Certification & Exams

The C. Ped (C) certification process involves two exams – a written exam and a practical exam. Both exams are considered to be at a university level of difficulty. The written and practical exams are held on separate dates, approximately two months apart. Both the written and the practical exams are marked based on a set MPL (Minimum Performance Level) for the exam. Marks will be given as pass or fail as there is no percentage grade. More information on the MPL system.

The written exam is a prerequisite to the practical exam; therefore, a candidate must successfully pass the written exam before becoming eligible for the practical exam. After three failures on the written exam, the candidate must re-qualify by gaining the required experience hours, depending on guideline followed when applying for examination, before being granted another three attempts.

Upon passing the written exam, the candidate has two years to successfully complete the practical exam. A candidate who does not attempt the practical exam within two years of passing the written exam will be required to re-write the written exam. After three failures of the practical exam, the candidate must re- qualify by gaining the required experience hours, depending on guideline followed when applying for examination, and then beginning the full certification process once again.

A candidate is permitted three attempts at each exam (i.e. 3 attempts at written, then 3 attempts at practical) over a five-year period. After a maximum of three unsuccessful attempts at each exam, or the passing of five years, a candidate must re-qualify and restart the certification process.

C. Ped (C) – Written Exam – 3 hours

1. 150 multiple choice questions – anatomy, biomechanics/gait analysis, medical conditions & disease, assessment, footwear, orthotic manufacturing, practice management and ethics.

2. “Hands On” section – requires the candidate to answer ten multiple choice questions in ten minutes based on various samples of orthotics and orthotic manufacturing supplies. This component is completed by the candidate at a station that will be administered by the proctor. A listing of examinable content for this section can be found in the “Exam Content”.

C. Ped (C) – Practical Exam – 1.5 hours

Candidates must reach the set MPL (minimum performance level) in each category outlined below to obtain a passing grade.

1. Patient assessment (40 marks, 40 minutes) – assessment for patient history; foot structure; ranges-of- motion; deformities; biomechanical problems; gait abnormalities; proposed management of patient through orthoses, footwear and treatment by other health care professionals

2. Plaster slipper casting (20 marks, 30 minutes) – determination of proper foot position for casting; casting** one foot, with option of taking second cast and being marked on best of two; explanation of casting position and how cast reflects what was found during assessment; brief description (rationale) of how orthoses would be constructed from cast including cast modifications, materials, design selections

** plaster bandages (6″ rolls) and necessary tools will be provided; candidate may bring own plaster if desired

3. Shoe fitting (20 marks, 20 minutes) – fitting for patient requiring footwear; marks based on customer approach, footwear knowledge and fitting technique

Note: All practical exams are videotaped for marking and appeal purposes.

C. Ped Tech (C) – Written Exam – 2 hours

The C. Ped Tech (C) examination is a written examination. A mark of 80% is considered a passing grade. The exam is considered to be at a university level of difficulty.

All examinees write simultaneously with proctors supervising. The College of Pedorthics of Canada marks the exams at a later date.

A failing mark requires a full re-write. An examinee is permitted an unlimited number of attempts at passing the exam.

Should an applicant withdraw prior to attempting an exam, under reasonable and verified extenuating circumstances, a non-refundable credit for the full exam fee will be given. This credit must be applied to the next available exam session. A second withdrawal will result in forfeiture of the entire fee.

Exam Format

Written Examination

• 80 multiple-choice questions (1 mark each)
• Question categories: clinical anatomy/pathology (approx. 40%); pedorthic management (approx. 60%) – 2 hour time allotment

Exam Content

The C. Ped Tech (C) exam tests the standard of knowledge expected of a pedorthic technician who independently manufactures orthoses and footwear modifications using patient files produced by a pedorthist. The technician must have sufficient knowledge of anatomical terminology, pedorthic principles, materials and footwear, to fully understand patient files and to produce pedorthic devices to specifications.

Anatomy of the Lower Limb

• Anatomical terminology for structures, positions, and directions (e.g., medial, distal, metatarsal head, subtalar joint)
• Skeletal and muscular systems (in general, locations and actions)
• Surface anatomy (fitting and manufacturing landmarks)
• Anatomical anomalies and deformities (e.g., hallux valgus; claw toes; clubfoot; pes planus)

Pedorthic Management – Orthotic Devices and Footwear

• Generally accepted pedorthic approaches for supporting, accommodating and/or altering biomechanics using footwear and orthotic devices (e.g., metatarsal pads, posting, wedges, lifts, rockers)
• Shoe anatomy and terminology; footwear fitting; orthopaedic devices; shoe modifications; orthotic materials; casting procedures (e.g., metatarsal bar; Thomas heel; foam impression; hallux valgus night splint; elevations)

C. Ped MC Exam

The C. Ped MC exam is scheduled as required.. C. Ped MC – Exam Application Form is available upon request