100+ Free ABC CP Practice Questions

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Question 1

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During an initial patient assessment, which finding would most strongly indicate the need for a transtibial prosthesis rather than a knee disarticulation prosthesis?

Amputation through the tibia with at least 5 cm of residual limb below the knee

Amputation at the level of the femoral condyles with intact patella

Amputation through the knee joint with full condylar preservation

Amputation through the distal femur with partial condylar loss

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ABC CP Exam

200

Written Exam Questions

ABC Practitioner Candidate Guide

3.5 hrs

Exam Time

ABC Practitioner Candidate Guide

3 exams

Required for CP

ABC (Written + Simulation + CPM)

$1,725

Total Exam Fees

ABC Fee Schedule

12 mo

Residency Requirement

NCOPE

11%

Job Growth (2024-2034)

BLS Orthotists & Prosthetists

ABC lists the Prosthetist Orthotist Written Exam as a 200-question, 3.5-hour multiple-choice exam. The prosthetics portion covers 47% of the combined exam. ABC lists a $250 application fee and $300 written exam fee. Additional simulation ($300) and CPM ($775) exams are required for full CP certification. Exams are offered at 350+ Prometric locations or online with remote proctoring.

Sample ABC CP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ABC CP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During an initial patient assessment, which finding would most strongly indicate the need for a transtibial prosthesis rather than a knee disarticulation prosthesis?

A.Amputation through the tibia with at least 5 cm of residual limb below the knee

B.Amputation at the level of the femoral condyles with intact patella

C.Amputation through the knee joint with full condylar preservation

D.Amputation through the distal femur with partial condylar loss

Explanation: A transtibial prosthesis is indicated when the amputation occurs through the tibia, preserving the knee joint. At least 5 cm of residual limb below the knee is generally needed for adequate prosthetic fitting. Amputations at or through the knee joint are classified as knee disarticulations, while those through the distal femur are transfemoral amputations.

2When assessing a patient with a new transfemoral amputation, which muscle group is most important to evaluate for potential hip flexion contracture?

A.Quadriceps femoris

B.Iliopsoas

C.Gluteus maximus

D.Tensor fasciae latae

Explanation: The iliopsoas is the primary hip flexor and is the most important muscle to evaluate for hip flexion contracture in transfemoral amputees. A hip flexion contracture is one of the most common complications following transfemoral amputation and directly affects prosthetic alignment, socket design, and gait. The Thomas test is commonly used to assess for this contracture.

3A patient presents with a Syme amputation. What is the most distinctive characteristic of this amputation level?

A.The amputation is through the midfoot at the tarsometatarsal joints

B.The ankle is disarticulated with preservation of the calcaneal fat pad

C.The amputation is through the metatarsal shafts

D.The tibia is transected at the distal third with fibula removal

Explanation: A Syme amputation is an ankle disarticulation that preserves the calcaneal fat pad, which is secured to the distal end of the tibia. This weight-bearing fat pad allows for limited end-bearing capability. The Syme level provides a longer lever arm than a transtibial amputation and can allow for limited household ambulation without a prosthesis.

4During residual limb assessment, the prosthetist notes significant tissue redundancy and a cylindrical shape in a transtibial residual limb. What is the most appropriate initial recommendation?

A.Immediate definitive prosthetic fitting

B.A rigid removable dressing and limb shrinker program

C.Surgical revision to reduce tissue bulk

D.Fitting with an oversized socket to accommodate the volume

Explanation: A rigid removable dressing (RRD) and elastic limb shrinker program is the most appropriate initial approach for managing tissue redundancy and a cylindrical-shaped residual limb. These interventions help control edema, shape the residual limb into a more conical form, and reduce volume in preparation for prosthetic fitting. Premature definitive fitting or oversized sockets would not address the underlying issue.

5Which vascular assessment finding is most indicative of adequate perfusion for successful wound healing at a transtibial amputation level?

A.Ankle-brachial index (ABI) of 0.4

B.Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) greater than 40 mmHg

C.Absence of palpable dorsalis pedis pulse

D.Capillary refill time of 6 seconds

Explanation: A transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) greater than 40 mmHg at the proposed amputation level is generally considered indicative of adequate tissue perfusion for wound healing. TcPO2 is one of the most reliable noninvasive predictors of healing potential. Values below 20 mmHg suggest poor healing potential, while values above 40 mmHg are associated with a high likelihood of primary wound healing.

6What is the primary purpose of performing manual muscle testing on the residual limb muscles of a new amputee?

A.To determine the patient's insurance coverage level

B.To establish baseline strength for rehabilitation planning and prosthetic component selection

C.To decide which brand of prosthetic components to use

D.To calculate the exact socket dimensions

Explanation: Manual muscle testing establishes baseline strength values that guide rehabilitation planning, exercise prescription, and prosthetic component selection. Knowing the strength of hip extensors, abductors, and flexors in transfemoral amputees, or knee extensors and flexors in transtibial amputees, directly influences the choice of componentry and the expected functional outcome level.

7A prosthetist is evaluating a patient with bilateral transfemoral amputations. Which additional assessment factor becomes critically important compared to a unilateral transfemoral amputee?

A.Residual limb skin condition

B.Cardiovascular endurance and energy expenditure capacity

C.Socket material preference

D.Cosmetic appearance goals

Explanation: Cardiovascular endurance and energy expenditure capacity become critically important in bilateral transfemoral amputees because energy costs increase dramatically — often 200% or more above normal walking. The metabolic demands of walking with bilateral transfemoral prostheses can exceed the cardiovascular capacity of many patients, particularly those with dysvascular etiologies. This assessment directly influences whether the patient is a candidate for ambulation with prostheses.

