ABC Orthotics/Prosthetics Board Written Exam
Complete Practice Question Bank & Study Guide 2026/2027
Questions 1–200
OFFICIAL EXAM OVERVIEW & CONTENT OUTLINES
The ABC Prosthetist/Orthotist Written Exam is a three-and-a-half-hour, multiple-
choice exam consisting of 200 questions designed to measure general knowledge of
patient management. General knowledge assessed includes anatomy, physiology,
biomechanics, kinesiology, disease process, pathologies, prescription criteria, material
science, ethics, and professionalism.
Combined O&P Exam Content Domains:
• Domain 1 – Patient Evaluation: 34%
• Domain 2 – Formulation of the Treatment Plan: 25%
• Domain 3 – Implementation of the Treatment Plan: 25%
• Domain 4 – Continuation of the Treatment Plan: 10%
• Domain 5 – Practice Management: 6%
Exam Administration:
• Offered every other month at 600+ locations nationwide via computer-based
testing (CBT)
• Pass/fail result displayed immediately upon completion
• Results available in My ABC account within 24 hours
Key Content Emphasis:
• Orthotic Content: Lower Extremity (50%), Spinal (17%), Scoliosis (17%), Upper
Extremity/Cranial (17%)
• Prosthetic Content: Transtibial (50%), Transfemoral/KD (33%), Partial
Foot/Symes/Upper Extremity (17%)
,SECTION 1: GAIT ANALYSIS & BIOMECHANICS (Questions
1-30)
QUESTION 1
During the stance phase of gait, which muscle group acts eccentrically to control knee
flexion just after heel strike?
A. Quadriceps
B. Hamstrings
C. Gastrocnemius
D. Tibialis anterior
Correct Answer: A. Quadriceps
Rationale: The quadriceps contract eccentrically immediately after heel strike to prevent
rapid knee collapse, controlling shock absorption during loading response.
QUESTION 2
Which muscle is primarily responsible for knee extension during the swing phase of
gait?
A. Rectus femoris
B. Vastus medialis
C. Biceps femoris
D. Gracilis
Correct Answer: A. Rectus femoris
Rationale: The rectus femoris is a biarticular muscle that assists in both hip flexion and
knee extension during the swing phase, facilitating foot clearance.
,QUESTION 3
Maximum dorsiflexion occurs during which phase of gait?
A. Initial contact
B. Mid-swing
C. Terminal stance
D. Push-off
Correct Answer: C. Terminal stance
Rationale: Throughout terminal stance, the ankle and foot are critical sites of action. At the
onset of heel rise, the ankle drops into maximum dorsiflexion (approximately 10 degrees)
occurring in stance phase.
QUESTION 4
The stance phase of gait constitutes approximately what percentage of the gait cycle at
normal walking speed?
A. 40%
B. 50%
C. 60%
D. 70%
Correct Answer: C. 60%
Rationale: The stance phase comprises approximately 60% of the gait cycle, while the
swing phase makes up the remaining 40% at normal walking speeds.
QUESTION 5
A Trendelenburg gait occurs with weakness of which muscle?
A. Gluteus medius
B. Gluteus maximus
C. Adductor magnus
D. Rectus femoris
, Correct Answer: A. Gluteus medius
Rationale: The gluteus medius prevents contralateral pelvic drop during single-leg stance.
Weakness results in a Trendelenburg gait pattern.
QUESTION 6
A patient presents with a foot slap at initial contact. This gait deviation is most likely due
to weakness of which muscle?
A. Gastrocnemius
B. Soleus
C. Tibialis anterior
D. Peroneus longus
Correct Answer: C. Tibialis anterior
Rationale: Foot slap results from inadequate eccentric control of plantarflexion after heel
strike, indicating tibialis anterior weakness or poor prosthetic foot selection.
QUESTION 7
The normal range of knee flexion during the swing phase of gait is approximately:
A. 30–40°
B. 50–60°
C. 65–70°
D. 80–90°
Correct Answer: C. 65–70°
Rationale: Peak knee flexion in swing is 65–70° to allow adequate foot clearance during
the swing phase.
