105+ Free OPC Orthotics Written Practice Questions

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OPC Prosthetics Written Certification Examination (Canada)

Practice Questions105 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: OPC Orthotics Written Exam

150 MCQs

Total multiple-choice questions on the orthotics written examination

OPC Certification Exam Handbook

3 hours

Time limit allowed to complete the online written exam

OPC Certification Exam Handbook

CAD $546.36

2026 written examination fee (excluding application fee)

OPC Fee Schedule

Criterion-referenced

No fixed pass percentage; scores are evaluated against a panel-set competency cut score

OPC Exam Scoring Guidelines

33%

Weighting of Treatment Implementation and Evaluation on the OPC orthotics written exam

OPC Examination Blueprint Report

100

Free practice questions in this bank

OpenExamPrep

The OPC Orthotics Written Exam is the mandatory written component for Certified Orthotist (CO) certification in Canada, administered on computer in 3 hours (150 questions). Per the OPC examination blueprint, the written exam covers five domains: Patient Assessment (28%), Treatment Planning (18%), Treatment Implementation and Evaluation (33%), Ongoing Treatment and Re-evaluation (18%), and Professional Practice (3%). The exam is criterion-referenced with a cut score set by expert panels. The 2026 exam fee is CAD $546.36 (plus CAD $169.74 application fee). This practice bank provides original multiple-choice questions aligned with Canadian orthotic clinical standards and biomechanics.

Sample OPC Orthotics Written Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your OPC Orthotics Written exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 105+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 6-year-old patient with an L4 level myelomeningocele presents for a gait assessment. During the physical exam, you note a 15-degree knee extension lag, 5 degrees of ankle dorsiflexion, and 3/5 strength in the tibialis anterior. During observational gait analysis, you observe excessive knee flexion during mid-stance. What is the primary biomechanical cause of this gait deviation?

A.Triceps surae spasticity causing premature heel rise and secondary knee flexion

B.Weakness of the quadriceps failing to prevent knee flexion coupled with insufficient plantarflexion-knee extension coupling

C.Ankle dorsiflexion contracture shifts the ground reaction force vector anterior to the knee joint center

D.Hip flexor spasticity leading to anterior pelvic tilt and compensatory hip and knee flexion

Explanation: At the L4 level of myelomeningocele, quadriceps strength is typically weak (around 3/5 to 4/5) and the plantarflexors are flaccid or severely weak (0/5 to 1/5). The lack of plantarflexor strength prevents the creation of a plantarflexion-knee extension couple, which normally stabilizes the knee during mid-to-terminal stance by keeping the ground reaction force vector anterior to the knee joint. This lack of distal stability, combined with quadriceps weakness, leads to excessive knee flexion.

2During the clinical examination of a patient with limited ankle dorsiflexion, you perform the Silfverskiöld test. You note that ankle dorsiflexion is limited to -5 degrees (plantarflexed) with the knee fully extended, but increases to 15 degrees of dorsiflexion when the knee is flexed to 90 degrees. How should you interpret these findings?

A.The patient has an isolated contracture of the soleus muscle.

B.The patient has an isolated contracture of the gastrocnemius muscle.

C.The patient has a bony block within the talocrural joint.

D.The patient has a combined contracture of both the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

Explanation: The Silfverskiöld test differentiates gastrocnemius tightness from soleus tightness by utilizing the biarticular nature of the gastrocnemius (which crosses both the knee and ankle) and the monoarticular nature of the soleus (which only crosses the ankle). When the knee is flexed, the gastrocnemius is slackened. An increase in dorsiflexion range of motion with knee flexion indicates that the gastrocnemius is the restricting structure.

3During observational gait analysis, you observe that a patient exhibits vaulting (premature plantarflexion) on the contralateral limb during the swing phase of the orthotic limb. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this deviation?

A.The orthosis is too short, causing a leg length discrepancy.

B.Inadequate clearance of the orthotic limb due to excessive dorsiflexion resistance or weakness of hip/knee flexors.

C.Contralateral hip abductor weakness causing Trendelenburg sign.

D.Excessive heel lift on the orthotic side.

Explanation: Vaulting is a compensatory mechanism where the patient increases plantarflexion on the contralateral (stance) limb to elevate the pelvis and assist with clearing the swing limb. This is typically done because the swing (orthotic) limb is functionally or structurally too long, often due to inadequate hip/knee flexion, weak dorsiflexors, or an orthosis with excessive plantarflexion/inadequate dorsiflexion clearance.

4You observe a patient demonstrating a Trendelenburg gait pattern. The patient's pelvis drops on the right side during the swing phase of the right leg. Which muscle group is weak, and on which side is the weakness located?

