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:
-
Official baccalaureate or higher degree transcript. If you are applying for both disciplines at the same time, we only require one set of transcripts.
-
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.