COC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield COC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test measures which aspect of functional mobility? → Time to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit
2. Why is it important to educate patients on prosthetic care? → It ensures the patient knows how to properly use, maintain, and care for the prosthesis.
3. The ABC (American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics) requires practitioners to earn continuing education units (CEUs) to: → Maintain board certification and ensure ongoing competency
4. Which area of the transtibial residual limb is considered pressure tolerant? → Medial tibial flare
5. Negligence in a malpractice claim requires duty, breach, causation, and which fourth element? → Damages
6. Upper extremity prosthesis training typically progresses in which order? → Controls training → use training → activity-specific training
7. Transfemoral sockets are set in initial adduction mainly to: → Optimize hip abductor length and reduce lateral trunk lean
8. On a positive model for a patellar-tendon-bearing (PTB) socket, which area typically receives a buildup (relief)? → Fibular head
9. A transtibial prosthesis user shows excessive knee flexion immediately after heel strike. Which is a likely cause? → Heel cushion too firm
10. Why is it important to document orthotic and prosthetic care? → It helps track patient progress and ensures legal and regulatory compliance.
11. Thermoplastic materials used for custom orthotics are typically formed at temperatures between: → 150–180°F (65–82°C)
12. Which positioning instruction best prevents contracture in a patient with a new transtibial amputation? → Keep the knee extended and avoid pillows under the residual limb
13. An O&P practitioner's duty of care to a patient includes which of the following obligations? → Providing competent care consistent with accepted professional standards
14. What does the acronym PDAC stand for in the context of O&P billing? → Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding
15. Which structure provides the primary static restraint against anterior tibial translation in the knee? → Anterior cruciate ligament
16. Which nerve innervates the intrinsic muscles of the foot responsible for toe flexion? → Medial plantar nerve
17. Which of the following joints is considered the 'key link' in the kinetic chain for transferring force from the foot to the hip? → Knee joint
18. K-level classification is primarily used to determine prosthetic prescription by predicting: → Functional rehabilitation potential and activity level
19. In a transtibial amputation, which residual limb muscle imbalance is most common without surgical correction? → Plantarflexion contracture from gastrocnemius dominance
20. Why is clinical application important in orthotic and prosthetic care? → It ensures that the device functions well and meets the patient's needs.
21. Which bony landmark serves as the primary weight-bearing contact point of the calcaneus during standing? → Calcaneal tuberosity (medial and lateral processes)
22. A practitioner documents a fitting session two weeks after it occurred without indicating the entry is late. What is the main problem? → Late entries must be clearly labeled with the current date and identified as addenda
23. Which federal act establishes the foundation for protection against discrimination for patients with disabilities seeking O&P services? → Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
24. In an O&P practice, informed consent documentation should include which key elements? → Nature of proposed device, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient's right to refuse
25. An offset knee joint on a KAFO improves stance stability because the mechanical axis is placed: → Posterior to the anatomical knee axis
26. Why is patient education important during the prosthetic fitting process? → It ensures the patient can properly care for and maintain the prosthetic.
27. Creep in thermoplastic orthotic materials refers to: → Slow permanent deformation under sustained load over time
28. Vacuum-assisted socket suspension (VASS) improves suspension primarily by: → Creating negative pressure between the liner and socket wall
29. Prior authorization for a prosthetic device from Medicare is required primarily to: → Verify medical necessity and ensure reimbursement eligibility before fabrication
30. What role does CAD (Computer-Aided Design) play in prosthetic and orthotic design? → It helps create precise digital models for better accuracy and customization.