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100+ Free CPA Practice Questions

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Question 1
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Lamination of a definitive socket commonly uses which reinforcement?

A
B
C
D
to track
2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CPA Exam

165

Total Items

ABC CPA

3 hrs

Exam Time

ABC

$240

Exam Fee

ABC (+$135 application)

500 hrs

Clinical Required

Prosthetic supervised

ABC CPA is the assistant-level prosthetic credential. 165 items, 3 hours, $240 exam fee. Master amputation levels (TT BK / TF AK / Syme), K0-K4 Medicare functional levels, socket designs (TSB, PTB, ischial containment), suspension types (suction, pin lock with silicone liner), knee unit hierarchy (single-axis → polycentric → microprocessor C-Leg/Genium), and energy expenditure (TT 9-25%, TF 65-100%).

Sample CPA Practice Questions

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

1Which abbreviation refers to a below-knee amputation level?
A.TF
B.TT
C.KD
D.HD
Explanation: TT stands for transtibial, the formal term for a below-knee (BK) amputation, performed through the tibia and fibula.
2A partial foot amputation through the tarsometatarsal joints is called what?
A.Chopart amputation
B.Lisfranc amputation
C.Syme amputation
D.Pirogoff amputation
Explanation: The Lisfranc amputation is performed through the tarsometatarsal joints, removing all metatarsals and toes while preserving the tarsus.
3The primary blood supply to the lower extremity below the inguinal ligament originates from which artery?
A.External iliac artery
B.Internal iliac artery
C.Common femoral artery
D.Profunda femoris artery
Explanation: The external iliac becomes the common femoral artery as it crosses beneath the inguinal ligament; the common femoral is the main supply to the lower limb.
4Which dermatome covers the medial aspect of the leg below the knee?
A.L2
B.L4
C.S1
D.S2
Explanation: The L4 dermatome covers the medial leg and medial malleolus, an important reference for transtibial residual limb sensation testing.
5Which muscle, when severed at transtibial level, contributes most to the bulbous distal end of the residual limb when myodesis is performed?
A.Tibialis anterior
B.Gastrocnemius
C.Peroneus longus
D.Soleus
Explanation: The gastrocnemius is brought distally and anchored over the tibia in myodesis or myoplasty, providing the soft-tissue distal pad.
6Which bony landmark is used as a primary weight-bearing structure in the patellar tendon bearing (PTB) socket?
A.Tibial tubercle
B.Patellar tendon between patella and tibial tubercle
C.Medial tibial flare
D.Fibular head
Explanation: The PTB socket loads the patellar tendon (the soft band between the inferior patella and tibial tubercle), which tolerates pressure well.
7Which structure must be relieved in a transtibial socket to prevent peroneal nerve compression?
A.Tibial crest
B.Fibular head
C.Hamstring tendons
D.Anterior distal tibia
Explanation: The common peroneal (fibular) nerve wraps around the fibular head and is vulnerable to compression, causing foot-drop-like symptoms or numbness.
8The ischial tuberosity is the primary weight-bearing structure in which socket design?
A.PTB transtibial
B.Quadrilateral transfemoral
C.Symes
D.Hip disarticulation Canadian
Explanation: The classic quadrilateral transfemoral socket loads the ischial tuberosity on a posterior shelf as the primary weight-bearing structure.
9Which muscle is most affected in a transfemoral amputation, leading to typical abductor weakness and Trendelenburg-type gait?
A.Iliopsoas
B.Gluteus medius
C.Adductor magnus
D.Rectus femoris
Explanation: The adductor magnus is largely transected in transfemoral amputation, weakening the adduction moment and contributing to lateral trunk lean and abductor imbalance.
10Which bone forms the distal weight-bearing surface in a Syme's amputation?
A.Calcaneus
B.Talus
C.Distal tibia and fibula
D.Navicular
Explanation: Syme's is an ankle disarticulation; the distal tibia and fibula are squared off, and the heel pad is rotated underneath as the weight-bearing surface.

About the CPA Exam

ABC assistant-level prosthetic credential — supports a CP/CPO with residual limb assessment, socket fitting, suspension fitting, alignment checks, and patient education. Covers anatomy and amputation levels (TT, TF, Syme, knee/hip disart), prosthetic biomechanics and gait, K-level functional classification, sockets/suspension/knees/feet components, microprocessor knees (C-Leg/Genium), pathology (vascular vs trauma vs cancer amputation), and ABC ethics/scope.

Questions

165 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Scaled (ABC-set)

Exam Fee

$240 exam (ABC)

CPA Exam Content Outline

25%

Prosthetic Design & Components

Sockets (TSB, PTB, ischial containment), suspension, knees, feet, alignment hardware

20%

Biomechanics & Gait

Prosthetic gait, ground reaction force, gait deviations (whips, vaulting, circumduction)

15%

Anatomy & Residual Limb

Amputation levels TT/TF/Syme/Lisfranc, residual limb anatomy, vascular

15%

Prosthetic Assessment

Patient assessment, K-levels (K0-K4), residual limb, fit evaluation

10%

Pathology & Amputation Etiology

Vascular (most common), trauma, cancer, congenital, peds, stump care

10%

Materials & Fabrication

Silicone liners, lamination, foams, sock plies (~1mm/ply)

5%

Ethics & Practice

ABC code of ethics, scope, HIPAA, SOAP documentation

How to Pass the CPA 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

CPA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master Medicare K-levels K0-K4 — drives prosthetic component selection
2Memorize energy expenditure: TT 9-25%, TF 65-100% above baseline ambulation
3Drill suspension types: suction, pin-lock with silicone liner, lanyard, supracondylar (TT)
4Know knee unit hierarchy: single-axis < polycentric 4-bar < hydraulic < microprocessor (C-Leg/Genium)
5Apply ABC scope: assistants ASSIST, do not independently prescribe or fabricate

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Medicare K-levels?

K-levels (K0-K4) are Medicare functional classification levels for lower-limb prosthetic prescription. K0: no ambulation potential — wheelchair only. K1: household ambulator (fixed cadence). K2: limited community ambulator (uneven surfaces, low obstacles). K3: community ambulator with cadence variation, exceeds basic ambulation. K4: high-impact, athletic — child, athlete. Microprocessor knees (C-Leg, Genium) generally require K3+ for coverage.

What is the energy expenditure of TT vs TF amputation?

Energy cost above baseline ambulation: transtibial (TT, below-knee) ~9-25%; transfemoral (TF, above-knee) ~65-100%; bilateral TF can exceed 200%. This is why preserving the knee joint (TT amputation) when vascularly possible dramatically improves functional outcomes vs TF amputation.

How do silicone liners suspend a prosthesis?

Silicone liners roll onto the residual limb providing a soft interface. Suspension options: pin-lock (distal pin engages locking mechanism in socket), suction (one-way valve creates negative pressure on doffing), lanyard (cable attaches liner to socket), or sleeve. Silicone liners are durable and provide better skin protection than older Pelite/EVA liners but require more maintenance.

How should I study for ABC CPA?

Plan 60-100 hours over 8-12 weeks. Focus weighted study on Prosthetic Components (25%) and Biomechanics/Gait (20%). Master amputation levels and K-levels, socket designs, suspension options, knee unit hierarchy, and TT vs TF energy expenditure. Hands-on practice with socket modification, alignment, and gait observation reinforces written content.