Complete Practice Question Bank & Study Guide 2026/2027
Questions 1–200
OFFICIAL EXAM OVERVIEW & CONTENT OUTLINES
The ABC Prosthetist/Orthotist Written Exam is a three-and-a-half-hour, multiple-
choice exam consisting of 200 questions designed to measure general knowledge of
patient management. General knowledge assessed includes anatomy, physiology,
biomechanics, kinesiology, disease process, pathologies, prescription criteria, material
science, ethics, and professionalism.
Combined O&P Exam Content Domains:
• Domain 1 – Patient Evaluation: 34%
• Domain 2 – Formulation of the Treatment Plan: 25%
• Domain 3 – Implementation of the Treatment Plan: 25%
• Domain 4 – Continuation of the Treatment Plan: 10%
• Domain 5 – Practice Management: 6%
Exam Administration:
• Offered every other month at 600+ locations nationwide via computer-based
testing (CBT)
• Pass/fail result displayed immediately upon completion
• Results available in My ABC account within 24 hours
Key Content Emphasis:
• Orthotic Content: Lower Extremity (50%), Spinal (17%), Scoliosis (17%), Upper
Extremity/Cranial (17%)
• Prosthetic Content: Transtibial (50%), Transfemoral/KD (33%), Partial
Foot/Symes/Upper Extremity (17%)
,SECTION 1: GAIT ANALYSIS & BIOMECHANICS (Questions
1-30)
QUESTION 1
During the stance phase of gait, which muscle group acts eccentrically to control knee
flexion just after heel strike?
A. Quadriceps
B. Hamstrings
C. Gastrocnemius
D. Tibialis anterior
Correct Answer: A. Quadriceps
Rationale: The quadriceps contract eccentrically immediately after heel strike to prevent
rapid knee collapse, controlling shock absorption during loading response.
QUESTION 2
Which muscle is primarily responsible for knee extension during the swing phase of
gait?
A. Rectus femoris
B. Vastus medialis
C. Biceps femoris
D. Gracilis
Correct Answer: A. Rectus femoris
Rationale: The rectus femoris is a biarticular muscle that assists in both hip flexion and
knee extension during the swing phase, facilitating foot clearance.
,QUESTION 3
Maximum dorsiflexion occurs during which phase of gait?
A. Initial contact
B. Mid-swing
C. Terminal stance
D. Push-off
Correct Answer: C. Terminal stance
Rationale: Throughout terminal stance, the ankle and foot are critical sites of action. At the
onset of heel rise, the ankle drops into maximum dorsiflexion (approximately 10 degrees)
occurring in stance phase.
QUESTION 4
The stance phase of gait constitutes approximately what percentage of the gait cycle at
normal walking speed?
A. 40%
B. 50%
C. 60%
D. 70%
Correct Answer: C. 60%
Rationale: The stance phase comprises approximately 60% of the gait cycle, while the
swing phase makes up the remaining 40% at normal walking speeds.
QUESTION 5
A Trendelenburg gait occurs with weakness of which muscle?
A. Gluteus medius
B. Gluteus maximus
C. Adductor magnus
D. Rectus femoris
, Correct Answer: A. Gluteus medius
Rationale: The gluteus medius prevents contralateral pelvic drop during single-leg stance.
Weakness results in a Trendelenburg gait pattern.
QUESTION 6
A patient presents with a foot slap at initial contact. This gait deviation is most likely due
to weakness of which muscle?
A. Gastrocnemius
B. Soleus
C. Tibialis anterior
D. Peroneus longus
Correct Answer: C. Tibialis anterior
Rationale: Foot slap results from inadequate eccentric control of plantarflexion after heel
strike, indicating tibialis anterior weakness or poor prosthetic foot selection.
QUESTION 7
The normal range of knee flexion during the swing phase of gait is approximately:
A. 30–40°
B. 50–60°
C. 65–70°
D. 80–90°
Correct Answer: C. 65–70°
Rationale: Peak knee flexion in swing is 65–70° to allow adequate foot clearance during
the swing phase.
