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O&P Technician FAQs

Eligibility
I didn’t complete my technician program before the application deadline, can I still apply?

No, you must complete your educational program either on or before the application deadline.

I plan to apply under Pathway 1. How do I find an accredited program?

If you are applying under Pathway 1, you can find a list of approved programs on NCOPE’s website. Registration is handled by the educational provider, so please contact them directly for more information.

I plan to apply under Pathway 2. How and where do I obtain the two years of technical experience?

Use the Technician Exam Candidate Self Assessment Checklist as a guideline for the areas you should focus on and the amount of time you should be spending in each area. You are required to submit a Orthotic Technician Competency Attestation Form and/or Prosthetic Technician Competency Attestation Form completed by your supervisor to verify your experience. Your experience must be under the supervision of an ABC certified practitioner or technician. You can obtain your experience at an O&P practice or central fabrication facility.

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.

My supervisor is certified by another credentialing body, can he/she attest for my technician hours?

No, your supervisor must be either an ABC certified practitioner or ABC certified technician in the discipline in which you are applying.

Application Process
How do I apply for a certification exam?

You must apply using the online application.

What if I missed the application deadline? Can I still apply?

You have up to fourteen days to apply after the application deadline. You will be required to pay a non-refundable $100 late fee.

How do I determine my certification application status?

Please allow up to four weeks for your application to be processed. We will send you a notice of your eligibility status via email. You may also check your application status by logging in to your My ABC account.

I want to apply for another credential. Do I have to pay another application fee?

Yes, the application and exam fees for another credential are due when you apply.  

If I am applying for both disciplines, do I submit an application fee for each credential?

Yes, application fees are required for each discipline. You must also submit two separate applications if you are applying for orthotics and prosthetics at the same time.

Documentation
What if I don’t have the required documents by the application deadline?

We will defer your exam fees to the subsequent cycle. If we do not receive the required documents by the deadline for the next cycle, your application will be denied, and a refund of your exam fee(s) will be issued.  It is your responsibility to reapply for eligibility with the required fees.

Fees
What fees do I submit with my application?

Both the application and exam fees are due with your application. All applications and payments must be submitted online.  The application fee is non-refundable.

Exam Process
Once my application is approved, how do I schedule my exam?

Once application is approved, you will receive an email from our testing vendor, Meazure Learning, within 30 days of the exam window. The email will provide instructions on how to schedule your exam at a test center or via remote proctoring.

What if I can’t find a testing center close to me?

Availability at the testing centers is on a first come, first served basis. If you are having difficulty finding a location near you, please contact us at certification@abcop.org.

If I applied for more than one discipline during the same exam cycle, can I take all of my exams during the same day and/or cycle?

Yes, you can take more than one exam on the same day, space and time permitting.

What if I schedule my exam and then realize I can’t take it that day?

Test Center Appointments

  • You can cancel your test center appointment up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled time.
  • If you cancel less than 48 hours of your appointment, you will forfeit your entire exam fee.

Remote Proctoring Appointment

  • You can cancel your remote proctored appointment up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours of your appointment, you will forfeit your entire exam fee.
What if I forgot to schedule for my exam?

You will forfeit your exam fee and be required to re-register for the next available cycle.​ ​

How many times can I take the technician exam?

Once your initial application is approved, you are eligible to take the exam a maximum of four times within a three-year period. If you fail the exam four times or if your eligibility period has expired, you must reapply for eligibility. Please reference the ABC Technician Candidate Guide for more information.

After the Exam
When will I receive my exam results?

You will receive an immediate on-screen pass/fail result when you finish your exam. You will receive an email with an official score report within 24 hours for the written exam.

If I fail the exam, when can I re-take it?

You may re-register 24 hours after taking your exam for the next available exam cycle by the application deadline.

If I passed my exam, when will I receive my certificate?

Certificates are mailed four weeks after the conclusion of the exam cycle.

What happens if I've failed the technician exam four times?

If you have failed the exam four times or if your eligibility period has expired, you must reapply for eligibility. Please reference the ABC Technician Candidate Guide for more information.

What do I do to maintain my certification?

Once you are certified, you have a five-year certification cycle in which you must earn continuing education credits and submit an annual fee. See the Guide for Maintaining Certification for information discipline specific continuing education credit requirements.

How much is my annual fee and when is it due?

Your annual renewal fee is $110 and is due by December 1st. The fee for your first year will be prorated.

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