My residency end date is after the residency deadline for my desired exam cycle. Am I still eligible for that cycle?
No, your residency end date must be on or before the residency deadline for your desired exam cycle.
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.
I am an 18-month resident, 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:
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Official baccalaureate or higher degree transcript. If you are applying for both disciplines at the same time, we only require one set of transcripts.
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O&P program certificates or transcripts, if applicable.
I am extending my credential, do I have to submit my transcripts again?
No, ABC will reference your previous application if it was submitted within the last seven years. You are required to submit a copy of your program certificate, if applicable.
I obtained my education outside of the United States. What documents do I need to submit?
Please submit a credential evaluation from the World Education Service (WES).
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. You should have received login information from NCOPE at the completion of your residency. If you have lost your login information, please contact Roxanne Bobb-Semple at (703) 836-7114 ext. 238 or rbobbsemple@abcop.org.
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,
practitioner 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. 221 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, you will need to pay a $50 fee.
When will I receive my exam results?
For the written and written simulation exams, you will receive an immediate preliminary score report on screen when you finish your exam. Your official score report will be provided in four weeks.
CPM exam results are available in approximately 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 Practitioner 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 all of my exams, 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 practitioner continuing education credit requirements.
How much is my annual fee and when is it due?
Your annual fee is $275 and is due by December 1st every year. Your first year fee will be prorated.
NEW Combined Discipine Written Examination Pathway
Is the combined discipline exam a combination of the current single discipline written exams?
No, the combined discipline exam is a new exam with its own test specifications. The single discipline exams are designed for a candidate who has completed an NCOPE residency in the relevant discipline. The combined discipline exam is designed for a candidate who has just graduated from a CAAHEP accredited master’s program.
How do I know if I am eligible for this pathway?Graduates with a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP accredited program are eligible to apply under this pathway.
Is completion of an NCOPE accredited residency program required to apply under this pathway?
No, completion of an NCOPE accredited residency program is not required. You may apply for the combined discipline written exam only immediately after graduation by the application deadline for your desired exam cycle.
Am I eligible if I am already enrolled in an NCOPE accredited residency program and have yet to complete it?
Yes, you are eligible if you possess a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP accredited program.
Can I apply under this pathway if I have a master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics and also completed an NCOPE accredited residency program?
Yes, you may apply under this pathway if you are ultimately seeking dual disciplined certification as a practitioner. Please be aware that additional application and exam fees will be required to apply for the simulation and CPM exams, per discipline.
What documents do I submit with my application?
You must submit your official master’s degree transcript from a CAAHEP accredited program.
Do I have to submit my transcript at the time of my application submission?
If you do not have your transcripts when you submit your application, you may upload your transcript directly to your “My ABC” account or email it directly to ABC at certification@abcop.org at a later date. ABC provides a grace period of up to thirty days after the posted application deadline to submit your transcript. However, failure to submit your transcript by the extended deadline will result in a denial of 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. Please be aware that additional application and exam fees will be required to apply for the simulation and CPM exams, per discipline.
How can I find out what content will be on the combined discipline written exam?
The Combined O&P Written Test Content Outline provides information on the exam.
How do I know what the examination dates are/when the exam is offered?
Please click here for available examination dates and application deadlines.
What if I take the combined discipline exam and fail it? Can I decide to take the single discipline exams in the future?
You may apply to take the single discipline exams in the future once the eligibility requirements are met. Please be aware that additional application and examination fees will be required.
How many times can I attempt the exam?
Once your application is approved, you are provided with a three-year eligibility window to pass the exam. You may not attempt the exam no more than four times within your current eligibility window.
When do I apply for the other exams?
You may apply for the simulation and/or CPM exams once you have completed the NCOPE accredited residency program for that discipline. Please be aware that additional application and exam fees will be required to apply for the simulation and CPM exams, per discipline. You will also receive a new eligibility period for these exams.