OPC Orthotics Written Certification Examination — Information & Free Practice

About OPC Orthotics Written Certification Examination

OPC Orthotics Written Certification Examination · CA

Key exam facts

Provider

Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC); the Professional Qualifications Committee revises examinations and the Certification and Registration Board manages certification and registration.

Format

Online written examination completed virtually; multiple-choice questions. The practical examination is separate. The handbook qualifies the question count as approximately 150, not a guaranteed fixed count.

Exam questions

Total questions: 150.

Time limit

3 hours for the written examination; approved accommodations may modify delivery.

Passing score

Criterion-referenced pass/fail standard established by subject matter experts. Scores are based on the number of equally weighted questions answered correctly; the public handbook does not give a numeric cut score.

Exam fee

For the published February and September 2027 Certification written sittings: CAD $562.75 examination fee plus CAD $174.84 application fee. Fees increase 3% annually; application is required for each attempt and application fees are non-refundable.

Topics covered

• Patient Evaluation (28%)

  • Obtain consent to treatment
  • Conduct patient interview by taking a comprehensive patient history, including but not limited to medical history (for example, fall history and risk, previous/current treatment and surgeries, allergies to materials, current medication), diagnosis and pathology, signs and symptoms, previous/current use of a prosthesis/orthosis, work history, activities, demographic characteristics, social history and supports (for example, family/friends, workplace), cognitive capacity
  • Review professional reports such as patient charts, documented reports, test results, treatments, referrals and ongoing treatment plans of other health care professionals
  • Conduct physical examination by performing a diagnosis-specific functional clinical and cognitive ability examination that includes manual muscle testing, evaluation of sensory function, range of motion, joint stability, and skin integrity
  • Perform static evaluation (for example, postural assessment, weight/non-weight bearing) with and without prosthesis/orthosis
  • Perform dynamic evaluation (for example, functional analysis, gait analysis) with and without prosthesis/orthosis
  • Review patient goals and expectations
  • Identify and administer outcome measurement tools (for example, pain scale, timed walk test, amputee mobility predictor [AMP]) to determine baseline
  • Obtain information regarding patient from other health care professionals, including other clinicians and technicians
  • Document patient evaluation

• Treatment Planning (18%)

  • Refer patient, if appropriate, to other health care professionals for intervention beyond prosthetic/orthotic scope of practice
  • Research treatment options, including obtaining evidence from literature to achieve treatment goals
  • Research manufacturer’s specifications; and materials, components, design, and fabrication techniques
  • Review treatment options with patient, including potential trial of components/prostheses/orthoses
  • Collaborate with other health care professionals regarding treatment options
  • Develop a treatment plan, including prosthetic/orthotic treatment, patient education, continuing and/or coordinated care, based on patient evaluation, needs, and treatment goals
  • Communicate treatment plan to patient and ensure patient understands his or her responsibilities related to the treatment plan
  • Document treatment plan

• Treatment Implementation and Evaluation (33%)

  • Provide patient with preparatory care for prosthetic/orthotic treatment (for example, compression garment, serial casting)
  • Select appropriate materials/techniques in order to perform shape capture (cast, impression, measure, trace, digitize, scan) of residual limb/body segment and/or required measurements
  • Prepare patient for procedure required to perform shape capture and/or required measurements
  • Perform shape capture and/or required measurements (for example, anatomical shaping, conventional tracing, height measurement) of residual limb/body segment
  • Modify (rectify) anatomical model or image
  • Fabricate/assemble a prosthesis/orthosis to prepare for initial or diagnostic evaluation (fitting)
  • Ensure that materials, design, and components are used as specified in the treatment plan
  • Assess prosthesis/orthosis for structural integrity prior to patient diagnostic evaluation (fitting)
  • Ensure that manufacturers’ guidelines and all instructions for use have been followed prior to patient diagnostic evaluation (fitting) (for example, torque values, patient weight limits)
  • Assess/align prosthesis/orthosis for accuracy in sagittal, transverse, and coronal planes (bench alignment)
  • Perform static and dynamic alignment of prosthesis/orthosis with patient
  • Assess fit, function, control, and support of prosthesis/orthosis (for example, suspension, volume, pressure distribution, force control system)
  • After assuring that prosthesis/orthosis is structurally sound, arrange for a trial period with prosthesis/orthosis if required
  • Complete fabrication process after achieving optimal fit and function of prosthesis/orthosis (for example, convert test socket to definitive prosthesis/orthosis, cosmetic finishing, anatomical shaping)
  • Re-assess prosthesis/orthosis for structural safety and integrity prior to patient use
  • Administer outcome measurement tools and compare to baseline
  • Educate patient about the use and maintenance of the prosthesis/orthosis (for example, wearing schedules, donning/doffing, other instructions)
  • Refer patient to appropriate health care professionals for necessary ancillary care
  • Educate and work with other health care professionals, including other clinicians and technicians, with regard to patient treatment
  • Document treatment implementation

• Ongoing Treatment and Re-evaluation (18%)

  • Obtain feedback from patient to evaluate outcome (for example, wear schedule/tolerance, comfort, perceived benefits and/or detriments, ability to don and doff, proper usage and function, overall satisfaction)
  • Re-assess patient and note any changes from previous evaluation(s)
  • Assess prosthesis/orthosis with regard to strategic contact and physical presentation (for example, multiple force systems, total contact, trim lines, static/dynamic alignment) to determine need for changes relative to treatment goals
  • Evaluate prosthesis/orthosis for structural changes (for example, component or material failure, joint mal-alignment, change in alignment)
  • Re-administer outcome measurement tools to assess patient’s achievement of treatment goals
  • Formulate and discuss with the patient and payors the ongoing treatment plan to modify or replace prosthesis/orthosis
  • Modify prosthesis/orthosis, component parts, and/or interface elements
  • Repair, restore, and/or refurbish prosthesis/orthosis, component parts, and/or interface elements
  • Replace prosthesis/orthosis, component parts, and/or interface elements
  • Assess prosthesis/orthosis for structural safety and integrity following modification, repair, or replacement
  • Evaluate modified prosthesis/orthosis, including static and dynamic evaluation
  • Reassess patient knowledge on use of prosthesis/orthosis
  • Communicate ongoing treatment and outcomes with all key stakeholders
  • Document treatment
  • Document outcomes

• Professional Practice (3%)

  • Abide by CBCPO Character and Fitness Rules and Canons of Ethical Conduct
  • Establish and/or adhere to procedures for patient care in compliance with provincial, territorial, and national legal requirements (for example, protection of personal health information, patient and workplace safety)
  • Develop, implement and/or monitor policies and procedures with respect to human resources, physical environment, business and financial practices, and organizational management
  • Conduct or participate in research, product development, clinical trials, and outcome studies
  • Collaborate with health care professionals and other stakeholders

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources and references

• OPC Certification Exam Handbook

  §9.3, p.13

• Results of the Examination Blueprint Task Force Meeting

  Appendix 4, p.32

• OPC Certification Exam Handbook

  §9.3, p.13

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.