Business Sense—Hiring a
Resident
Helping Your Resident
Prepare for ABC
The ABC Application Process:
Finish with NCOPE First
Residents need to
complete all of the
NCOPE requirements
prior to applying for
the ABC practitioner
exams.
Residency directors
can help the process
by encouraging
residents to complete
all of the paperwork,
especially the
research project, on
time.
On Time and Complete
ABC application and registration forms
should be submitted in a timely manner
Applications are available on the ABC
website at www.abcop.org or by calling our
office at 703-836-7114
All forms and documentation should be
complete—late or incomplete forms may
preclude someone from testing in that cycle
Five Most Frequent Delays
NCOPE file is not complete
Transcripts that do not arrive
Applications that are not signed
Fees that are incorrect
Moving and not notifying ABC
ABC Exam Dates and
Deadlines
ABC currently has two practitioner
exam cycles per year:


Spring/ Summer (May/June)
Fall/ Winter (Nov/Dec/Jan).
Spring 2006 dates are:


Written/written sim May 20
Pros. CPM June 16/17 Orth. CPM June 23/24
Currently the ABC application deadlines are
March 1 and September 1
Computer Based Testing
Fall 2006—ABC will move the practitioner
written and written simulation exams to a
computer based delivery method
This will allow the candidate greater
access to testing locations
Three testing “windows” each year
Three Exams
There are three ABC practitioner
certification exams:



Written Exam, 150 multiple choice items,
designed to test general knowledge
Written Simulation Exam, 6 problems
designed to test problem-solving skills
Clinical Patient Management Exam, 7
modules designed to test practical ability in a
clinical environment
Preparing for the ABC Exams
ABC Practice Analysis
ABC Candidate Guide
Academy Exam Preparation Seminar
NCOPE Resident List-Serve
ABC Canons of Ethics
Examination Content
ABC practitioner exam content is
based on the Practice Analysis of
the Disciplines of Orthotics and
Prosthetics.
Domains of Practice
Patient Assessment
Formulation of the Treatment Plan
Implementation of the Treatment Plan
Follow-up Treatment Plan
Practice Management
______________________________________
Promotion of Competency and Enhancement
of Professional Practice
ABC Certification
Certification is based passing all three
exams. Candidates have a four yearfour try eligibility period.
Once exams are passed:



Maintain MCE requirements during five
year certification cycle.
Abide by the Canons of Ethics
Remit annual renewal fee.
New ABC Staff Member
Dorn Sanders—Manager, Professional
Credentialing Programs
Manages all of the credentialing programs
Coordinates with NCOPE to ensure
completion of candidate application files
ABC Update
Currently Credentialed/ Accredited:





Practitioners
Technicians
Assistants
Fitters
Facilities
5,030
576
116
2,812
1,249
Working Together for Residents
Four staff members are dedicated to this process,
two at NCOPE and two at ABC.
Thank You
Business Sense—Hiring a
Resident