100+ Free COA Practice Questions
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Which muscle is the primary dorsiflexor of the ankle?
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Key Facts: COA Exam
165
Total Items
ABC COA
3 hrs
Exam Time
ABC
$240
Exam Fee
ABC (+$135 application)
500 hrs
Clinical Required
Orthotic supervised
ABC COA is the assistant-level orthotic credential. 165 items, 3 hours, $240 exam fee. Master gait cycle (60% stance / 40% swing), AFO design (PLS for drop foot), TLSO/cervical orthoses, CVA/CP/SCI pathology, polypropylene vacuum forming (~350°F), and ABC ethics/HIPAA/SOAP documentation.
Sample COA Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your COA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1What percentage of the gait cycle is occupied by the stance phase in normal walking?
2Which orthosis is most commonly prescribed for a patient with drop foot caused by peroneal nerve injury?
3Which plane of motion describes flexion and extension?
4Which thermoplastic is most commonly used for AFO fabrication due to its lightweight and durable properties?
5Which subphase of the gait cycle marks the moment the foot first touches the ground?
6A KAFO locks the knee in which position during stance phase to prevent buckling?
7Which spinal orthosis is most appropriate for nighttime scoliosis treatment?
8How many phases comprise the swing phase of the gait cycle?
9What does SOAP stand for in clinical documentation?
10A patient has hemiplegia following a left-sided CVA. Which side of the body is affected?
About the COA Exam
ABC assistant-level orthotic credential — supports a CO/CPO with patient assessment, fitting, modifications, and patient education for orthoses (AFO, KAFO, TLSO, cervical). Covers anatomy/physiology, biomechanics and gait, orthotic assessment and design (UE/LE/spinal), pathology (CVA, CP, SCI), materials science (polypropylene, carbon fiber), and ABC ethics/scope.
Questions
165 scored questions
Time Limit
3 hours
Passing Score
Scaled (ABC-set)
Exam Fee
$240 exam (ABC)
COA Exam Content Outline
Biomechanics & Kinesiology
Gait cycle (stance 60% / swing 40%), levers, ground reaction force, planes of motion
Orthotic Design & Fabrication
AFO (PLS, solid, articulated), KAFO, HKAFO, TLSO, cervical (Philadelphia, Halo)
Anatomy & Physiology
Bones, joints, muscles, ROM, dermatomes, neurology
Orthotic Assessment
Patient assessment, ROM/MMT, gait analysis, monofilament, casting
Pathology & Conditions
CVA, CP, SCI/ASIA, MS, ALS, scoliosis, spina bifida, fractures
Materials Science
Polypropylene, polyethylene, carbon fiber, Plastazote, leather, adhesives
Ethics & Practice
ABC code of ethics, scope of practice, HIPAA, SOAP documentation
How to Pass the COA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled (ABC-set)
- Exam length: 165 questions
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Exam fee: $240 exam
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
COA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of an ABC COA?
A Certified Orthotic Assistant works UNDER the supervision of an ABC-certified Orthotist (CO) or Prosthetist-Orthotist (CPO). The COA assists with patient assessment, fitting, modifications, and education for custom-fabricated and custom-fitted orthoses (AFO, KAFO, TLSO, etc.). The COA does NOT independently prescribe or design custom orthoses — that is the orthotist scope.
What are the gait cycle phases?
Stance phase 60%: initial contact (heel strike), loading response (foot flat), mid-stance, terminal stance, pre-swing (toe-off). Swing phase 40%: initial swing, mid-swing, terminal swing. Major orthotic concerns occur at heel strike (controlled drop foot via PLS AFO) and mid-stance (ankle stability).
When is a posterior leaf spring AFO indicated?
PLS AFO (posterior leaf spring) is the most common AFO design for drop foot from peroneal nerve injury or mild post-stroke hemiparesis. The flexible posterior strut allows dorsiflexion assist during swing while permitting some plantarflexion at heel strike. Not appropriate for patients needing medio-lateral stability or knee control — use solid AFO or articulated AFO instead.
How should I study for ABC COA?
Plan 60-100 hours over 8-12 weeks. Focus weighted study on Biomechanics (20%) and Orthotic Design (20%) — together 40% of the exam. Master the gait cycle, common orthoses by body region, polypropylene vacuum forming, and CVA/CP/SCI pathology. Hands-on practice with casting, plaster modification, and orthosis fitting reinforces written content.