ABC Orthotics & Prosthetics Board Written Exam
Study Guide Complete Practice Question Bank &
Verified Answers (2026–2027 Update)
ABC Orthotics & Prosthetics Board Written Exam Study Guide (2026-2027)
Complete Practice Question Bank with Verified Answers & Explanations
EXAM OVERVIEW
The American Board for Certification (ABC) practitioner exams evaluate
knowledge and clinical competencies in orthotics and prosthetics . The Written
Exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions with a 3.5-hour time limit,
designed to measure general knowledge of patient management .
Eligibility Requirements :
- Master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program
- Completion of an NCOPE-accredited residency program (12 months per
discipline or 18 months dual discipline)
Exam Structure :
- Written Exam: 200 questions, 3.5 hours
- Simulation Exam: 7 problems, 3 hours
1
,- Clinical Patient Management (CPM): 3 modules, 60 minutes each
SECTION 1: PATIENT ASSESSMENT (Domain 1 – 28% of Exam)
Question 1
A patient with a short transfemoral (above-knee) amputation generally exhibits
lateral bending of the trunk during locomotion due to:
A) Inadequate suspension
B) Loss of an adequate lever arm
C) Loss of abductor muscles
D) Weak adductor muscles
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Loss of abductor muscles in a short transfemoral amputation
compromises hip stability during stance. The gluteus medius and minimus are the
primary hip abductors; their absence creates a Trendelenburg gait pattern
characterized by lateral trunk bending toward the prosthetic side during stance
phase to maintain center of gravity .
2
,Question 2
What are the borders of Scarpa's triangle (femoral triangle)?
A) Sartorius, adductor longus, and the inguinal ligament
B) Rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and the inguinal ligament
C) Sartorius, gracilis, and the inguinal ligament
D) Tensor fascia lata, adductor magnus, and the inguinal ligament
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Scarpa's triangle is bordered by the sartorius muscle laterally, the
adductor longus medially, and the inguinal ligament superiorly (mnemonic: SAIL –
Sartorius, Adductor longus, Inguinal Ligament). The femoral artery, vein, and
nerve pass through this anatomical landmark .
Question 3
Excessive transtibial (below-knee) socket flexion may result in which pressure
distributions?
3
, A) Proximal anterior and distal posterior
B) Proximal posterior and distal anterior
C) Proximal medial and distal lateral
D) Uniform pressure throughout the socket
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Excessive flexion of a transtibial socket causes the tibial tubercle and
patellar tendon to be forced proximally, resulting in increased pressure proximally
(posteriorly) and distally (anteriorly). This occurs because the socket's flexed
position alters the alignment of the residual limb within the socket, creating
pressure points that can lead to tissue breakdown .
Question 4
What are the two functional tasks of the stance phases of gait?
A) Weight acceptance and single limb support
B) Heel strike and toe-off
C) Acceleration and deceleration
D) Push-off and swing-through
4
Study Guide Complete Practice Question Bank &
Verified Answers (2026–2027 Update)
ABC Orthotics & Prosthetics Board Written Exam Study Guide (2026-2027)
Complete Practice Question Bank with Verified Answers & Explanations
EXAM OVERVIEW
The American Board for Certification (ABC) practitioner exams evaluate
knowledge and clinical competencies in orthotics and prosthetics . The Written
Exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions with a 3.5-hour time limit,
designed to measure general knowledge of patient management .
Eligibility Requirements :
- Master’s degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program
- Completion of an NCOPE-accredited residency program (12 months per
discipline or 18 months dual discipline)
Exam Structure :
- Written Exam: 200 questions, 3.5 hours
- Simulation Exam: 7 problems, 3 hours
1
,- Clinical Patient Management (CPM): 3 modules, 60 minutes each
SECTION 1: PATIENT ASSESSMENT (Domain 1 – 28% of Exam)
Question 1
A patient with a short transfemoral (above-knee) amputation generally exhibits
lateral bending of the trunk during locomotion due to:
A) Inadequate suspension
B) Loss of an adequate lever arm
C) Loss of abductor muscles
D) Weak adductor muscles
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Loss of abductor muscles in a short transfemoral amputation
compromises hip stability during stance. The gluteus medius and minimus are the
primary hip abductors; their absence creates a Trendelenburg gait pattern
characterized by lateral trunk bending toward the prosthetic side during stance
phase to maintain center of gravity .
2
,Question 2
What are the borders of Scarpa's triangle (femoral triangle)?
A) Sartorius, adductor longus, and the inguinal ligament
B) Rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and the inguinal ligament
C) Sartorius, gracilis, and the inguinal ligament
D) Tensor fascia lata, adductor magnus, and the inguinal ligament
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Scarpa's triangle is bordered by the sartorius muscle laterally, the
adductor longus medially, and the inguinal ligament superiorly (mnemonic: SAIL –
Sartorius, Adductor longus, Inguinal Ligament). The femoral artery, vein, and
nerve pass through this anatomical landmark .
Question 3
Excessive transtibial (below-knee) socket flexion may result in which pressure
distributions?
3
, A) Proximal anterior and distal posterior
B) Proximal posterior and distal anterior
C) Proximal medial and distal lateral
D) Uniform pressure throughout the socket
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Excessive flexion of a transtibial socket causes the tibial tubercle and
patellar tendon to be forced proximally, resulting in increased pressure proximally
(posteriorly) and distally (anteriorly). This occurs because the socket's flexed
position alters the alignment of the residual limb within the socket, creating
pressure points that can lead to tissue breakdown .
Question 4
What are the two functional tasks of the stance phases of gait?
A) Weight acceptance and single limb support
B) Heel strike and toe-off
C) Acceleration and deceleration
D) Push-off and swing-through
4
