Fitter Candidate Guide

Each exam is designed to evaluate knowledge and clinical competencies in the provision of orthotic, post-mastectomy or therapeutic shoe services. The exams and the passing scores are reviewed and revised biennially.

Exam Descriptions

Orthotic Fitter

A three-hour, multiple-choice exam consisting of 125 items designed to measure your knowledge of orthotic fitting. Knowledge assessed on the exam includes basic anatomy, prefabricated orthotic devices, fitting criteria of such devices, ethics and professionalism.

Mastectomy Fitter

A three-hour, multiple-choice exam consisting of 125 items designed to measure your knowledge of mastectomy fitting. Knowledge assessed on the exam includes patient assessment, formulation and implementation of a treatment plan, follow-up care, practice management, ethics and professionalism.

Therapeutic Shoe Fitter

A two-hour, multiple-choice exam consisting of 100 items designed to measure your knowledge of therapeutic shoe fitting. Knowledge assessed on the exam includes patient assessment, shoe fitting techniques, follow-up care, ethics and professionalism.

Exam Format

The exam is administered by computer-based testing (CBT). CBT is a method of administering tests in which the responses are electronically recorded.

Exam Availability

The exam is offered bi-monthly at more than 600 locations around the country. Exam sessions, deadlines and locations are available on our  website.

Exam Content

The development of valid examinations begins with a practice analysis that gives a clear and concise definition of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for safe and effective clinical practice. Subject matter experts have identified the critical aspects of the professions of orthotic, post-mastectomy and therapeutic shoe care using a process that includes interviews, surveys, observation and group discussions.

ABC conducts practice analysis studies that identify performance domains for each fitter discipline. Within each performance domain, several identified tasks provide the basis for questions in the examinations. Practice analyses also identify associated knowledge and skills.

Discipline-specific Practice Analyses

Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Orthotic Fitters

Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Mastectomy Fitters

Practice Analysis of ABC Certified Therapeutic Shoe Fitters

Exam Development

ABC updates the examinations on a regular basis with questions written by fitters from the profession. Item development activities are conducted as needed to ensure that an adequate supply of new questions are available for the ABC exams.

Exam Preparation

ABC has exam preparation resources available at ABCop.org. as you prepare to site for your ABC orthotic, mastectomy or therapeutic shoe fitter certification exam. These include the Practice Analysis, Test Content Outlines and sample exam questions. ABC encourages you to review these documents in preparation for your exams.