Orthotic and Prosthetic Technicians

Certification or Licensing

There are presently no licensing requirements for orthotic and prosthetic technicians. There is, however, a certification program offered by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (commonly called ABC). Candidates must have a minimum of a high school diploma and must have completed either the two-year supervised on-the-job training program or a one- or two-year program of formal instruction in an NCOPE-accredited institution. In addition, all candidates must pass an examination administered by ABC. Depending on their area of concentration, technicians who pass the examination are designated as certified orthotic technician, certified prosthetic technician, or certified orthotic-prosthetic technician. To maintain registration, a technician must complete a certain number of ABC-approved professional continuing education credits every five years.