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 or by calling our office at 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) Spring/ Summer (May/June) Fall/ Winter (Nov/Dec/Jan). Fall/ Winter (Nov/Dec/Jan). Spring 2006 dates are: Written/written sim May 20 Written/written sim May 20 Pros. CPM June 16/17 Orth. CPM June 23/24 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 Exam, 150 multiple choice items, designed to test general knowledge Written Simulation Exam, 6 problems designed to test problem-solving skills 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 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 year- four try eligibility period. Once exams are passed: Maintain MCE requirements during five year certification cycle. Maintain MCE requirements during five year certification cycle. Abide by the Canons of Ethics Abide by the Canons of Ethics Remit annual renewal fee. 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 ABC Update Currently Credentialed/ Accredited: Practitioners 5,030 Practitioners 5,030 Technicians 576 Technicians 576 Assistants 116 Assistants 116 Fitters2,812 Fitters2,812 Facilities 1,249 Facilities 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