OCS (ABPTS) - Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist

The Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) credential, offered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialities (ABPTS), is a professional credential for physical therapists specializing in orthopedic therapy. The certification is a mark of advanced clinical knowledge, experience and skills in the area of orthopedic physical therapy. It’s designed for physical therapists seeking recognition for their expertise in diagnosing, treating and managing conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. OCS certification signifies a commitment to excellence in orthopedic practice and patient care.

Eligibility

• Must be a physical therapist with a current permanent/unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in the U.S. or any of its possessions or territories

• Must submit evidence of 2,000 hours of direct patient care as a licensed physical therapist in orthopaedics (subdivided into body region groupings) within the last 10 years, with 500 hours completed within the last 3 years OR completion of an APTA-accredited post-professional clinical residency within orthopaedics within the last 10 years

Completion Time: Up to 6 hours with four 90-minute blocks and optional breaks in between

Cost: 

• Early Bird Application (Deadline July 31): 

  • American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) member: $550

  • Nonmember: $895

• After July 31 (Deadline Sept 30):

  • APTA member: $650

  • Nonmember: 995

• Exam Fee (Deadline Nov 30): 

  • APTA member: $810

  • Nonmember: $1,535

• Reapplication Review (Deadline Aug 31): $190

Exam Format

The exam consists of 200, with candidates given four 90-minute sessions to complete 50-question blocks in each. Optional breaks are offered between sessions. Topics covered and the percentage of the exam each topic covers are as follows:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology 10%

• Movement Science 10%

• Pathology/Pathophysiology/Pain Science 10%

• Medical/Surgical Interventions 10%

• Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and Practice 10%

• Critical Inquiry for Evidence-Based Practice Other Professional Roles/Responsibilities/ Values 10%

• Examination/Evaluation/Diagnosis 20%

• Prognosis/Interventions/Outcomes 20%

ABPTS requires a scaled score of 500 to pass the OCS exam.

Renewal is required every 10 years, but to maintain OCS certification, applicants must submit evidence of continuing competence every 3 years, called a Maintenance of Specialist Certification (MOSC) cycle. By June 30 of their certification's third, sixth and ninth year, OCS certificate holders must submit evidence of the following:

• Current unrestricted licensure as a physical therapist in the U.S. or any of its possessions or territories

• 200 hours of direct patient care acquired in orthopaedics

• Participation in ongoing professional development or service within orthopaedics

• Practice performance through clinical care and reasoning through submission of one case reflection portfolio

Completion of an APTA-accredited residency or fellowship program in orthpaedics meets all requirements for one three-year cycle if completed during that three-year MOSC period. Once all requirements in each cycle have been completed, candidates are eligible to take the non-proctored recertification examination in year 10.

Renewal Fees

MOSC Fees and Deadline for renewal include:

• APTA Members: $760 total

  • Three installments of $220 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $100 at-cost exam fee in year 10

• Nonmembers: $1,400 total

  • Three installments of $400 with each MOSC cycle submission, plus a $200 exam fee in year 10

Part of the renewal process includes professional development equalling 10 MOSC credits, with 30 credits total required by year nine. These credits can be earned within 3 activity categories, with continuing education (CE) as one option in category 2. Candidates earn 1 MOSC credit for every 10 contact hours of CE related to orthopaedics completed.

• Candidate Guide

• Exam Outline

• General Exam Resources

The ABPTS also offers the following

• Board-Certified Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist (ECS)

• Board-Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS)

• Board-Certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist (GCS)

• Board-Certified Oncologic Clinical Specialist (Oncology)

• Board-Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist (PCS)

• Board-Certified Women's Health Clinical Specialist (WCS)

• Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist (SCS)

• Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist (CCS)

• Board-Certified Wound Management Clinical Specialist (Wound)