The Board of Certification/Accreditation, International (BOC), founded in 1984, is an independent, not-for-profit agency dedicated to meeting the demands for quality patient care by offering highly valued credentials for practitioners and suppliers of comprehensive orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) care and durable medical equipment (DME) services.

Testimonial

"I really appreciate what BOC does and has done for the O and P field over the last several years. I am very privileged to be a part of this group and look forward to working in this field."
Jason Eddy, BOCP, LOP.

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HomeCertificationBecoming CertifiedOrthotist Certification (BOCO) BOCO Certification Process

BOCO Certification Process

  1. Submit application with appropriate fee and required documentation, which includes proof of meeting eligibility criteria:

      Official transcripts showing completion of one of the following: a bachelor’s degree in prosthetics or orthotics and prosthetics, an associate’s degree in prosthetics or orthotics and prosthetics, OR successful completion of approved postsecondary courses.

      Note: Starting November 1, 2011, instant scoring will be available for multiple-choice examinations, and BOC will be administering these exams year round.
      Practitioners adding additional certifications and new candidates will be able to sign up for an available test time of your choice at the most convenient location. And once you’re finished your examination, you’ll receive your results instantly. Please be advised that you cannot take your exam until your exam fee(s) payment is received in full.

  2. You will receive notification of approval to begin your exam series following a review of your application and eligibility requirements.

    3. BOCO Exam Series

    The BOCO examination series has been developed to ascertain your competence as an orthotist. The examinations have been developed in conjunction with accomplished subject matter experts and authorities in the field, as well as item writers, psychometricians and test development professionals. Test questions and procedures are based on national job requirements as determined by an analysis of practice conducted by BOC every five years. BOC exam preparation resources are available to assist you in preparing and studying for your examinations.

    To become a BOCO, you must successfully complete three exams:

    1. Multiple Choice Examination (MCE)
      The MCE exam assesses the knowledge base required for the profession. You will have three hours for completion of this segment, consisting of 150 multiple choice questions. The exam is computer-administered and once you complete the exam, you'll recieve your results instantly.

      The Orthotist Detailed Content Outline provides a comprehensive description of all practice areas on which you will be tested. Instructions are available to help you fully utilize the outline for exam preparation purposes. MCE now offers instant scoring.

    2. Clinical Simulation Examination (CSE)
      The exam explores the clinical decision-making and problem-solving skills involved in patient care. The CSE presents eight realistic cases which provide opportunities to solve clinical problems. You will have 3.5 hours to complete this computer-administered exam.

    3. The Video Practical Examination (VPE)
      The VPE is a visual demonstration submitted to show your hands-on skills and craftsmanship in orthotic procedures. The tape will be independently evaluated by three expert reviewers. For more information, review the BOCO VPE Instructions.

    NOTE: From the date you submit your application, you have a total of three years to register for and successfully complete all examinations.

  3. Certification will be awarded upon successful completion and satisfactorily passing your exam series.