8Which K-level classification describes a patient who has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence, including community ambulation and vocational or exercise activities beyond simple locomotion?

A.K0

B.K1

C.K2

D.K3

Explanation: K3 describes a community ambulator who has the ability or potential for ambulation with variable cadence. K3 patients can navigate most environmental barriers and may engage in vocational, therapeutic, or exercise activities that demand prosthetic use beyond simple locomotion. This classification is important for justifying higher-level prosthetic components such as microprocessor knees and energy-storing feet.

9When assessing a pediatric patient with a congenital limb deficiency, which consideration is LEAST important for the initial prosthetic assessment?

A.Growth potential and need for frequent prosthetic modifications

B.Developmental milestones and age-appropriate activities

C.The patient's retirement planning needs

D.Family support and psychosocial adjustment

Explanation: Retirement planning is completely irrelevant for a pediatric prosthetic assessment. The critical considerations for pediatric patients include growth potential (requiring frequent socket replacements and component changes), developmental milestones that influence timing and type of prosthetic fitting, and family support systems that affect compliance and psychosocial adjustment.

10A patient with a transtibial amputation reports phantom limb pain characterized by burning and electric shock-like sensations. Which assessment approach is most appropriate?

A.Ignore the complaint as phantom pain always resolves on its own

B.Use a standardized pain scale and document the type, frequency, intensity, and duration of phantom sensations

C.Immediately refer for surgical neuroma excision

D.Delay prosthetic fitting indefinitely until all phantom pain resolves

Explanation: Using a standardized pain scale and thoroughly documenting the phantom pain characteristics (type, frequency, intensity, duration, and aggravating/alleviating factors) is the most appropriate assessment approach. This documentation guides treatment decisions, which may include mirror therapy, desensitization techniques, TENS, medication management, and prosthetic fitting. Phantom pain is common and manageable but should not be dismissed or automatically treated surgically.

About the ABC CP Exam

The ABC Certified Prosthetist (CP) credential is the gold-standard certification for prosthetics practitioners in the United States. The written exam assesses knowledge of patient management including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, disease processes, pathologies, prescription criteria, material science, ethics, and professionalism across prosthetic practice.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

3.5 hours

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced (set by expert panel)

Exam Fee

$550 (written exam application + exam fee) (ABC (American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics))

ABC CP Exam Content Outline

22%

Patient Assessment

Comprehensive clinical evaluation including patient history, physical examination, functional baseline assessment, and understanding prosthetic needs and goals

16%

Formulation of the Treatment Plan

Analyzing patient evaluation data to create a comprehensive prosthetic treatment plan addressing needs, goals, and expectations

31%

Implementation of the Treatment Plan

Performing or directing all procedures necessary for prosthetic treatment including fabrication, fitting, alignment, and delivery

18%

Follow-up to the Treatment Plan

Periodic follow-up care to assess ongoing patient needs, prosthetic function, and adjustment requirements

13%

Practice Management

Policies and procedures regarding human resources, business practices, regulatory requirements, documentation, and organizational management

How to Pass the ABC CP Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced (set by expert panel)
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: 3.5 hours
Exam fee: $550 (written exam application + exam fee)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ABC CP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on Implementation of the Treatment Plan (31% of prosthetic content): socket design, fabrication, fitting, and alignment are the largest tested domain

2Master transtibial and transfemoral prosthetics thoroughly, as these represent over 80% of prosthetic practice areas according to ABC's practice analysis

3Study gait deviations systematically: learn to identify causes and corrections for common transtibial and transfemoral gait problems

4Review biomechanics and kinesiology as foundational knowledge that spans all five exam domains

5Practice clinical reasoning scenarios that integrate patient assessment, treatment planning, and follow-up decision-making

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the ABC CP written exam?

The Prosthetist Orthotist Written Exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions administered over 3.5 hours. The prosthetics portion covers approximately 47% of the combined exam content.

What score do I need to pass the ABC CP written exam?

ABC uses a criterion-referenced passing score determined by a geographically diverse panel of certified practitioners. The exact passing score is not publicly disclosed, as it is set to ensure all passing candidates demonstrate minimally competent practice.

How much does it cost to become an ABC Certified Prosthetist?

The full CP certification costs approximately $1,725 in exam fees: $250 written exam application, $300 written exam fee, $100 simulation/CPM application, $300 simulation exam fee, and $775 CPM exam fee. Annual renewal is $330.

What are the prerequisites for the ABC CP exam?

You need a master's degree in orthotics and prosthetics from a CAAHEP-accredited program plus completion of a 12-month NCOPE-accredited prosthetic residency program. Graduates may take the written exam prior to starting residency.

What exams are required for ABC CP certification?

CP certification requires passing three exams: the Prosthetist Orthotist Written Exam (200 questions, multiple-choice), the Prosthetic Simulation Exam (practical assessment), and the Prosthetic Clinical Patient Management (CPM) Exam (hands-on practical at the ABC Testing Center in Tampa, FL).

When are ABC CP exams offered in 2026?

ABC offers multiple exam cycles in 2026: April, June, August, October, and November-December windows. Application deadlines are typically two months before the exam cycle. CPM exams are held at the ABC Testing Center in Tampa, Florida.

Is ABC transitioning to dual-discipline-only exams?

Yes. ABC is transitioning to dual-discipline-only practitioner exams. The first dual-discipline Simulation Exam will be administered in April 2027, and the first dual-discipline CPM Exam in May 2027. Current single-discipline pathways remain available through 2026.