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 meet the eligibility requirements, 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:
Possess a high school diploma or GED
and
Successfully complete an CAAHEP approved technician education program
Pathway 2:
Complete two years of technical experience, in the discipline(s) of application, under the supervision of an ABC certified practitioner or ABC certified technician.
The technician examinations are designed to evaluate knowledge and technical competency in fabricating orthoses and/or prostheses and their components. The two-part examinations (one per discipline) consist of:
1) a one-hour written exam (multiple-choice questions) designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of basic principles, and application of tools, materials and orthotic and/or prosthetic fabrication; and
2) a seven-hour practical exam.
The ABC Certified Technician Examinations are based on the Practice Analysis of the Disciplines of Orthotics and Prosthetics. This document is based on a survey of the daily activities of certified technicians. Five domains of practice as well as specific tasks, knowledge and skill statements were identified and are used to construct examinations.
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 3 year eligibility period in which to take and pass the examination. The candidate is limited to 4 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) For first time applicants, please fill out 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, and
A photocopy of the official certificate of completion from the NCOPE approved technician education course, or
An attestation form to document 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 for additional information.
Individuals who successfully complete the education and/or experience and examination requirements prescribed by ABC for orthotic technicians are conferred the credentials of Certified Orthotic Technician (CTO).
Individuals who successfully complete the education and/or experience and examination requirements prescribed by ABC for prosthetic technicians are conferred the credentials of 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
Jamie MoranCertification Program Assistantjmoran@abcop.org(703) 836-7114 x 228
Samlane KetevongManager, Credentialing Programssketevong@abcop.org(703) 836-7114 x 221
May PhoummithoneCertification Program Assistantmayp@abcop.org(703) 836-7114, x 229