Practitioner Exam Prep

​​A Practice Analysis is a study that takes an in-depth look at the profession.  The findings of the study provide the foundation for the exam content described in the Test Content Outlines.  The TCOs are used by the exam development committees to create our comprehensive, contemporary and relevant exams.​  

The Practice Analysis Resident Guide details how the data from the Practitioner Practice Analysis links to the exam content.  The Practice Analysis Residency Director Guide has similar information and can help you assure your residency experience is optimally preparing you for the exams. 

Another source of information to help you prepare is the exam reference and recommended reading list. This reference list is used by the exam item writers to validate the correct answers to the exam questions. You may also want to refer to published journal articles, reference lists and the textbooks from your educational program.

Also consider reviewing basic test taking principals. Numerous references for exam prep, reducing exam anxiety and study tips are available from a wide array of publishers.​

Test content outlines are helpful study resources that are broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

Use this list of the most common references used for problems on the combined discipline written multiple-choice exam. The list is in rank order by the number of questions on the exam that are referenced by each source. 

The sample orthotic & prosthetic written exams includes questions similar to those you will find on the actual exam(s), giving you a feel for the types of questions asked and how they are structured.

The combined written multiple choice exam content is made up of slightly more than 50% orthotic related questions. This resource lists the most common diagnoses that appear on the exam. The list is ranked in order of the % of questions related to each diagnosis.

​​If you are retaking your combined written exam, review your Score Report and identify the domain areas where you have the most opportunity to improve. Review Understanding Your Combined Written Exam Results to help you focus your studies accordingly.​

The prosthetic and orthotic written simulation exams test your decision making skills. Although the exam format can be challenging, your real-life patient care experience has prepared you to demonstrate your clinical knowledge. The guide will help prepare you for success on these two exams.

The Orthotic SIM test content outline is broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

The Prosthetic SIM test content outline is broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

​​If you are retaking your simulation exam, review your Score Report and identify the domain areas where you have the most opportunity to improve. Review Understanding Your Exam Results for Orthotics and/or  Prosthetics to help you focus your studies accordingly.​

Test content outlines are helpful study resources that are broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

Test content outlines are helpful study resources that are broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

​You might consider taking an exam review course, or purchasing exam prep materials that are available from multiple sources. ABC neither sponsors nor endorses review/preparatory courses or any exam preparation materials. Your review may include specific O&P material, or might be in the general area of test taking techniques.​

Consider forming a small exam study group. Candidates who pool their resources and study together may be more confident in their knowledge and more likely to pass the exam.

Your study group might consider scheduling to take the exam at the same time, traveling to the exam site together and supporting one another every step of the way.

Talk with ABC certified colleagues to find out what resources they suggest to help you prepare for your exams and what study advice they might offer. While they are not allowed to share exam content with you, they can help with focusing your studying activities to the most critical areas.​