​An ABC Certified Fitter-mastectomy is an allied health professional who is specifically educated and trained in the provision of breast prostheses and post-mastectomy services. This includes fitting, adjusting or modifying devices that reflect the level of education and training received.

​ABC's Certified Fitter-mastectomy Scope of Practice​​ details the specific functions of a certified mastectomy fitter. This includes patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up and practice management.

Additionally, the certified mastectomy fitter is required to support and conform to the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility which promotes and assures the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession.

​Candidates who have met the ABC requirements and passed the certification exam will be awarded the Certified Fitter-mastectomy (CFm) credential.

​ABC’s Certified Fitter-mastectomy credentialing program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).​​

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You must meet the following education and experience requirements to be eligible to take the ABC Mastectomy Fitter Certification Exam. For more information, please refer to the ABC Fitter Book of Rules and Candidate Guide.

Education

• A high school diploma, GED or college degree and

• Completion of an American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, & Pedorthics, Inc.​ (ABC) approved mastectomy fitter pre-certification education course

If you received your education in a foreign country, please refer to the ABC Fitter Book of Rules and Candidate Guide for specific eligibility requirements

Experience

How to Apply:  You may apply using one of the following methods.

• Apply online​ or
• Complete the ​​​ABC Mastectomy Fitter Application (fillable PDF)

Required Documentation:  You must include the following with your application.

• A copy of your high school diploma, GED certificate or college transcript

• A copy of the official certificate of completion from your ABC       approved mastectomy fitter pre-certification course

• Your completed Mastectomy Fitter Competency Attestation form  verifying your clinical experience, signed by the supervising certified practitioner, a certified and/or licensed mastectomy fitter or a professional referral source.

• A copy of your current certification or license in a related allied health profession.

Retaking the Exam: You can register to retake the exam by using one of the following methods.

• Apply online​  or
• Complete the ABC Fitter Registration form

Submitting your Application:  Please submit your application to ABC by using one of the following methods.

Mail:         ABC
                  P.O. Box 34862
                  Alexandria, VA 22334-0862

Email:     certification@abcop.org
Fax:          (703) 842-8516​​​

Exam Format and Availability
The exam is given using computer-based testing (CBT). The exam is offered every other month at over 300 locations nationwide. For a list of testing locations in your area, please click here.

Click to view Prometric's ​​What to Expect on Test Day​​ video​.​​​​​​​

Examination Resources
The development of valid exams begins with a practice analysis that gives a clear and concise definition of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for competent job performance. Experts have identified the critical job components in the professions of mastectomy fittings using a process that includes interviews, surveys, observation and group discussions.

The Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Mastectomy Fitters identifies performance domains for mastectomy fitters. Within each performance domain, several identified tasks provide the basis for questions in the examinations. The Practice Analysis also identifies associated knowledge and skills.

The ABC Fitter Book of Rules and Candidate Guide also provides a list of examination question references and a recommended reading list to aid you as you prepare for your examination.​

Examination Preparation
ABC has created numerous resources to help you prepare for your ABC Mastectomy Fitter certification exam​. Please click here​ to access these resources .​

• Application (non-refundable)           $50
• Examination Fee                                 $150
• Examination Retake Fee                    $150

Annual Fee (required once certification is awarded): $50

How do I sign up for a pre-certification course?
Registration is handled by the course provider. Please contact them directly for more information. For more information regarding approved courses, please click here

I didn’t complete my course before the application deadline, can I still apply?
No, you must complete your course either on or before the application deadline.
 
I will not have completed my experience hours by the application deadline, but I will have them by the exam date. Can I still apply?
No, the required number of hours must be completed on or before the application deadline.

How much is a pre-certification course?
Enrollment fees vary depending on the course. Please contact the course provider for more information. 

I completed the course back in 2012, does that count?
Yes, we accept courses that are completed within five years of the date of your application.

How and where do I obtain the hours of experience?
Your experience can be gained from any business that primarily provides mastectomy patient care. A list of accredited facilities can be located using the ABC Dir​ectory​. If your experience is from a business that is not primarily engaged in mastectomy patient care, your experience will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine whether it meets the intent of the requirement.

How do I log my hours?
Patient care experience is defined as contact with a patient from the initial assessment to the follow-up care. We recommend that you keep a record of these patient visits. However, you will only need to submit the Mastectomy Fitter Competency Attestation form with your application. 

What fees do I submit with my application?
The application and examination fees are due when you submit your application. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.

What documents do I submit with my application?

Please include all of the following:

• A copy of your high school diploma, GED or college transcript 
• The certificate of completion from the ABC approved course 
• The Mastectomy Fitter Competency Attestation form

What if I can’t find my high school or college diploma or GED certificate?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to approve your application if you cannot submit one of the above documents.

I obtained my education outside of the United States. What documents do I need to submit?
You must submit a credential evaluation from the World Education Service (WES).

What are examples of professional referral sources?
An appropriately licensed healthcare provider who is a referral source that is familiar with your professional knowledge and skills (i.e., medical doctor, physician, nurse practitioner, etc.).

When will ABC notify me of my application status?
You will receive notification of your eligibility status within four weeks of receipt of your application. This notification will be sent directly to you via email as well as mailed to your home address. You can also check your application status by logging in to your My ABC account​.

Once my application is accepted, how do I register for the exam?
Prometric, our testing service providers, will send you an email with information on how to register for a specific time, date and location.

Are there exam prep materials available?
Yes, mastectomy fitter exam prep materials​ are available, including a test content outline, practice analysis of the O&P profession, exam references and a recommended reading list. In addition, there are sample written exam questions and information on available exam review courses (provided independently of ABC).​

What if I can’t find a testing​ center close to me?
Unfortunately, availability at the testing centers is on a first come, first served basis with limited seating. If you are having difficulty finding a location close to you, please contact us at 703-836-7114 ext. 229 or at certification@abcop.org.

What if I can’t make it to the exam?
You are provided a thirty one day cancellation period without incurring a penalty. If you cancel in less than thirty days, there is a $50 fee.

When will I receive my exam results?
You will receive an immediate on-screen preliminary score report when you finish your exam. Your official score report will be provided in four weeks.

If I fail my exam, when can I re-take it?
You may immediately register for the next available exam cycle.

How many times can I take the exam?
When your initial application is approved, you are provided with a three year eligibility window in which you are allowed four attempts at the exam.

What happens if I’ve taken the exam more than four times?
If you have failed the exam more than four times or if your eligibility period has expired, you are required to reapply for eligibility. Please reference the ABC Fitter Book of Rules and Candidate Guide for more information.

If I have applied for more than one discipline during an exam cycle, can I take all of my exams during the same day and/or cycle?
Yes, you are able to take more than one exam during the same day, space and time permitting.

If I passed my exam, when will I receive my certificate?
Certificates are mailed six weeks after the conclusion of the exam cycle.

What do I do to maintain my certification?
After obtaining certification, you are awarded a five-year​ certification cycle in which you must accrue continuing education credits and submit an annual fee. Click​ here​ for information on mastectomy fitter continuing education credit requirements.

How much is my annual fee and when is it due?
Your annual fee will be $50 and is due by December 1st every year. Your first year fee will be prorated and is due upon receipt.