A.Left hip abductors (gluteus medius)

B.Right hip abductors (gluteus medius)

C.Left hip adductors

D.Right hip adductors

Explanation: A Trendelenburg gait is characterized by a pelvic drop on the swing side (contralateral side) due to weakness of the hip abductors (primarily gluteus medius) on the stance side (ipsilateral side). Since the pelvis drops on the right side during right swing, the left leg is in stance, meaning the left hip abductors are weak and failing to stabilize the pelvis.

5During a biomechanical assessment, a patient weighing 80 kg (approximately 800 N) is evaluated using a force plate. At 15% of the gait cycle (loading response), the ground reaction force (GRF) vector is equal to 800 N and is located 4 cm posterior to the knee joint axis in the sagittal plane. What is the magnitude and direction of the knee moment generated by this force?

A.32 Nm flexion moment

B.32 Nm extension moment

C.3.2 Nm flexion moment

D.3.2 Nm extension moment

Explanation: The joint moment is calculated by multiplying the force by the perpendicular distance (moment arm) from the joint center: Moment = Force × Distance. Here, Force = 800 N and Distance = 4 cm = 0.04 m. Moment = 800 N × 0.04 m = 32 Nm. Since the GRF vector passes posterior to the knee joint axis, it creates a flexion moment (tending to bend the knee).

6When performing Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) on a patient's tibialis anterior, you find that the patient can complete full range of motion in dorsiflexion in a gravity-eliminated position but cannot perform any dorsiflexion against gravity. What MMT grade should be documented?

A.Grade 1 (Trace)

B.Grade 2 (Poor)

C.Grade 3 (Fair)

D.Grade 4 (Good)

Explanation: Under standard Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) guidelines, Grade 2 (Poor) is defined as the ability to complete full range of motion in a gravity-eliminated position. Grade 3 (Fair) requires full range of motion against gravity with no resistance. Grade 1 (Trace) indicates muscle contraction is palpable or visible but no joint movement occurs.

7You perform the Thomas test on a patient. With the patient supine, they hug their left knee to their chest to flatten the lumbar lordosis. You observe that the patient's right thigh rises 15 degrees off the examination table. What does this clinical finding indicate?

A.Right hip abductor tightness

B.Right hip flexion contracture

C.Left hip flexion contracture

D.Right hamstring tightness

Explanation: The Thomas test is used to evaluate hip flexion contractures (iliopsoas or rectus femoris tightness). The patient lies supine and flexes one hip/knee to chest to stabilize the pelvis and flatten the lumbar spine. If the opposite thigh rises off the table, it indicates a hip flexion contracture on that extended side (in this case, the right side).

8A 9-year-old child with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy is referred to your clinic. According to their medical records, the child is classified as GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) Level III. What functional mobility characteristics are most representative of this classification?

A.The child can walk indoors and outdoors and climb stairs without limitations, but has difficulty with running and jumping.

B.The child walks using a hand-held mobility device (such as a walker or crutches) indoors and may use a wheeled mobility device for longer distances.

C.The child can walk without assistive devices but is limited in walking in community settings.

D.The child's voluntary motor control is severely limited, and they require a power wheelchair or dependent physical assistance in all settings.

Explanation: GMFCS Level III is defined by children walking using a hand-held mobility device in most indoor settings. They may climb stairs holding onto a railing with supervision or assistance, and they use wheeled mobility when traveling long distances or outdoors in the community. This distinguishes them from Level II (who walk without assistive devices but have community limitations) and Level IV (who require wheeled mobility in most settings).

9A diabetic patient presents with a warm, red, and swollen foot with no open ulcerations. They recall no history of trauma. Radiographs show osseous debris, joint subluxation, and fragmentation of the tarsal bones. According to the Eichenholtz classification of Charcot neuroarthropathy, what stage is this patient presenting with?

A.Stage 0 (At-risk / Pre-fragmentation)

B.Stage 1 (Development / Fragmentation)

C.Stage 2 (Coalescence)

D.Stage 3 (Reconstruction)

Explanation: Eichenholtz Stage 1 (Development/Fragmentation) is characterized clinically by acute inflammation (warmth, redness, swelling) and radiographically by bone fragmentation, joint subluxation/dislocation, and debris formation. This is the acute phase where active bone destruction occurs, necessitating immediate off-loading (e.g., Total Contact Cast or CROW) to prevent severe deformity.

10A patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is referred to your clinic. What classic sensory and motor clinical presentation would you expect to observe during your assessment?

A.Proximal muscle weakness and sensory loss in a dermatomal pattern

B.Symmetric distal muscle weakness and atrophy ('stork leg' appearance), cavovarus foot deformity, and stocking-glove sensory loss

C.Asymmetric spasticity, hyperreflexia, and foot drop with intact sensation

D.Flaccid paralysis of the lower limbs with complete sensory loss below the L2 level

Explanation: CMT is a hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (HMSN) characterized by symmetric distal muscle weakness and wasting (affecting intrinsic foot muscles, tibialis anterior, and peroneals first, leading to peroneal muscular atrophy or 'stork legs'). The imbalance between intrinsic and extrinsic muscles leads to a classic rigid cavovarus foot deformity (high arch, adducted forefoot, varus heel) accompanied by distal stocking-glove sensory loss.

