How do I know if the university/college that I am enrolling in is accredited?
Most universities/colleges are accredited through an accrediting body. This includes online programs as well. If you are unsure, please contact ABC at (703) 836-7114 or at
certification@abcop.org.
How do I know if the course that I am enrolling in meets the eligibility criteria?
Most entry level courses will meet our eligibility criteria. If you are unsure, please contact ABC at (703) 836-7114 or at certification@abcop.org.
I didn’t complete my course before the application deadline, can I still apply?
No, you must complete your course either on or before the application deadline.
I will not have completed my one year of experience by the application deadline, but I will have them by the exam date. Can I still apply?
No, the experience requirement must be completed on or before the application deadline.
How and where do I obtain the one year of experience?
Your experience can be gained from any business that primarily provides orthotic and/or prosthetic patient care. A list of accredited facilities can be located using the
ABC Directory. If your experience is from a business that is not primarily engaged in orthotic and/or prosthetic patient care, your experience will be evaluated on an individual basis to determine whether it meets the intent of the requirement.
How do I log my hours?
Patient care experience is defined as contact with a patient from the initial assessment to the follow-up care. We recommend that you keep a record of these patient visits. However, you will only need to submit the
Assistant Competency Attestation form with your application.
What fees do I submit with my application?
The application and exam fees are due when you submit your application. Please note that the application fee is non-refundable.
If I am applying for both disciplines, do I submit an application fee for each credential?
Yes, application fees are required for each discipline. You must also submit two separate applications if you are applying for orthotics and prosthetics at the same time.
I am extending my credential, do I submit an application fee again?
Yes, the application and exam fees for the second credential are due when you apply.
What documents do I submit with my application?
Please include the following:
What if I can’t find my high school or college diploma or GED certificate?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to approve your application if you cannot submit one of the above documents.
I obtained my education outside of the United States. What documents do I need to submit?
You must submit a credential evaluation from the
World Education Service (WES).
My supervisor is certified by another credentialing body, can he/she attest for my hours?
No, your supervisor must meet the credentialing requirements listed on the
Assistant Competency Attestation form.
When will ABC notify me of my application status?
You will receive notification of your eligibility status within four weeks of receipt of your application. This notification will be sent directly to you via email as well as mailed to your home address. You can also check your application status by logging in to your
My ABC account.
Once my application is accepted, how do I register for the exam?
ABC will send you an email with information on how to register for a specific time, date and location with Prometric, our testing provider.
Are there exam prep materials available?
Yes, assistant exam prep materials are available, including a test content outline, practice analysis of the O&P profession, exam references and a recommended reading list. In addition, there are sample written exam questions and information on available exam review courses (provided independently of ABC).
What if I can’t find a testing center close to me?
Unfortunately, availability at the testing centers is on a first come, first served basis with limited seating. If you are having difficulty finding a location close to you, please contact us at 703-836-7114 ext. 229 or at
certification@abcop.org.
What if I can’t make it to the exam?
You are provided a thirty day cancellation period without incurring a penalty. If you cancel in less than thirty days, there is a $50 fee.
When will I receive my exam results?
You will receive an immediate on-screen preliminary score report when you finish your exam. Your official score report will be provided in four weeks.
If I fail my exam, when can I re-take it?
You may immediately register for the next available exam cycle.
How many times can I take the exam?
When your initial application is approved, you are provided with a three year eligibility window in which you are allowed four attempts at the exam.
What happens if I’ve taken the exam more than four times?
If you have failed the exam more than four times or if your eligibility period has expired, you are required to reapply for eligibility. Please reference the ABC Assistant Book of Rules and Candidate Guide for more information.
If I have applied for more than one discipline during an exam cycle, can I take all of my exams during the same day and/or cycle?
Yes, you are able to take more than one exam during the same day, space and time permitting.
If I passed my exam, when will I receive my certificate?
Certificates are mailed six weeks after the conclusion of the exam cycle.
What do I do to maintain my certification?
After obtaining certification, you are awarded a five-year certification cycle in which you must accrue continuing education credits and submit an annual fee.
Click here for information on assistant continuing education credit requirements.
How much is my annual fee and when is it due?
Your annual fee will be $125 and is due by December 1st every year. Your first year fee will be prorated.