Contents
- Who We Are
- Orthotic and Prosthetic Technicians
- Scope of Practice
- Code of Professional Responsibility
- Certification Eligibility Requirements
- Application Process & Policies
- Documentation
- Exam Policies and Information
- Exam Scoring and Reporting
- The Exams
- Initial Certification
- Maintaining Certification
©2024 by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be produced in any form without written permission of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics, Inc.
Technician Candidate Guide
April 2022
The Exams
Each exam is designed to evaluate knowledge and clinical competencies in orthotics and prosthetics. The exams and the passing scores are reviewed and revised biennially.
Exam Descriptions
Each two-and-a-half-hour, multiple-choice exam consists of 125 items designed to measure your knowledge of orthotic or prosthetic fabrication techniques.
Knowledge assessed on each exam includes: basic anatomy, orthotic/prosthetic design, basic gait parameters, biomechanics, medical terminology, material safety procedures, 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 350 locations around the country. Exam sessions, deadlines and locations are available at ABCop.org.
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 practice. Subject matter experts have identified the critical aspects of the profession of orthotic and prosthetic fabrication using a process that includes interviews, surveys, observation and group discussions.
ABC conducts practice analyses that identify performance domains for technicians. Within each performance domain, several identified tasks provide the basis for questions in the examinations. The practice analyses also identify associated knowledge and skills related to fabrication of orthoses and prostheses.
Exam Development
ABC updates the examinations on a regular basis with questions written by active assistants. Item development activities are conducted as needed to ensure that an adequate supply of new questions is available for the ABC exams.
Exam Preparation
ABC has exam preparation resources available at ABCop.org as you prepare to sit for your ABC technician certification exam. These include the Practice Analysis, Test Content Outline, Self-Assessment Checklists and sample exam questions. ABC encourages you to review these documents in preparation for your exams.
