An ABC Certified Technician is an individual trained and qualified to assist an ABC credentialed individual by providing technical support. ABC Certified Technicians may not use their credentials as independent practitioners. The certified technician fabricates, repairs and maintains orthoses and/or prostheses. ABC's Certified Technician Scope of Practice details the specific capacity the certified individual can practice. This includes assessment of orthotic and/or prosthetic technical requirements, formulation of fabrication, implementation of fabrication, follow-up and practice management. The Certified Technician is proficient with current fabricating techniques, familiar with material properties and skilled in the use of appropriate equipment.
The Certified Technician is bound by the ABC Code of Professional Responsibility, which is enforced by a Professional Discipline program. The Certified Technician is obligated to support and conform to professional responsibilities that promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession.
To be eligible to take the ABC certification exam, individuals must meet the specific education and/or experience requirements established by ABC. All applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED, and meet the requirements of either Pathway 1 or Pathway 2.
Pathway 1:
Successfully complete a CAAHEP/NCOPE approved technician education program. The Technical Competency Attestation Form must be submitted with the application.
Pathway 2:
Complete two years of technical experience, in the discipline(s) of application, under the supervision of an ABC Certified Practitioner in that discipline or ABC Certified Technician in that discipline. Experience cannot be gained concurrently in both disciplines. The Technical Competency Attestation Form must be submitted along with the application.
The examination to become a Certified Technician is a three hour, multiple choice computer-based exam which consists of 150 items designed to measure the candidate's knowledge of orthotic or prosthetic fabrication techniques, ethics and professionalism.
Once the application has been received, reviewed and approved, all logistical information including a list of sites and an explanation of the test site selection process will be mailed to the registered candidate by the testing service. Once receiving a candidate status, applicants will choose the date and location for their exam.
The written examination is held via computer-based testing (CBT). Computer-based testing is a method of administrating tests in which the responses are electronically recorded. Computer-based testing makes use of a computer instead of a pen and paper exam.
All requirements must be satisfied prior to the application deadline. Individuals who have met the educational and experiential requirements may submit an application for approval as a candidate for certification. Applicants that have been evaluated and deemed to have satisfied all eligibility requirements are assigned a "candidate" status. The candidate is given a three year eligibility period in which to take and pass the examination. The candidate is limited to four attempts at the exam within their eligibility period. After receiving a candidate status, applicants will be notified in writing of their exam date and location.
The process for applying:
1) Apply Online (for first-time applicants or retake candidates)
or
For first time applicants, please fill out and mail/fax the application form for first-time applicants. For those candidates who need to retake an examination, please register for the exam using the exam retake registration form.
2) Enclose the required documentation with your completed application:
A copy of your high school diploma, GED or college transcript
A photocopy of the official certificate of completion from the CAAHEP approved technician education course (Pathway 1), and
The Technical Competency Attestation Form documenting two years of technical experience under the supervision of an ABC Certified Practitioner or ABC Certified Technician
3) Register for the examination
4) Submit the application to: ABC P.O. Box 34862 Alexandria, VA 22334-0862
Please note overnight services such as UPS and FedEx do not deliver to P.O. Boxes.
Please refer to the ABC Technician Book of Rules & Candidate Guide for additional information.
*The exam is offered every other month at 250 locations nationwide. For a list of testing locations in your area, please click here for Available Testing Locations.
Individuals who successfully complete the education and/or experience and examination requirements prescribed by ABC for orthotic or prosthetic technicians are conferred the credentials of Certified Orthotic Technician (CTO) or Certified Prosthetic Technician (CTP).
The credential of Certified Prosthetic-Orthotic Technician (CTPO) is awarded to those individuals who successfully complete the education and/or experience and examination requirements for each discipline.
If you have questions or need more information about ABC Certification, contact
May PhoummithoneCertification Program Assistant mayp@abcop.org(703) 836-7114 x 229
Samlane KetevongManager, Credentialing Programssketevong@abcop.org(703) 836-7114