About 3,200 orthotists and prosthetists in the United States have demonstrated their competence in these areas by meeting the standards set by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC). ABC grants three credentials:

	CO		Certified Orthotist
	CP		Certified Prosthetist
	CPO		Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist

Educational Requirements
The educational requirements for ABC certification are the only orthotic and prosthetic educational standards recognized by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Credentialing Requirements
In order to become certified by ABC, a practitioner must have a bachelor's degree in O & P or a Bachelor of Science degree and a one-year postgraduate education certificate in O & P.

In addition, candidates must pass a rigorous written examination, written simulation and a three-day clinical examination, all of which are designed to evaluate their abilities. Every five years, certified practitioners renew their credentials by meeting continuing education requirements, through which they demonstrate their knowledge of the latest developments in technology and patient management.

Because the standards set by ABC demonstrate competence, physicians have historically referred their patients to ABC-certified orthotists and prosthetists. Many state and federal agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, also require service provision by ABC-certified practitioners.

Areas of Competency
ABC certification aims to ensure that a practitioner has demonstrated competency in the following areas:

	Clinical Assessment
	Patient Management
	Technical Implementation
	Practice Management
	Professional Responsibility