An ABC Certified Fitter-orthotics is a health care professional who is specifically educated and trained in the provision of certain orthoses. ABC's Certified Fitter-orthotics Scope of Practice document details the specific capacity the certified individual can practice. This includes patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of the treatment plan, follow-up and practice management.
The ABC Certified Fitter-orthotics is bound by the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility which is enforced by a Professional Discipline program. The certified fitter-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.
To be eligibile to take the ABC certification exam, individuals must meet the specific education and experience requirements established by ABC. Applicants must:
and
Successfully complete an NCOPE approved orthotic fitter educational course
Document a minimum of 1,000 hours of orthotic fitting experience obtained either before or after completion of the fitter educational course.
Guidelines for 1,000 Hours of Orthotic Fitter Patient Care Experience:
The 1,000 hours of patient care experience requirement serves as the clinical training portion of the orthotic fitter education. It is optimal if the 1,000 hour requirement is fulfilled after completion of a NCOPE approved orthotic fitter educational program; however candidates can use patient care experience gained prior to the completion of their education program.
The intent of the 1,000 hours of patient care experience is to provide the student with practical application of the knowledge, skills and competencies gained during their educational program. This is most optimally achieved if the experience takes place within an organization which primarily provides orthotic patient care services. If a candidate’s experience takes place in a setting that is not primarily engaged in orthotic patient care services, their experience will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine whether it meets the intent of the requirement.
The examination to become a Certified Fitter-orthotics is a three hour, multiple-choice computer based exam which consists of 150 items designed to measure the candidate’s knowledge of orthotic fitting. The exam tests the candidates on basic anatomy, prefabricated orthotic devices, fitting criteria of such devices, ethics and professionalism.
Once the application has been received, reviewed and approved, all logistical information including a list of sites and an explanation of the test site selection process will be mailed to the registered candidate by the testing service. Once receiving a candidate status, applicants will choose the date and location for their exam.
The written examination is held via computer-based testing (CBT). Computer-based testing is a method of administering tests in which the responses are electronically recorded. Computer-based testing makes use of a computer instead of a pen and paper exam.
All requirements must be satisfied prior to the application deadline. Individuals who have met the educational and experiential requirements may submit an application for approval as a candidate for certification. Applicants that have been evaluated and deemed to have satisfied all eligibility requirements are assigned a “candidate” status. The candidate is given a three year eligibility period in which to take and pass the examination. The candidate is limited to four attempts at the exam within their eligibility period. After receiving a candidate status, applicants will choose the date and location for their exam.
The process for applying:
1) Apply Online for first-time applicants or retake candidates)
or
For first time applicants, please fill out and mail/fax the application form for first-time applicants. For those candidates who need to retake an examination, please register for the exam using the exam retake registration form.
2) Enclose the required documentation with your completed application:
A copy of your high school diploma, GED certificate or college transcript
A photocopy of the official certificate of completion from the NCOPE approved orthotic fitter course
The Orthotic Fitter Competency Attestation Form
3) Register for the examination
4) Submit the application to: ABC P.O. Box 34862 Alexandria, VA 22334-0862
Please note overnight services such as UPS and FedEx do not deliver to P.O. Boxes.
Please refer to the ABC Certified Fitter Book of Rules & Candidate Guide for additional information.
*The exam is offered every other month at 250 locations nationwide. For a list of testing locations in your area, please click here for Available Testing Locations.
Individuals who successfully complete the education, experience and examination requirements prescribed by ABC for orthotic fitters are conferred the credentials of Certified Fitter-orthotics (CFo).
If you have questions or need more information about ABC Certification, contact
May PhoummithoneCertification Program Assistantmayp@abcop.org (703) 836-7114 x 229
Samlane KetevongManager, Credentialing Programssketevong@abcop.org(703) 836-7114 x 221