Practitioner Exam Prep

 

We have numerous resources available for you as you prepare to sit for your ABC Practitioner Certification Exams. These include the Practice Analysis, sample exam questions and the information outlined below, all created exclusively for your use. 

Practitioner Practice Analysis

​​A Practice Analysis is a study that takes an in-depth look at the profession.  The findings of the study provide the foundation for the exam content described in the Test Content Outlines.  The TCOs are used by the exam development committees to create our comprehensive, contemporary and relevant exams.​  

The Practice Analysis Resident Guide details how the data from the Practitioner Practice Analysis links to the exam content.  The Practice Analysis Residency Director Guide has similar information and can help you assure your residency experience is optimally preparing you for the exams. 

 

References & Reading List

Another source of information to help you prepare is the exam reference and recommended reading list. This reference list is used by the exam item writers to validate the correct answers to the exam questions. You may also want to refer to published journal articles, reference lists and the textbooks from your educational program.

Also consider reviewing basic test taking principals. Numerous references for exam prep, reducing exam anxiety and study tips are available from a wide array of publishers.​

 

Combined Written Test Content Outline

Test content outlines are helpful study resources that are broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

 

Top 10 References Used in the Combined Written Exam

Use this list of the most common references used for problems on the combined discipline written multiple-choice exam. The list is in rank order by the number of questions on the exam that are referenced by each source. 

Sample Orthotic & Prosthetic Written Exam Questions

The sample orthotic & prosthetic written exams includes questions similar to those you will find on the actual exam(s), giving you a feel for the types of questions asked and how they are structured.

Most Common Combined Written Exam Orthotic Diagnoses

The combined written multiple choice exam content is made up of slightly more than 50% orthotic related questions. This resource lists the most common diagnoses that appear on the exam. The list is ranked in order of the % of questions related to each diagnosis.

Combined Written Exam Results

​​If you are retaking your combined written exam, review your Score Report and identify the domain areas where you have the most opportunity to improve. Review Understanding Your Combined Written Exam Results to help you focus your studies accordingly.​

Preparing for Practitioner Written Exam Webinar

Watch this webinar to better understand the O&P Written Multiple Choice Exam process and how to best prepare.

Simulation Exam Prep Guide

The prosthetic and orthotic written simulation exams test your decision making skills. Although the exam format can be challenging, your real-life patient care experience has prepared you to demonstrate your clinical knowledge. The guide will help prepare you for success on these two exams.

Orthotic SIM Test Content Outline

The Orthotic SIM test content outline is broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

Prosthetic SIM Test Content Outline

The Prosthetic SIM test content outline is broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

Simulation Exam Results

​​If you are retaking your simulation exam, review your Score Report and identify the domain areas where you have the most opportunity to improve. Review Understanding Your Exam Results for Orthotics and/or  Prosthetics to help you focus your studies accordingly.​

Orthotic CPM Test Content Outline

Test content outlines are helpful study resources that are broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

Prosthetic CPM Test Content Outline

Test content outlines are helpful study resources that are broken down by domain; each domain section indicates the percentage of emphasis the elements of practice in that domain receives on the exams. For each Practice Domain listed on the Test Content Outline, you should plan on familiarizing yourself with clinical, technical or general practice information related to that domain.

Review Courses

​You might consider taking an exam review course, or purchasing exam prep materials that are available from multiple sources. ABC neither sponsors nor endorses review/preparatory courses or any exam preparation materials. Your review may include specific O&P material, or might be in the general area of test taking techniques.​

Study Groups

Consider forming a small exam study group. Candidates who pool their resources and study together may be more confident in their knowledge and more likely to pass the exam.

Your study group might consider scheduling to take the exam at the same time, traveling to the exam site together and supporting one another every step of the way.

Certified Colleagues

Talk with ABC certified colleagues to find out what resources they suggest to help you prepare for your exams and what study advice they might offer. While they are not allowed to share exam content with you, they can help with focusing your studying activities to the most critical areas.​

Contact our Team

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Bethany Webb

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Molly Maguire

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Primary contact for: professional ethics complaints against ABC credential holders, questions about ABC scope of practice, state licensure issues and ABC Board of Director nomination applications.

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Stephen Fletcher, CPO

Director, Professional Credentialing

Directs ABC’s Professional Ethics, Certification, Scope of Practice and Government Relations programs. Manages all ABC’s certification exam development and administration activities. Facilitates coordination of professional/clinical issues across all ABC programs, including state licensure.

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Lauren Moran

Certification Candidate Coordinator

Contact for: certification program inquiries, certification application assistance and status and licensure examination inquiries.

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Tabita Whilden

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Responsible for all administrative functions of ABC's certification programs and interfacing with outside consultants.

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