ABC CPO study materials
ABC CPO study resources

ABC CPO study plan

ABC CPO · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Prosthetics

  • Define and distinguish the major categories of upper- and lower-limb prostheses by level of amputation

  • Label the componentry of a transtibial prosthesis (socket, suspension, pylon, foot) and state the function of each

  • Explain socket design principles including total-surface-bearing and patellar-tendon-bearing concepts in your own words

  • Build a one-page terminology glossary covering at least 25 prosthetic terms

Your checkpoint

Completed 25-term prosthetic glossary plus a labeled component diagram of a transtibial prosthesis

Week 2

Prosthetics

  • Compare suspension mechanisms (pin, suction, vacuum, sleeve, belt) and list indications and contraindications for each

  • Differentiate prosthetic feet and knees by mechanical function and match each to a described patient profile

  • Explain the roles of the prosthetist, physician, therapist, and CPO in the care team

  • Practice 20 board-style prosthetic componentry questions and log every missed concept

Your checkpoint

A comparison table of at least 6 suspension systems and 6 feet/knee units with matched patient scenarios

Week 3

Prosthetics

  • Describe the prosthetic fitting and evaluation sequence from initial assessment through delivery

  • Identify common prosthetic complications and propose a fitting or alignment adjustment for each

  • Interpret residual-limb assessment findings and translate them into socket design decisions

  • Write short explanations for why specific alignment changes alter gait

Your checkpoint

A troubleshooting matrix listing at least 8 prosthetic problems with probable cause and corrective action

Week 4

Prosthetics & Orthotics

  • Summarize upper-limb prosthetic options and body-powered versus myoelectric control tradeoffs

  • Define foundational orthotic terminology and the biomechanical principles underlying orthotic intervention

  • Map the anatomic and functional differences between prosthetic and orthotic patient assessment

  • Complete a timed 40-question mixed prosthetic/orthotic practice set

Your checkpoint

A scored 40-question practice exam with a written error analysis for each miss

Week 5

Orthotics

  • Classify lower-limb orthoses (AFO, KAFO, HKAFO, foot orthoses) by design, function, and typical indication

  • Explain the biomechanics of ankle-foot orthosis function in swing and stance phases

  • Compare orthotic materials and fabrication methods and state tradeoffs in weight, durability, and cost

  • Describe the orthotic measurement, casting, and modification workflow

Your checkpoint

A classification chart of at least 10 lower-limb orthoses with indication and mechanical principle for each

Week 6

Orthotics

  • Classify upper-limb and spinal orthoses by design and function

  • Match orthotic designs to described conditions such as foot drop, knee instability, scoliosis, and wrist drop

  • Identify common orthotic fitting problems and select appropriate adjustments

  • Explain how orthotic alignment and trim lines affect patient comfort and function

Your checkpoint

A condition-to-orthosis matching worksheet of at least 15 scenarios with rationale for each selection

Week 7

Prosthetics & Orthotics

  • Integrate prosthetic and orthotic decision-making for patients who cross both domains

  • Review and re-drill every missed concept logged in weeks 1 through 6

  • Practice 60 mixed board-style questions under timed conditions

  • Refine personal study notes into concise high-yield summary sheets for both domains

Your checkpoint

A timed 60-question mixed practice exam scoring at or above 75 percent

Week 8

Prosthetics & Orthotics

  • Complete two full-length timed mock exams and review all rationales

  • Recite high-yield facts for both domains without notes

  • Target the three weakest concepts from prior error logs with focused re-study

  • Finalize a pre-exam review sheet covering both domains

Your checkpoint

Two completed full-length mock exams with error logs and a final one-page high-yield review sheet

Milestones

Week 2: Score at least 70 percent on a 20-question prosthetic componentry self-quiz

Week 4: Complete the 40-question mixed practice set and document an error analysis for every miss

Week 6: Correctly match at least 12 of 15 conditions to orthoses on the week 6 worksheet

Week 7: Score at least 75 percent on the timed 60-question mixed practice exam

Week 8: Score at least 80 percent on both full-length mock exams