Preparing for your ABC Practitioner Exams

The Practice Analysis also includes data on the percentage of time spent in regard to orthotic and prosthetic devices. This important information helps guide the exam development committees as they determine the number of questions in each practice area. This valuable information can help guide your exam preparation.

Percentage of Time in Orthotic Practice Areas

Percentage of Time in Prosthetic Practice Areas

The Practice Analysis breaks down the practice areas even further. For example in orthotics, certified orthotists report they spend 59% of their time in the lower extremity practice area. Within that area their time is divided among specific device types. About 18% of their time is spent on AFOs, 8% on foot orthoses, 7% on shoes, 6% on knee orthoses and 4% on knee ankle foot orthoses.

In Prosthetics, certified prosthetists report that they spend 48% of their time providing care related to transtibial prostheses. This is further broken down by socket design and suspension method. About 20% report they utilize hydrostatic (employing a locking mechanism) and 18% use a total surface bearing (no locking mechanism employed) design. For suspension method, 22% of prosthetists use a roll-on liner with lock or lanyard and 13% utilize a roll-on liner, suction with other accessories (seal or sleeve).

Another example of practice composition that you will find helpful is the age range of the patients served by orthotists and prosthetists. These percentages can help you focus your exam prep on the types of interventions that you are likely to be tested on and how much emphasis is given to each age range