About the OPC Orthotics Written Exam

The OPC Orthotics Written Certification Examination is the multiple-choice written component of the national certification process required to become a Certified Orthotist (CO) in Canada. Administered by Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC), the exam evaluates entry-to-practice clinical and technical competency. The written exam is a mandatory prerequisite for challenging the practical certification examination. It is a 3-hour computer-based exam consisting of approximately 150 multiple-choice questions with four options each. The exam is structured around five core practice domains: Patient Assessment (subjective and objective evaluation), Treatment Planning (biomechanical analysis and device design), Treatment Implementation and Evaluation (measuring, fitting, and aligning orthotic devices like AFOs, KAFOs, spinal, and upper limb orthoses), Ongoing Treatment and Re-evaluation (adjustments and follow-ups), and Professional Practice (ethics and record keeping). The exam is criterion-referenced with a psychometrically determined cut score.

Assessment

Computer-based written examination containing 150 multiple-choice questions. Questions test theoretical knowledge, clinical assessment, biomechanics, device design, and professional ethics.

Time Limit

3 hours (180 minutes)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced. Standards (cut scores) are established by panels of subject matter experts representing the minimum level of knowledge required to enter professional practice.

Exam Fee

CAD $546.36 plus CAD $169.74 application fee (Orthotics Prosthetics Canada (OPC))

OPC Orthotics Written Exam Content Outline

28%

Patient Assessment

Patient interviewing, history taking, review of pathological conditions, physical assessment (range of motion, muscle strength testing, joint laxity, gait analysis, sensation, and skin integrity).

18%

Treatment Planning

Formulating treatment goals, orthotic design selection (materials, components, joints), biomechanical leverage analysis, and consultation with the healthcare team.

33%

Treatment Implementation and Evaluation (Orthotics)

Measuring, casting, modifying, fabricating, and fitting of lower limb, upper limb, and spinal orthoses. Evaluating fit, alignment, weight-bearing, gait parameters, and structural integrity.

18%

Ongoing Treatment and Re-evaluation

Conducting follow-up evaluations, identifying mechanical or clinical wear issues, adjusting alignment, repairing components, and instructing patients/caregivers on usage.

Professional Practice

Adhering to the OPC Canons of Ethical Conduct, safety regulations, privacy legislation (PIPEDA), record-keeping protocols, and continuing education.

How to Pass the OPC Orthotics Written Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced. Standards (cut scores) are established by panels of subject matter experts representing the minimum level of knowledge required to enter professional practice.
Assessment: Computer-based written examination containing 150 multiple-choice questions. Questions test theoretical knowledge, clinical assessment, biomechanics, device design, and professional ethics.
Time limit: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Exam fee: CAD $546.36 plus CAD $169.74 application 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

OPC Orthotics Written Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study biomechanical principles: understand how mechanical forces and moments are applied using three-point pressure systems to control sagittal, frontal, and transverse plane deviations.

2Know material characteristics: review the properties of common plastics (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, copoly), metals (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium), and foams for fabrication.

3Understand clinical pathologies: review orthopedic and neurological conditions commonly treated with orthoses, such as cerebral palsy, stroke (foot drop), scoliosis, osteoarthritis, and diabetic neuropathy.

4Review casting and modification: understand land-marking, rectification processes for positive molds, and how modifications affect pressure distribution.

5Memorize the OPC Canons of Ethical Conduct: expect questions on patient consent, conflicts of interest, and professional boundaries.

6Familiarize yourself with spinal orthoses: know the trimlines, biomechanical controls, and indications for Boston braces, Charleston bending braces, TLSOs, and cervical collars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the OPC Orthotics Written Exam?

The exam is a proctored, computer-based written test containing approximately 150 multiple-choice questions, with 4 options each, to be completed in 3 hours.

Is the written exam a prerequisite for the practical exam?

Yes, candidates must successfully pass the OPC Orthotics Written Examination before they are eligible to apply for and challenge the corresponding Practical Examination.

What is the passing score for the OPC written exam?

OPC uses a criterion-referenced scoring system. A panel of subject matter experts determines a cut score representing minimum entry-level competence, so there is no fixed pass percentage.

How much does the OPC Orthotics Written Exam cost?

The written exam fee is CAD $546.36, plus a non-refundable application fee of CAD $169.74 (subject to annual updates).

What areas are tested on the Orthotics Written Exam?

It tests five practice domains per the OPC examination blueprint: Patient Assessment (28%), Treatment Planning (18%), Treatment Implementation and Evaluation (33%), Ongoing Treatment and Re-evaluation (18%), and Professional Practice (3%).