membership
- A free one-year subscription to PTSR (Palaestra), helping professionals stay informed about current research, best practices, and emerging trends
Ultimately, the CAPE designation validates professional experience and builds trust with students, families, administrators, and colleagues, while helping to elevate the field of adapted physical education nationwide.
Learn More About APENS
If you’d like to learn more about the APENS exam and CAPE certification process, a video presentation by Brad Weiner and Tim Davis is available. A QR code is included with this post to access the presentation.
Want to know more about APENS? Check out this video and our website – http://www.ncpeid.org/apens
