C.Ped study guide
C.Ped · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Pedorthist (C.Ped) credential is issued by the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC), which describes itself as "the national certifying and accrediting body for the orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professions since 1948." Pedorthists work with footwear and foot orthoses - assessing the foot and lower limb, designing and modifying therapeutic footwear, and following patients over time. The certification exam is built around the pedorthic care cycle: patient assessment, formulation of a treatment plan, implementation of that plan, follow-up and maintenance, and practice management with professional responsibility. The C.Ped study guide has 5 sections and about 1,233 words.
01Patient Assessment
Start with the chief complaint and the patient's goals, then build a structured history: onset, duration, progression, prior devices, surgeries, medications, systemic disease, occupation, and activity. Inspect both feet and both shoes.
267 words, about 1 min02Formulation of the Treatment Plan
Convert assessment findings into a problem list and measurable goals: protect skin, reduce pain, improve fit, stabilize gait, accommodate deformity, or maintain activity. Decide whether the problem is fixed or flexible.
246 words, about 1 min03Implementation of the Treatment Plan
Implementation turns the plan into a safe, wearable device. Capture the foot with the method your training and the device require, such as casting, scanning, or measurement, and record weight-bearing status, socks, and time of day.
253 words, about 1 min04Follow-Up and Maintenance
Follow-up confirms that the device still meets the plan. Set intervals based on risk: sooner for neuropathy, diabetes, vascular disease, fragile skin, new device, or changed activity; longer for stable, low-risk patients.
243 words, about 1 min05Practice Management and Professional Responsibility
Practice management rests on scope of practice, informed consent, accurate documentation, privacy, infection control, and ethical billing. Know what your credential and state law allow; refer for diagnosis, wound care, surgery, or vascular evaluation when needed.
224 words, about 1 min