100+ Free CTO Practice Questions
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Documentation of fabrication work (materials used, modifications made, joint settings) is important because it:
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Key Facts: CTO Exam
125
Total Items
ABC CTO
2.5 hrs
Exam Time
ABC
$240
Exam Fee
ABC (+$135 application)
2 yrs
Fab Experience
OR approved tech program
ABC CTO is the orthotic fabrication technician credential. 125 items, 2.5 hours, $240 exam fee. Master polypropylene vacuum forming (~350-385°F), lamination layup with carbon fiber/Dacron, plaster positive modification (build up for relief, narrow for compression), AFO design types (PLS/solid/articulated), CAD/CAM workflow, and OSHA shop safety (respirator, LEV, dust collection).
Sample CTO Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CTO exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1Which bone serves as the primary weight-bearing structure of the lower leg and is the main reference for AFO trim lines on the medial side?
2The malleoli are bony prominences that typically require relief in an AFO. The lateral malleolus is part of which bone?
3Which joint allows dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the foot and is the primary motion controlled by an articulated AFO?
4Which muscle group is the primary dorsiflexor of the foot and, when weak, often indicates the need for a posterior leaf spring AFO?
5The patella is a sesamoid bone embedded in which tendon, an important landmark for KAFO suprapatellar trim lines?
6When fabricating a TLSO, the iliac crest is a critical landmark because it provides:
7The fibular head is a bony prominence that requires relief on a KAFO positive mold primarily because it overlies which structure?
8Which arch of the foot must be supported in a custom foot orthosis built into an AFO footplate?
9The cervical spine consists of how many vertebrae, an important reference for cervical orthosis trim lines?
10The greater trochanter is a key landmark when fabricating an HKAFO because it indicates the approximate location of the:
About the CTO Exam
ABC technician-level orthotic FABRICATION credential. Focused on shop-floor fabrication: vacuum forming, lamination, plaster modification, CAD/CAM, machine/tool safety, materials properties, orthotic design types (AFO, KAFO, HKAFO, TLSO, cervical), basic anatomy, and ABC ethics for technicians.
Questions
125 scored questions
Time Limit
2.5 hours
Passing Score
Scaled (ABC-set)
Exam Fee
$240 exam (ABC)
CTO Exam Content Outline
Fabrication Techniques
Vacuum forming, lamination, thermoforming, plaster modification, CAD/CAM
Materials Properties
Polypropylene, polyethylene, copolymer, carbon fiber, foams, leather
Orthotic Design Types
AFO (PLS, solid, articulated), KAFO, HKAFO, TLSO, cervical
Machine, Tool & Safety
Sanders, ovens, vacuum systems, OSHA, PPE, dust collection LEV
Basic Anatomy
Bones, joints, muscles relevant to orthotic fabrication
Ethics & Quality
ABC ethics, QA, modifications, documentation, communication with practitioner
Medical Terminology
Anatomical planes, prefixes/suffixes, condition terminology
How to Pass the CTO Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled (ABC-set)
- Exam length: 125 questions
- Time limit: 2.5 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
CTO Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical vacuum forming temperature for polypropylene?
Polypropylene (the most common AFO plastic) vacuum-forms at approximately 350-385°F (177-196°C). The plastic should sag uniformly and become translucent when ready. Overheating causes degradation and brittleness; underheating prevents proper draping. Use convection or radiant ovens with thermometer monitoring. Polyethylene forms at lower temperatures (~325-350°F).
How do you modify a plaster positive mold?
Plaster modification is critical to fit and pressure relief. BUILD UP areas requiring pressure relief (over bony prominences like medial malleolus, fibular head, ASIS, sacrum) — adds ~3-5 mm of clearance. NARROW areas requiring compression (over soft tissue contours). Use plaster, surform/rasp tools, and final sanding. Always communicate modifications with the prescribing orthotist for QA.
What PPE is required in the O&P fabrication shop?
OSHA-required PPE includes: respirator (N95 minimum for grinding dust; organic vapor cartridge for resin lamination); safety glasses + face shield for grinding; hearing protection for routers/sanders >85 dB; gloves (nitrile for resin, leather for sanding/grinding). Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at sanding/forming stations. Lockout-tagout for machine maintenance.
How should I study for ABC CTO?
Plan 50-80 hours over 6-10 weeks. Focus weighted study on Fabrication Techniques (25%) and Materials Properties (20%) — together 45% of the exam. Master vacuum forming temperatures, lamination layups, plaster modification rules, CAD/CAM workflow, and OSHA shop safety. Hands-on shop time is essential — read while doing.