![]() 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 I'm sure you may have realized there quite a few outdated questions and answers.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
58 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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Anthony
11/22/2018 09:49:30 am
Having a hard time finding the location/dates for the Wilson course? Any suggestions on where to find this information. I definitely want to sign up.
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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Trista
2/5/2019 10:53:19 am
I know you asked this a couple of years ago but just curious if you ended up only using the 3rd edition to help you study for the OCS? and how it went? I am in the same situation currently. Thank you!
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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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Priya
6/19/2018 03:08:50 am
Hi.. anyone preparing for OCS .? anyone up fo group study /discussion ? Also if you can please guide for some useful tips for preparation like where to begin with etc etc .. Thanks
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priya
7/8/2018 05:37:48 am
anyone preparing for ocs ... interested in group studies/discussions please pm
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Kashmira Badiyani
7/30/2018 05:26:56 pm
Hi, I am prepping for 2019. I have a question regarding the Clinical practice guidelines. The various ones on APTA website have different conditions such as neuro and ortho. Do we still have to do the neuro ones.
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Chris
7/30/2018 07:29:18 pm
Hello Kashmira,
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Vanessa
7/31/2018 09:38:59 pm
I am planning to take the exam on 2019. I have the 2nd edition of current concepts, it is much different from the 4th edition? I noticed that some of the authors are different in some monograph. Help anyone please :)
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Chris
8/1/2018 07:33:56 am
Hi Vanessa,
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Vanessa
9/10/2018 04:09:03 pm
Thank you Chris...
Priya
9/10/2018 04:16:42 pm
Anyone planning to split the current concepts 4th edition ? Reply asap
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esther
11/11/2018 06:03:11 pm
if you haven't bought it yet, ill split
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Jane
10/7/2018 04:41:09 pm
Hello all. I am taking the exam in 2019. My question is about the latest CPGs that have come out. there are quite a number of new ones (2017) - would it make sense to assume I should use this material or does it take so long for test questions to be verified that I should use previous versions. Thank you.
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Chris
10/7/2018 05:24:02 pm
Hello Jane,
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J.A.
12/7/2018 05:54:40 am
Has anyone used the Medbridge course? Thoughts on this?
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Chandni
12/21/2018 09:45:27 am
Hey J.A., i have been studying for OCS from Medbridge, I find it useful and it also helps to practice small quizzes and practice exams. They also have some research articles to refer from. One of my friend followed Medbridge course with Ortho physical therapy secrets and she passed her exam. Medbridge has 93% success rate for passing OCS.
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KP
11/22/2020 09:08:01 am
I recently started preparing for the OCS exam Feb-March 2021. I bought the Current Concepts 4th edition from the APTA-ortho section and planning to thoroughly review the Clinical Practice Guideline. I plan to prioritize the body regions that contain more percentile weightage (Lumbar Cervical spine, shoulder, etc..)
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R
12/1/2020 10:12:01 am
I am also preparing for the 2021 test. From what I've researched, the current concepts and the CPGs are absolute musts for material, which is where most of my studying is devoted to. I've heard really good things about Eric Wilson's course. I am taking the EIM prep course, but I'm sad to say that I don't find it very helpful other than the quizzes and tests. They seem to give you a lot of sources and information that may or may not be "need to know", and it's just major information overload.
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Marcus
1/5/2021 05:07:20 pm
https://rehabknowledge.com/products/ocs-advantage/
LD
3/15/2021 08:30:55 am
Hi, would u be interested in selling me your Current Concepts?
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EJ
12/3/2020 11:41:45 pm
Hey guys,
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Marcus
1/5/2021 05:09:48 pm
Hey!
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EJ
1/10/2021 10:26:09 am
Thank you!
JT
1/10/2021 08:09:42 am
EJ,
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EJ
1/10/2021 10:26:53 am
Great. Thanks for the info!
Shannon J.
1/24/2021 09:01:35 am
Hi! I am trying to decide between Eric Wilson's Live Webinar Prep Course (not the self-paces one) Or the OCS Advantage.
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Marcus
1/24/2021 10:09:08 am
Hey Shannon! I actually helped create the OCS advantage. I also used Eric's self paced materials when I was preparing. His lecture material offered a great overview, but in my opinion his questions were just ok.
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CN
11/14/2021 04:17:03 pm
Hi,
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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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