![]() With about 2 months before the next Orthopaedic Certification Specialization Exam (OCSE), I thought it would be a good time to discuss studying techniques for the exam. As with any exam, it's important to be aware of the type of material that you will be tested on along with the method of questioning. From my discussion with physical therapists that have passed the OCS and after reviewing the goal of OCS certification, it appears that a major component involves "evidence-based practice" applied to many case scenarios. As a base, I have been using the APTA Orthopaedic Section's monographs. They include a component for each joint in addition to one based solely on "evidence-based practice." Each monograph is written by an expert in the area and typically includes reviews of anatomy, kinesiology, epidemiology, examination, treatment, and case scenarios. Each author refers to various studies throughout their article. Additionally, there are surgical monographs for most of the joints, so that you can have a more focused review from the orthopaedic perspective on each joint for surgical candidates. To add to the evidence-based preparation, I have been including the Clinical Guidelines produced by the APTA and a review of recent JOSPT articles (last 2 years). This can be a tricky area for preparation as testing is typically several years behind current evidence (which is behind current best practice), due to the long process for development of test questions. Because of this, it is important to both know what used to be and what currently is the correct method of managing specific pathologies. Think back to your NPTE. I'm sure you may have realized there quite a few outdated questions and answers. For example, modalities were commonly used to manage acute injuries, when much of the current literature doesn't support that. It is for that reason, we must be particular when reading each questions and the available answers. Finally, I am also including the Sahrmann texts in my preparation. I honestly did not think they would be necessary (or even a good idea to include) for preparation as Sahrmann's approach isn't as widely studied or supported in evidence-based practice. However, recently some PT's that took the exam last year informed me there was a Movement Impairment Syndrome component to the exam, so it may be beneficial to include it in your studies. Hopefully this provides a basis for many of you planning to take the OCS this year. I plan to update the list with a review after taking the exam with any changes I feel like should have been made with my preparation. There are alternative approaches for the exam as well. Many residencies or classes themselves have a specific component for preparation for the examination. I fortunately have some notes from a former co-worker that she had from an exam-prep class that I will be utilizing in my studies. What else are you including in your exam prep? -Chris
30 Comments
John Lee
3/14/2015 04:47:46 am
Just took the OCS yesterday. What did you think about it Chris? I thought it was pretty straight forward, not easy but not extremely difficult. I used the current concepts mostly for their case scenarios, ortho secrets, and Eric Wilsons prep course.
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Lisa
9/16/2015 09:53:07 am
I'm debating between study material. Do you guys think Current Concepts and Clinical practice guidelines were enough or do you think I should also do a review course such as Eric Wilson's or EIM? I have 13 years experience, but no recent schooling. I also plan on getting ortho secrets
Hi Lisa,
Brittany
1/2/2018 07:10:25 pm
Hello,
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jacob kuruvilla
6/28/2015 03:53:49 am
what do you guys recommend ?
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Lisa
8/24/2015 11:12:01 am
Can anyone tell me if orthopedic secrets is the same as the orthopedic secrets for PTs? When I google ortho secrets I see different editions and didn't know which one would be the most helpful.
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hillary
8/25/2015 05:51:57 am
are the APTA Orthopaedic Section's monographs the same as 21.2 Current Concepts of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, 3rd Edition that's $275?
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Sara
8/24/2017 11:23:55 am
Do you have the link to the APTA Orthopaedic Section's monographs?
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Shrada
11/30/2015 04:02:20 pm
Could someone tell me how I can get all the clinical practice guidelines and EIM's practice tests?
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John Lee
11/30/2015 04:36:57 pm
I think the clinical practice guidelines are online on the APTA website, may have to be a member. Don't know about EIM
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jacob
11/30/2015 07:53:28 pm
anyone taking OCS 2016
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Lisa
12/1/2015 05:04:20 am
Yes I am . So far I have been studying from the current concepts.
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Stephanie
12/2/2015 04:25:44 am
I'm taking the OCS exam in March 2016. I'm also having trouble deciding between EIM and Eric Wilson's online course. My biggest motivation of taking one of those courses is just to get the practice questions. I've been studying the current concepts for a while and just feel like they are really outdated. They are actually publishing new ones next year after the exam (of course).
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Hi Stephanie,
Dianna
2/18/2016 07:44:19 pm
Does any one have practice questions for the test? I am taking the test in March 2016.
Brittany
1/2/2018 07:09:09 pm
Hello,
For those still asking about Eric Wilson's course vs EIM...I can't speak to EIM, but I will tell you that Wilson's course is fantastic and covers alot of the stuff you need to know. I definitely recommend it.
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For those still asking about Eric Wilson's course vs EIM...I can't speak to EIM, but I will tell you that Wilson's course is fantastic and covers alot of the stuff you need to know. I definitely recommend it.
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For those still asking about Eric Wilson's course vs EIM...I can't speak to EIM, but I will tell you that Wilson's course is fantastic and covers alot of the stuff you need to know. I definitely recommend it.
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Mallory
11/18/2016 07:44:21 am
I am taking the OCS exam in March 2017, I don't have the finances to purchase the prep course so I've been doing my own study course. I want to purchase Current Ortho PT Secrets based on some of the comments in this thread, but want to make sure it's worth it? Thanks!
Hi Mallory,
Denise
7/13/2017 01:19:36 am
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brittney
8/29/2017 06:16:16 pm
Does anyone know how different the current concepts 3rd edition is versus the 4th? I have all of the 3rd edition from a friend, but now trying to decide if it is worth buying the 4th
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Laurie
10/17/2017 09:38:12 pm
I bought the mist current ed (4th, I think) and have been comparing it to the study guides a bunch of coworkers used from the previous ed (3rd, I suppose) and they are, more or less, pretty much identical. Don't spend more money on the newer ones. If anything, put it toward a review course. That's just my opinion after speaking with people who passed and failed it last year. I have not taken it yet, though.
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Eva
11/11/2017 10:27:00 pm
Hi!are there any OCS/OCS takers here who are willing to share their books (will share after taking the exam) at a lower price/or for free(would gladly take it)?I am contemplating on taking the exams for 2019. THANKS.
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AuthorsJames Heafner DPT, Chris Fox DPT, and Brian Schwabe DPT, CSCS are recent graduates of Saint Louis University's Program in Physical Therapy. Archives
January 2015
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