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ABC Certified Fitter-Orthotics

An ABC Certified Fitter of Orthotics is an individual trained and qualified to participate in the fitting and delivery of prefabricated orthotic devices and/or soft goods. An ABC Certified Fitter of Orthotics is competent to practice orthotics within a scope of practice that is specific to fitting prefabricated and off-the-shelf orthoses as described below:

• Cervical orthoses not requiring more than minor modification

• Pressure gradient hose

• Trusses

• Prefabricated spinal orthoses, except those used in the treatment of scoliosis, rigid body jackets made of thermoformable materials, and halo devices

• Prefabricated orthoses of upper and lower extremities, except those used in the treatment of bone fractures

The Certified Fitter of Orthotics is bound by the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility, which are enforced by a Professional Discipline program. The Certified Fitter of Orthotics is obligated to support and conform to professional responsibilities that promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession. The time-limited registration is based on participation in the Mandatory Continuing Education program.

ABC orthotic fitter certification is awarded as an attestation of competency for the public, those who require orthotic services, and those in other health professions. The awarding of an ABC fitter certification provides the certified fitter with an appropriate and meaningful recognition of professional competence.

Applicants for certification are required to complete established educational, experiential and examination requirements.

Educational Requirements

Individuals must successfully complete an ABC approved fitter education seminar, including all course requirements necessary to receive a certificate of completion.

Approved Orthotic Fitter Educational
Seminars

Orthotic Experiental Requirements

Applicants must have 1,000 hours of orthotic fitting experience. This experience can be prior to or following the completion of an approved orthotic fitter seminar.

Experience must be in the fitting of non-custom orthotic devices, such as those described below:

1. Cervical orthoses not requiring more than minor modification

2. Pressure gradient hose

3. Trusses

4. Prefabricated spinal orthoses, except those used in the treatment of scoliosis, rigid body jackets made of thermoformable materials, and "halo" devices

5. Prefabricated orthoses of upper and lower extremities, except those used in the treatment of bone fractures

Fitter Examinations

All applicants to become ABC Certified Fitters are required to pass a 100 question multiple choice exam.

Certification Awarded

Fitters who successfully complete the eligibility requirements prescribed by ABC are conferred the credentials of ABC Certified Fitter of Orthotics (CFo).

Fees

All applicants are required to submit an application and examination fee in order to become eligible for the Certified Fitter exams.

Certified Fitter of Orthotics

Application Fee - $150
Examination Fee - $200

Application Forms

Certified Fitter of Orthotics Application (PDF)

Maintaining Fitter Certification

ABC Certified Fitters of Orthotics are required to maintain certification by participating in continuing education, adhering to the Code of Professional Responsibility and remitting annual fees.

Mandatory Continuing Education Program

The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) has long recognized the need for effective continuing professional education. Continuing education is meant to maintain and develop the quality of care offered by individuals credentialed by ABC, and is the norm in health care professions. Educational activities are designed to maintain, develop, and increase the knowledge, skills, and professional relationships that Certified Fitters use to provide services for the public, thus inherently promoting professional development.

A Mandatory Continuing Education credit is defined as one credit equals one contact hour. The minimum requirements for each five-year registration cycle are as follows:

There are two kinds of opportunities to earn continuing education credit. The first opportunity is through independent, unsupervised educational activities. These include peer interaction, self-assessment activities, small group discussions, journal clubs, teaching, writing, personal presentations, and manufacturer's presentations at a place of business.

The second opportunity is to attend sponsor-based programs. These are often national, regional or state meetings/conventions; seminars or lectures presented by manufacturers that are presented to a group, or other activities that the sponsor has presented to ABC for approval. A complete list of ABC-approved credit opportunities is available on this website under Continuing Education.

Only educational and business programs, whether they are independent or sponsor-based, that relate specifically to the practice of orthotics, prosthetics or pedorthics will be granted credit.

Professional Conduct

Certified Fitters are required to abide by the Code of Professional Responsibility (ABC's professional ethics outline) to maintain good standing. The Code was adopted to promote acceptable standards of moral and professional conduct. Certified Fitters must conduct themselves in a fashion that brings credit to the profession, including if necessary, the exposure of illegal, improper, and/or ethical conduct of others that can assist the board in maintaining the standards of the profession.

Annual Renewal Fees

Certified Fitters must remit annual renewal fees to remain in good standing with ABC. Annual renewal notices are mailed in mid-September and are due on December 1.

Current annual renewal fees are as follows:

ABC Credentialing Program Staff: