Abstract: This study descriptively illustrated the definition of certified hand therapist, eligibility requirement and accreditation system based on the official guidelines from American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT), Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) and Handbook of Certified Hand Therapy Examination. Besides, this exam was compared with National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) and Occupational Therapist Registered Examination (OTR Exam). The testing domains and contents may help the domestic teaching faculty to standardize the course syllabi, promote divided development of physical therapy and occupational therapy in a specialized manner, and exerted positive impact for promoting establishment of the hand specialists and accreditation system of China itself.

Key words: Certified Hand Therapist Exam, credential system, hand therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist