100+ Free CATA NCE Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CATA NCE Exam

70%

Passing Score

CATA

200 Qs

Exam Questions

Multiple Choice

1,200 hrs

Internship Hours

600 Field / 600 Clinic

C$350

Exam Attempt Fee

Standard registration

3 hours

Time Limit

Written component

18 mos

Membership Rule

Prior candidate status

The CATA NCE written component consists of 200 multiple-choice questions completed in a 3-hour block. The passing score is 70%. Prerequisites include graduating from a CATA-accredited academic program, completing 1,200 hours of practical internship (split 600 field / 600 clinical), maintaining active CATA membership for 18 months immediately preceding the exam, and holding valid First Responder and BLS certifications. Successful candidates earn the respected professional credential of Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT(C)).

Sample CATA NCE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CATA NCE exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport, what is the immediate first step when an athlete is suspected of having sustained a concussion during a game?

A.Perform a complete SCAT6 on the sideline and allow return to play if score is normal

B.Remove the athlete from play immediately and do not allow return to play that day

C.Apply a cold compress to the neck and re-evaluate the athlete after 15 minutes

D.Administer a cognitive test and allow return to play if the athlete is symptom-free

Explanation: Under the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport, any athlete suspected of sustaining a concussion must be immediately removed from play and cannot return to play that day, regardless of sideline assessment results. Medical clearance is required before returning.

2What is the correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for a single-rescuer administering CPR to an adult athlete according to current BLS guidelines?

A.15 compressions to 2 ventilations

B.30 compressions to 2 ventilations

C.5 compressions to 1 ventilation

D.30 compressions to 5 ventilations

Explanation: For adult CPR, both single-rescuer and two-rescuer protocols utilize a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio to optimize coronary perfusion pressure.

3During a hot summer training session in Ontario, a football player presents with hot, dry, red skin, a core body temperature of 40.8°C (105.4°F), and altered mental status. What is the most critical immediate intervention?

A.Administer oral fluids and move the athlete to a shaded area

B.Apply ice packs to the groin and axillae and transport immediately via EMS

C.Initiate immediate whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI) before transport

D.Administer an antipyretic medication and monitor vitals

Explanation: Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a medical emergency defined by a core temperature >40°C and CNS dysfunction. Whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI) is the gold standard and should be initiated immediately ("cool first, transport second") to rapidly lower core temperature.

4Which of the following describes the correct positioning when applying a closed basket weave ankle taping technique for an inversion ankle sprain?

A.Foot in slight plantarflexion and inversion

B.Foot in neutral (90 degrees) or slight dorsiflexion and eversion

C.Foot in maximum plantarflexion and eversion

D.Foot in neutral with the toes curled

Explanation: To protect the lateral ligaments (anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular) from tension, the ankle must be taped in neutral (90 degrees) or slight dorsiflexion and eversion, which shortens the lateral structures.

5An athletic therapist is on-field when a lacrosse player suffers a compound tibia-fibula fracture with visible active arterial bleeding. What is the correct order of emergency management?

A.Apply direct pressure to control bleeding, activate EMS, splint the limb, monitor vitals

B.Splint the limb first to prevent movement, apply direct pressure, activate EMS

C.Activate EMS, splint the limb, apply direct pressure, monitor vitals

D.Monitor vitals, splint the limb, activate EMS, apply direct pressure

Explanation: Life-threatening hemorrhage takes absolute priority in emergency care. Direct pressure must be applied to control arterial bleeding first, followed by activating EMS, splinting the limb to prevent further tissue damage, and continuously monitoring vitals.

6When performing a primary survey on an unconscious athlete on the field, what is the first neurological check that should be conducted?

A.Check pupillary response with a penlight

B.Assess level of consciousness using the AVPU scale

C.Evaluate dermatomes of the upper and lower extremities

D.Perform cranial nerve testing

Explanation: The primary survey focuses on immediately life-threatening conditions. The "D" (Disability/Neurology) in the primary survey starts with assessing the level of consciousness using the AVPU (Alert, Verbal, Pain, Unresponsive) scale.

7Under the CATA Scope of Practice, what is the primary role of an Athletic Therapist in emergency field care?

A.To perform reduction of simple joint dislocations on-site

B.To diagnose medical conditions and prescribe emergency medications

C.To provide immediate first responder care, stabilize life-threatening conditions, and coordinate EMS

D.To suture lacerations and administer local anesthetics on-field

Explanation: Athletic Therapists are trained as First Responders. Their role in emergency care is to provide immediate life-saving care, stabilize injuries, and activate/coordinate emergency medical services (EMS). Suture, reduction of dislocations, and prescription of drugs are outside their scope.

8An athlete is struck in the chest by a high-velocity hockey puck and immediately collapses in cardiac arrest. This condition, caused by a mechanical strike during a vulnerable phase of cardiac repolarization, is known as:

A.Myocardial infarction

B.Commotio cordis

C.Angina pectoris

D.Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Explanation: Commotio cordis is sudden cardiac arrest caused by a blunt, non-penetrating blow to the chest wall directly over the heart during the vulnerable phase of the T-wave (cardiac repolarization), triggering ventricular fibrillation.

