Certification

The National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Physician's Assistants (NBCOPA)

The National Board for Certification of Orthopaedic Physician's Assistants (NBCOPA) endorses the concept of voluntary, periodic certification for physician's assistants working primarily in orthopaedics. The certification process is designed to promote excellence in the practice of orthopaedic physician'sassistants by:

  1. Recognizing formally those individuals who meet all the requirements of the NBCOPA.
  2. Encouraging professional growth of the physician's assistant in orthopaedics.
  3. Establishing and measuring the level of knowledge required for a certified orthopaedic physician's assistant.
  4. Providing a standard of requisite knowledge required for certification, thereby assisting the employer, the public, and members of the health professions in the assessment of orthopaedic physician's assistants.

Exam Eligibility (revised May 2009)

Although not a requirement, it is highly recommended that candidates have at least two years of college work in the sciences before sitting for the Certification Examination for Orthopaedic Physician's Assistants.

Candidates for the must have completed an orthopaedic physician program, a primary care physician assistant program, or a nurse practitioner program or completion of a related allied health care program and have at least five (5) years of experience in orthopaedic work with responsibility in surgical assisting, history and physical assessment, and immobilization techniques, under the supervision of a Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon.

Please note that a supervising Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon must verify eligibility and sign the Supervising Physician's Statement on the candidate's Application.

Exam Fees

  • Initial Certification Fee for ASOPA Members - $400
  • Initial Certification Fee for Non-ASOPA* Members - $475
    *You may become a member of ASOPA before taking the exam, click here to become a member and save $75
  • Recertification Fee - $350

Application Deadlines

Winter: December 31, 2011 for February 4 - 15, 2012
Summer: June 30, 2012 for August 4 - 18, 2012

Test Dates & Sites

Winter 2011: February 4 - 15, 2012
Summer 2011: August 4 - 18, 2012

The Certification Examination for OPA-Cs is administered during an established two week testing period at computer based testing facilities managed by PSI/LaserGrade Computer Testing, Inc. PSI/LaserGrade has several hundred testing sites in the US as well as Canada. Please note: Hours and days of availability vary at different testing centers. Scheduling is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. To locate a testing center near you, visit www.lasergrade.com or call (800) 211-2754. You will not be able to schedule your examination appointment until have have received an eligibility notice from Professional Testing Corp (PTC).

Exam Format & Content

The Certification Examination for Orthopaedic Physician Assistants is composed of a maximum of 250 multiple-choice, objective test questions with a total testing time of four hours. The questions for the examination are developed by individuals with expertise in orthopedics and are reviewed for construction, accuracy, and appropriateness by representatives of NBCOPA. The NBCOPA, with the advice and assistance of the Professional Testing Corporation, prepares the examination.

The Certification Examination for Orthopaedic Physician Assistants will be weighted in approximately the following manner:

  • Anatomy and Physiology -15%
  • Musculoskeletal Conditions - 30%
  • Orthopaedic History and Physical Examination - 10%
  • Imaging and Laboratory Studies - 10%
  • Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions - 35%

Passage of the NBCOPA examination also signifies an entry level of knowledge in the following categories in the specialty of orthopaedic medicine and surgery:

  • Pharmacology
  • Assessment and treatment of adult and pediatric orthopaedic diseases and injuries
  • Principles and techniques of operative procedures
  • Functions and applications of instrumentation and equipment utilized in operative orthopaedic procedures
  • Principles and techniques of traction, casting and splint applications
  • Clinical evaluation and physical assessment.

NBCOPA Study Options

Click here for a list of NBCOPA Source List/Study Guide References

NOW AVAILABLE: NBCOPA Online Practice Test

The NBCOPA Online Practice Test is now available! The practice test consists of 75 questions, with a testing time of 2 hours to be taken online. The practice test will allow you to experience taking a computerized exam, review content included in the certification exam for OPAs and to learn more about question format, style and level of difficulty. Once you have completed the test, you will receive an instant score report showing test performance in each of the content areas.

Content included:

  1. Anatomy and Physiology
  2. Musculoskeletal Conditions
  3. Orthopedic History and Physical Examination
  4. Imaging and Laboratory Studies
  5. Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions

Cost: $75
Click here for more information about the online practice exam.

Exam Handbook and Application

To obtain a candidate handbook and register to take the exam, please contact:

The Professional Testing Corporation
1350 Broadway, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10018
Telephone: (212) 356-0660
E-mail: ptcny@ptcny.com
Web: http://www.ptcny.com

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE CANDIDATE HANDBOOK & APPLICATION FORM

Formore information about NBCOPA certification, please contact Deak Walden, NBCOPA Board Member.