TEXAS ATHLETIC TRAINER LICENSING EXAM QUESTIONS
2026/2027 Update – Comprehensive Review Covering All Tested
Domains
1. Which of the following best describes the primary role of a licensed
athletic trainer in Texas?
A. Diagnosing and prescribing medication for athletic injuries
B. Preventing, recognizing, and rehabilitating athletic injuries under
physician oversight
C. Performing surgical procedures on musculoskeletal injuries
D. Providing chiropractic adjustments to athletes
B. Preventing, recognizing, and rehabilitating athletic injuries under
physician oversight
Rationale: The scope of practice for a Texas athletic trainer focuses on
prevention, recognition, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of
athletic injuries under the direction of a physician. Athletic trainers do
not prescribe medication, perform surgery, or provide chiropractic
adjustments.
2. Which structure is primarily responsible for shoulder abduction?
A. Pectoralis major
B. Deltoid
C. Latissimus dorsi
D. Teres major
,B. Deltoid
Rationale: The deltoid muscle, particularly the middle fibers, is the
primary abductor of the shoulder.
3. The most appropriate immediate management of a grade II ankle
sprain is:
A. Heat application
B. Surgical intervention
C. RICE protocol
D. Weight-bearing exercises immediately
C. RICE protocol
Rationale: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation reduce pain, swelling,
and promote initial healing in moderate sprains.
4. Under Texas law, athletic trainers must practice under the direction
of a:
A. Nurse practitioner
B. Physician
C. Physical therapist
D. Chiropractor
B. Physician
Rationale: Texas law requires athletic trainers to practice under the
direction of a licensed physician.
,5. Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for exertional heat
illness?
A. Genetics
B. Acclimatization status
C. Age
D. Body composition
B. Acclimatization status
Rationale: Acclimatization is a modifiable risk factor that can be
addressed through proper training protocols. Genetics, age, and body
composition are non-modifiable.
6. A positive Lachman's test indicates injury to which ligament?
A. Medial collateral ligament
B. Lateral collateral ligament
C. Anterior cruciate ligament
D. Posterior cruciate ligament
C. Anterior cruciate ligament
Rationale: The Lachman's test is the most sensitive test for anterior
cruciate ligament integrity.
7. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management
for a suspected cervical spine injury?
A. Remove helmet immediately
B. Log roll the athlete
, C. Apply manual cervical stabilization
D. Sit the athlete up
C. Apply manual cervical stabilization
Rationale: Manual cervical stabilization should be applied immediately
to prevent further injury until emergency personnel arrive.
8. Which type of shock is most commonly associated with severe
allergic reactions?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Anaphylactic shock
D. Neurogenic shock
C. Anaphylactic shock
Rationale: Anaphylactic shock results from a severe allergic reaction
and requires immediate epinephrine administration.
9. Which of the following is an appropriate therapeutic modality for
reducing acute inflammation?
A. Ultrasound
B. Cryotherapy
C. Diathermy
D. Shortwave therapy
B. Cryotherapy
Rationale: Cryotherapy reduces blood flow and metabolic activity,
helping to control acute inflammation.
2026/2027 Update – Comprehensive Review Covering All Tested
Domains
1. Which of the following best describes the primary role of a licensed
athletic trainer in Texas?
A. Diagnosing and prescribing medication for athletic injuries
B. Preventing, recognizing, and rehabilitating athletic injuries under
physician oversight
C. Performing surgical procedures on musculoskeletal injuries
D. Providing chiropractic adjustments to athletes
B. Preventing, recognizing, and rehabilitating athletic injuries under
physician oversight
Rationale: The scope of practice for a Texas athletic trainer focuses on
prevention, recognition, evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of
athletic injuries under the direction of a physician. Athletic trainers do
not prescribe medication, perform surgery, or provide chiropractic
adjustments.
2. Which structure is primarily responsible for shoulder abduction?
A. Pectoralis major
B. Deltoid
C. Latissimus dorsi
D. Teres major
,B. Deltoid
Rationale: The deltoid muscle, particularly the middle fibers, is the
primary abductor of the shoulder.
3. The most appropriate immediate management of a grade II ankle
sprain is:
A. Heat application
B. Surgical intervention
C. RICE protocol
D. Weight-bearing exercises immediately
C. RICE protocol
Rationale: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation reduce pain, swelling,
and promote initial healing in moderate sprains.
4. Under Texas law, athletic trainers must practice under the direction
of a:
A. Nurse practitioner
B. Physician
C. Physical therapist
D. Chiropractor
B. Physician
Rationale: Texas law requires athletic trainers to practice under the
direction of a licensed physician.
,5. Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor for exertional heat
illness?
A. Genetics
B. Acclimatization status
C. Age
D. Body composition
B. Acclimatization status
Rationale: Acclimatization is a modifiable risk factor that can be
addressed through proper training protocols. Genetics, age, and body
composition are non-modifiable.
6. A positive Lachman's test indicates injury to which ligament?
A. Medial collateral ligament
B. Lateral collateral ligament
C. Anterior cruciate ligament
D. Posterior cruciate ligament
C. Anterior cruciate ligament
Rationale: The Lachman's test is the most sensitive test for anterior
cruciate ligament integrity.
7. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management
for a suspected cervical spine injury?
A. Remove helmet immediately
B. Log roll the athlete
, C. Apply manual cervical stabilization
D. Sit the athlete up
C. Apply manual cervical stabilization
Rationale: Manual cervical stabilization should be applied immediately
to prevent further injury until emergency personnel arrive.
8. Which type of shock is most commonly associated with severe
allergic reactions?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Anaphylactic shock
D. Neurogenic shock
C. Anaphylactic shock
Rationale: Anaphylactic shock results from a severe allergic reaction
and requires immediate epinephrine administration.
9. Which of the following is an appropriate therapeutic modality for
reducing acute inflammation?
A. Ultrasound
B. Cryotherapy
C. Diathermy
D. Shortwave therapy
B. Cryotherapy
Rationale: Cryotherapy reduces blood flow and metabolic activity,
helping to control acute inflammation.
