By using this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. To find out more visit our privacy policy.
All questions on the exam relate to the competencies outlined in "Description of Specialty Practice: Orthopaedic Physical Therapy."
The specialist examination for board certification in orthopaedic physical therapy is based on the major competency areas listed below. Each competency area is subdivided into specific objectives in Chapter 2 of the DSP. The percentage of the exam devoted to each of these areas is outlined below. These percentages are based on survey responses from board-certified orthopaedic clinical specialists and members of the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy who are not certified specialists, as well as the opinions of a group of subject matter experts. Each question in the item bank is categorized according to the competency area, and when the test is constructed the question distribution on the exam approximately reflects these percentages.
Outline Summary
A. Human Anatomy and Physiology (10%)
B. Movement Science (10%)
C. Pathology/Pathophysiology/Pain Science (10%)
D. Medical/Surgical Interventions (10%)
E. Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and Practice (10%)
F. Critical Inquiry for Evidence Based Practice (10%)
1. Other Professional Roles/Responsibilities/Values
G. Examination/Evaluation/Diagnosis (20%)
H. Prognosis/Interventions/Outcomes (20%)
TOTAL 100%
The following chart reflects current orthopaedic clinical specialist practice based on survey responses. The Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist Examination will reflect these approximate percentages.
A. Head/Maxillofacial/Craniomandibular (3%)
B. Cervical Spine (13%)
C. Thoracic Spine/Ribs (6%)
D. Lumbar Spine (20%)
E. Pelvis/Sacroiliac/Coccyx/Abdomen (7%)
F. Shoulder/Shoulder Girdle (15%)
G. Arm/Elbow (4%)
H. Wrist/Hand (4%)
I. Hip (7%)
J. Thigh/Knee (12%)
K. Leg/Ankle/Foot (9%)
TOTAL 100%