9In the event of an athlete sustaining an emergency airway obstruction, what is the landmark for performing an emergency needle cricothyroidotomy (within the scope of advanced medical professionals, but which an AT must identify)?

A.Between the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone

B.Directly through the thyroid cartilage

C.The cricothyroid membrane, located between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages

D.Below the cricoid cartilage in the trachea

Explanation: The cricothyroid membrane is the thin ligament located between the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage. It serves as the anatomical landmark for emergency airway access.

10Which environmental condition poses the highest risk of heat-related illness when relative humidity is high?

A.High air temperature with low wind velocity

B.High air temperature with high relative humidity, reducing sweat evaporation

C.Moderate air temperature with low relative humidity

D.High air temperature with high wind velocity

Explanation: High relative humidity prevents the evaporation of sweat, which is the primary mechanism of heat dissipation in humans. When sweat cannot evaporate, core temperature rises rapidly.

About the CATA NCE Exam

The Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA) National Certification Examination (NCE) written component is a comprehensive multiple-choice exam. It assesses entry-level competence across five core practice domains: Prevention and Immediate Care, Clinical Assessment, Therapeutic Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Modalities, and Professional Practice. Candidates must pass this exam to earn the Certified Athletic Therapist, CAT(C), designation in Canada.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

C$350 (Canadian Athletic Therapists Association (CATA))

CATA NCE Exam Content Outline

25%

Prevention and Immediate Care

First responder emergency care, concussion protocols, spinal immobilization, taping/bracing, and environmental illness.

35%

Clinical Assessment

Musculoskeletal assessment, orthopedic special tests, neurological screening, palpatory diagnostics, and differential assessment.

25%

Therapeutic Rehabilitation

Exercise prescription, progressive load training, neuromuscular re-education, ROM restoration, and return-to-play criteria.

10%

Therapeutic Modalities

Biological effects, settings, indications, and contraindications of cryotherapy, heat, ultrasound, and electrotherapies.

Professional Practice and Administration

CATA Code of Ethics, scope of practice limits, record keeping, mature minor consent, and confidentiality privacy laws.

How to Pass the CATA NCE Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam fee: C$350

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CATA NCE Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport: immediate removal from play is mandatory on any suspected concussion; sideline tools do not clear an athlete on game day.

2Understand the mechanics and physiological intent of special tests: Lachman is preferred for ACL tears, Thompson calf squeeze for Achilles, and Cozen's for lateral epicondylalgia.

3Know tissue healing phases: inflammatory (acute, 48-72 hours, protect/control edema), proliferative (subacute, up to 21 days, align collagen with gentle ROM), and remodeling (chronic, convert Type III to Type I, progressive load).

4Learn ultrasound settings: use 1.0 MHz for deep tissues (3-5 cm) and 3.0 MHz for superficial tissues (1-2 cm). Always keep the transducer head moving to prevent standing wave periosteal burns.

5Study CATA professional boundaries: Athletic Therapists cannot perform spinal manipulation/adjustments or diagnose general medical conditions, which must be referred to a physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the CATA NCE?

Candidates must achieve a minimum grade of 70% to pass the comprehensive written portion of the CATA National Certification Examination. The written component contains 200 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 3 hours.

What are the eligibility requirements to challenge the CATA NCE?

To challenge the exam, you must: (1) complete a degree or diploma program from one of the CATA-accredited institutions, (2) complete at least 1,200 hours of practical internship (minimum 600 in-field and 600 in-clinic) supervised by a Certified Athletic Therapist, (3) have held CATA candidate membership for at least 18 months immediately prior to the exam, and (4) hold valid First Responder and BLS certificates.

How much does the CATA National Certification Exam cost?

The standard CATA NCE written exam registration fee is C$350 per attempt. Additional costs include the CATA membership fees, registration fees, and any credentials evaluation fees (USD $275) required for international applicants (Temporary International Candidates).

What is the CATA Competency Framework?

The CATA Competency Framework divides athletic therapy practice into seven primary roles: Athletic Therapy Expert, Professional, Collaborator, Communicator, Scholar, Leader, and Health Advocate. Musculoskeletal expertise, injury prevention, assessment, acute care, and active rehabilitation form the clinical foundation tested in the NCE.

What are the differences between an Athletic Therapist and a Physiotherapist in Canada?

Athletic Therapists (CAT(C)) specialize exclusively in musculoskeletal care, immediate on-field emergency care, and active rehabilitation focused on returning active individuals to work, play, or sports. Physiotherapists have a broader scope that includes musculoskeletal care, neurological rehabilitation, cardiorespiratory care, and pediatric/geriatric specialties, but typically do not specialize in on-field emergency care or sports-specific active reconditioning to the same degree.