Craniomandibular Specialist Certification (CSC)
Become a recognized specialist in the evaluation and treatment of TMJ and craniomandibular disorders
Certification Pathway • 40.0 Total CE Credits
Register for This CourseCourse Overview
The Craniomandibular Specialist Certification (CSC) recognizes physical therapists who have developed advanced, demonstrated competence in the evaluation and treatment of temporomandibular and craniomandibular disorders. The pathway combines a foundational online course with three hands-on live courses and a certification exam — taking you from framework to confident, specialist-level practice. Across the full pathway you'll earn 40.0 continuing education hours.
Certification Requirements
To earn the CSC, you must complete all of the following:
Online course — Unlocking the Secrets of the TMJ (4.0 CE)
Live course — TMJ: Managing Mobility Deficits (12.0 CE)
Live course — TMJ: Managing Neuromotor Control Deficits (12.0 CE)
Live course — TMJ: Finding the Root Cause of the Problem (12.0 CE)
Pass the CSC certification exam
Recommended pathway: begin with the online course (the foundation for all three live courses), then complete the three live courses in any order, and finish with the certification exam.
The Certification Exam
The CSC exam is a written and practical examination covering the evaluation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of craniomandibular disorders across the full pathway. A passing score of 80% is required. The exam fee is $400. To retain their listing in our directory, CSCs are expected to maintain the highest ethical professional conduct and promote and support the mission of Ability Health & Wellness.
CE Credits & Approval
The online course is approved by the New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 4.0 continuing education credits. Each of the three live courses is pending approval by the NJ Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for 12.0 contact hours (6.0 hours of evaluative procedures to treat a person without referral). Full pathway total: 40.0 CE hours.Â
These courses are pre-approved in the following states as a result of NJBPTE approval: AK, DE, HI, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, MT, NC, ND, OR, PA, TN, UT, VT, VA, WI, WY, and Washington, DC. This course involves 6.0 hours of evaluative procedures to treat a person without referral. The following states do not require pre-approval of courses and/or have no CE requirements for PTs and PTAs: AL, CO, CT, GA, ID, IA, ME, MO, NE, NH, WA.
Not sure if your state is covered? Email us before enrolling.
Who Should Pursue the CSC
The CSC is designed for physical therapists who regularly see — or want to confidently manage — patients with head, neck, and jaw pain, and who want a recognized credential that reflects specialist-level competence in craniomandibular care.
Investment
Online course from $99 + three live courses at $400–$500 each (member to standard pricing) + the $400 CSC exam fee. At member pricing, the full certification is about $1,699.
Bundle pricing may be available — contact us.
Meet Your Instructor
Stephen Kareha, DPT, ATC, PhD, FASPT
Dr. Stephen Kareha graduated from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Sciences with an emphasis in Athletic Training. He received a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Arcadia University and completed postgraduate training at Allied Services in Scranton, PA, with an emphasis on back and neck injuries and vertigo. He earned a PhD in Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University and is Board-Certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy. He is Director of the Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency and Director of the Spine Physical Therapy Fellowship for St. Luke’s University Health Network (Bethlehem, PA) and an Assistant Professor – Clinical Associate in the Department of Physical Therapy at DeSales University (Center Valley, PA). His research interests include diagnostic classification for the shoulder complex, physical therapists in primary musculoskeletal care, psychologically informed care, and health services research.
Dr. Kareha practices orthopaedic physical therapy at Physical Therapy at St. Luke’s. He teaches evidence-based practice and musculoskeletal content in the entry-level DPT program at DeSales University and teaches evaluation and management courses in the St. Luke’s Orthopaedic Residency and Spine Fellowship. He currently serves as an editorial board member for the International Journal of Academic Medicine and as a reviewer for multiple journals.
Ready to become a Craniomandibular Specialist?
Register for This CourseDisclosures: Dr. Kareha reports no conflicts of interest to disclose.
Cancellation: written requests received ten (10) days prior to the seminar receive a refund less a $35 administrative charge; within ten days, no refund is granted but a credit equal to the amount paid may be applied toward a future course.