Predictors of success on the American Board for Certification's prosthetics certification examination

Background: Many factors can potentially impact pass or fail performance of a certification examination. While studies regarding predictors of success have been conducted in other professions, no such studies have been conducted in prosthetics and orthotics. Objectives: Determine whether there are significant differences in prosthetics certification examination success or failure based on gender, Carnegie ranking of the institution from where the candidate received the degree, and whether the candidate is extending credential from orthotics to include prosthetics. Study design: Retrospective study. Methods: Data of candidates who completed prosthetics residency in 2011 and 2012 were evaluated for relationships with the dependent variables. Results: Only credential extension showed a statistically significant relationship with written multiple choice (p=0.000), written simulation (p=0.006), and clinical patient management examinations (p=0.005) as well as with success or failure in obtaining prosthetics certification (p<0.001). Conclusions: Currently available data for analysis regarding predictors of success are limited. Collection of additional variables (i.e. pre-requisite grade point average) in the future will permit analysis of more robust information. Presently available data reveal that candidates seeking to extend credential are more successful in obtaining certified prosthetist status compared with those testing for the first time. Clinical relevance Understanding factors contributing to attaining licensure is important as the prosthetic/orthotic practitioner population ages. This is the first study to investigate this dimension of prosthetics and orthotics training, which upholds professional standards and protects patients. It helps the profession develop best educational and clinical practices in managing patients who utilize prosthetic technologies.