Physical therapists seeking board certification through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties take the Orthopedic Certified Specialist examination. This page outlines the administration schedule, registration costs, and scoring criteria established by the credentialing board. Candidates can review sample questions, evaluate clinical reasoning behind each option, and access focused practice sets covering musculoskeletal examination, interventions, and rehabilitation to prepare for the testing session.
The OCS has 200 questions and takes about 7 hours[1] (American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, verified Oct 25, 2026).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 200 multiple-choice items (50 per 90-minute block)[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Time limit | 7 hours (tutorial + four 90-minute blocks + optional breaks)[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 500[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Application review (member)) | $550 (APTA member); $650 after Early Bird deadline[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Application review (nonmember)) | $895 (non-member); $995 after Early Bird deadline[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Examination (member)) | $810 (APTA member)[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee (Examination (nonmember)) | $1,535 (non-member)[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake fee | $190 reapplication fee + current exam fee ($810 member / $1,535 nonmember)[2] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Retake policy | File active for 2 consecutive administrations; reapply by Aug 31, 2026[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Validity | 10 years[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delivery | Computer-based at PSI test centers worldwide[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Score release | By June 30[2] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Late registration deadline | Exam fee due Nov 30, 2026[1] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Testing window (2027 Spring) | Feb 24 – Mar 17, 2027[3] | American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties · Oct 25, 2026 |
According to American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, “There are 200 items on the exam, consisting of 50 questions in each 90-minute time block.”[1]
The Orthopedic Certified Specialist credential from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties recognizes advanced clinical knowledge in orthopedic physical therapy. The test is computer-based at PSI test centers worldwide, with the Spring testing window running from Feb 24 – Mar 17, 2027. The appointment spans 7 hours, consisting of a tutorial, four 90-minute blocks, and optional breaks. Candidates answer 200 multiple-choice items, arranged as 50 questions in each 90-minute block.
Passing requires a scaled score of 500. Results are released by June 30, and certification remains valid for 10 years. Initial application review fees are $550 for APTA members ($650 after the Early Bird deadline) and $895 for non-members ($995 after the Early Bird deadline). The examination fee is $810 for members and $1,535 for non-members, due Nov 30, 2026.
Candidates who need to retake the test keep their file active for 2 consecutive exam administrations, with reapplication due by Aug 31, 2026. The reapplication fee is $190 in addition to the examination fee ($810 member / $1,535 nonmember). Specific clinical practice prerequisites and state licensing requirements can vary, so candidates should verify individual eligibility through the official ABPTS candidate guide.
Prepare for the OCS - Orthopedic Certified Specialist exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: During a lumbar spine assessment, a patient has a positive slump test that is relieved by cervical extension. What does this finding indicate?
Answer: A. Neural tissue mechanosensitivity
Explanation:
Option A is correct because the slump test places tension on the continuous neuromeningeal tract. When cervical extension relieves lumbar or lower limb symptoms, changing tension at a distant site confirms neural tissue mechanosensitivity rather than local musculoskeletal tightness. Option B is incorrect because facet joints do not undergo altered mechanical strain when the neck moves into extension during sitting. Option C is incorrect because piriformis syndrome involves sciatic nerve entrapment at the deep gluteal space, which is not specifically sensitized or relieved through isolated cervical movements. Option D is incorrect because the seated slump position places the hip in flexion, leaving the hip flexors slack. The general rule to remember is that structural differentiation, where adjusting tension at an uninvolved segment alters distal symptoms, confirms neurodynamic involvement.
Question: What is the most common mechanism of Achilles tendon rupture in middle-aged recreational athletes?
Answer: B. Sudden eccentric load during push-off with the knee extended
Explanation:
Option B is correct because the gastrocnemius crosses the knee and ankle, and sudden eccentric loading during explosive push-off with an extended knee generates peak tensile stress that exceeds tissue tolerance. Option A is incorrect because direct blunt trauma accounts for very few tendon disruptions compared to forceful muscular contractions. Option C is incorrect because unexpected forced dorsiflexion causes rupture less frequently than active push-off loading during sports activities. Option D is incorrect because mechanical failure from long-standing insertional irritation represents chronic degeneration rather than acute complete rupture during athletic movement. The general rule to remember is that biarticular muscles undergo maximum rupture risk during rapid transition from contraction to lengthening under heavy tension across adjacent joints.
Question: A patient 6 weeks post-SLAP repair is cleared to begin active-assisted ROM. Which motion should be introduced LAST due to greatest risk of re-injury?
Answer: A. External rotation at 90° abduction
Explanation:
Option A is correct because external rotation at 90° abduction produces a peel-back mechanism that places severe torsional shear on the biceps anchor and superior labrum, making it the most vulnerable position following surgical repair. Option B is incorrect because forward flexion in the scapular plane aligns glenohumeral movement with the resting plane of the scapula, minimizing rotational tension on the labrum. Option C is incorrect because internal rotation behind the back tensions the posterior capsule rather than the superior anchor. Option D is incorrect because gentle pendulum exercises use passive gravity-assisted motion with minimal muscular engagement or labral displacement. The general rule to remember is that rehabilitation protocols protect tissue repairs by avoiding positions that reproduce the mechanical vectors of the original injury.
Begin preparation by consulting the official candidate guidelines to review test policies and testing deadlines. Pair theoretical review with structured practice sessions using our specialized question sets. Start with foundational diagnostic reasoning in OCS Orthopedic Assessment & Diagnosis, evaluating how clinical tests isolate musculoskeletal structures.
Progress into regional management and surgical considerations by completing questions from OCS Clinical Management of Musculoskeletal Disorders and OCS Surgical & Post-Operative Care. When working through items, analyze why incorrect distractors fail to meet diagnostic or management standards.
As test dates approach, simulate actual testing pacing. Practice answering blocks of 50 questions within 90-minute intervals to mirror official exam conditions. Integrate questions from OCS Rehabilitation & Therapeutic Interventions and OCS Evidence-Based Practice & Research Methods. Use scheduled breaks between blocks to maintain focus across the full 7 hours of testing time.
The examination consists of 200 multiple-choice items administered across a 7 hours appointment. Testing is split into four 90-minute blocks, with 50 questions in each block, alongside a tutorial and optional breaks between blocks. Administration takes place on computers at PSI testing centers worldwide.
The passing score required by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties is a scaled score of 500. Results are not delivered immediately at the test center; instead, official exam scores are released by June 30 following the testing window. Those who pass receive certification valid for 10 years.
Application review costs $550 for APTA members ($650 after the Early Bird deadline) and $895 for non-members ($995 after the Early Bird deadline). The examination fee is $810 for APTA members and $1,535 for non-members. The examination fee must be received by the credentialing program on or before Nov 30, 2026.
The 2027 Spring examination window runs from Feb 24 – Mar 17, 2027. Testing is administered by computer at PSI testing centers worldwide. Candidates must register and complete fee payments in advance, including submitting the exam fee on or before Nov 30, 2026, to secure an appointment during the testing window.
Applicant files remain active for 2 consecutive exam administrations. Candidates reapplying must submit their materials by Aug 31, 2026. The reapplication review fee is $190 for members and non-members, paid in addition to the standard examination fee of $810 for APTA members or $1,535 for non-members.
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