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    • Thoracic Spine >
      • Adam's Forward Bend Test
      • Passive Neck Flexion Test
      • Thoracic Compression Test
      • Thoracic Distraction Test
      • Thoracic Foraminal Closure Test
    • Lumbar Spine/Sacroiliac Joint >
      • Active Sit-Up Test
      • Alternate Gillet Test
      • Crossed Straight Let Raise Test
      • Extensor Endurance Test
      • FABER Test
      • Fortin's Sign
      • Gaenslen Test
      • Gillet Test
      • Gower's Sign
      • Lumbar Quadrant Test
      • POSH Test
      • Posteroanterior Mobility
      • Prone Knee Bend Test
      • Prone Instability Test
      • Resisted Abduction Test
      • Sacral Clearing Test
      • Seated Forward Flexion Test
      • SIJ Compression/Distraction Test
      • Slump Test
      • Sphinx Test
      • Spine Rotators & Multifidus Test
      • Squish Test
      • Standing Forward Flexion Test
      • Straight Leg Raise Test
      • Supine to Long Sit Test
    • Shoulder >
      • Active Compression Test
      • Anterior Apprehension
      • Biceps Load Test II
      • Drop Arm Sign
      • External Rotation Lag Sign
      • Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Sign
      • Horizontal Adduction Test
      • Internal Rotation Lag Sign
      • Jobe Test
      • Ludington's Test
      • Neer Test
      • Painful Arc Sign
      • Pronated Load Test
      • Resisted Supination External Rotation Test
      • Speed's Test
      • Posterior Apprehension
      • Sulcus Sign
      • Thoracic Outlet Tests >
        • Adson's Test
        • Costoclavicular Brace
        • Hyperabduction Test
        • Roos (EAST)
      • Yergason's Test
    • Elbow >
      • Biceps Squeeze Test
      • Chair Sign
      • Cozen's Test
      • Elbow Extension Test
      • Medial Epicondylalgia Test
      • Mill's Test
      • Moving Valgus Stress Test
      • Push-up Sign
      • Ulnar Nerve Compression Test
      • Valgus Stress Test
      • Varus Stress Test
    • Wrist/Hand >
      • Allen's Test
      • Carpal Compression Test
      • Finkelstein Test
      • Phalen's Test
      • Reverse Phalen's Test
    • Hip >
      • Craig's Test
      • Dial Test
      • FABER Test
      • FAIR Test
      • Fitzgerald's Test
      • Hip Quadrant Test
      • Hop Test
      • Labral Anterior Impingement Test
      • Labral Posterior Impingement Test
      • Long-Axis Femoral Distraction Test
      • Noble Compression Test
      • Percussion Test
      • Sign of the Buttock
      • Trendelenburg Test
    • Knee >
      • Anterior Drawer Test
      • Dial Test (Tibial Rotation Test)
      • Joint Line Tenderness
      • Lachman Test
      • McMurray Test
      • Noble Compression Test
      • Pivot-Shift Test
      • Posterior Drawer Test
      • Posterior Sag Sign
      • Quad Active Test
      • Thessaly Test
      • Valgus Stress Test
      • Varus Stress Test
    • Foot/Ankle >
      • Anterior Drawer
      • Calf Squeeze Test
      • External Rotation Test
      • Fracture Screening Tests
      • Impingement Sign
      • Navicular Drop Test
      • Squeeze Test
      • Talar Tilt
      • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Test
      • Test for Interdigital Neuroma
      • Windlass Test
  • Insider Access
  • HEP
    • Neck and Shoulder >
      • Supine Chin Tuck
      • Supine DNF with Towel Assist
      • Supine DNF
      • Standing Chin Tuck Against Wall
      • Standing Chin Tuck Against Wall with Scaption
      • Seated Cervical Retraction Repeated
      • Seated Cervical Retraction with Extension Repeated
      • Seated Cervical Retraction with Sidebend Repeated
      • Seated Cervical Retraction with Rotation Repeated
      • Standing Wall Shrugs at 90 Degrees Flex
      • Seated Thoracic Whips
      • Standing Ballistic Shoulder Extensions
      • Standing Repeated Shoulder Extension with Squat
      • Standing Repetead Shoulder Horiz. Abd. with Ext. CKC
      • Seated with Arms on Pillows Cervical AROM (Flex/Ext/Rot/SB)
      • Seated with Arms on Pillows Shrugs
      • Seated with Arms on Pillows Shrug with Scapular Retraction
      • Supine Shoulder IR with GH Centralization
      • Supine Shoulder ER with GH Centralization
      • Holding Dumbbell at 180 Degrees Flexion for Time
      • Cat Camel
      • Prone T's
      • Prone Y's
      • Quad Chin Tuck w/ Shoulder Flexion
    • Low Back >
      • Supine TA Isometric
      • Standing TA Isometric Agains Wall with Squat
      • Supine BKFO
      • Quad Rock Back
      • Standing Hip Hinge
      • Sit to Stand with Hip Hinge
      • Repeated Lumbar Sideglides
      • Repeated Standing Lumbar Extension
      • Repeated Standing Lumbar Flexion
      • Repeated Prone Press-Ups
      • Repeated Supine DKC
      • Slump Sciatic Nerve Glides
      • Birddog Progression
    • Hip and Knee >
      • Clamshells with Progressions
      • Fire Hydrants with Progressions
      • Donkey Kicks
      • Bridge Variations
      • Repeated Hip Flexion
      • Squats
      • Seated Repeated Knee Extensions
      • CKC Seated Repeated Knee Extensions
      • Heel Slides
      • CKC DF with Tibial IR
    • Foot and Ankle >
      • Calf Raises
      • Calf Raises with Soccer Ball Between Medial Malleoli
      • Towel Scrunches with Foot in PF
      • Toe Flexion Using T-Band with Foot in PF
      • PF with Toes Flexed Using T-Band
      • DF with Toes Flexed Using T-Band
      • Forefoot Adduction
      • Gastroc Stretch
      • Repeated PF
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OCS Preparation

1/5/2015

30 Comments

 
Picture
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.

Reply
Chris link
6/28/2015 10:43:30 am

Hi John,

I didn't think the exam was that bad. The hardest part for sure was just trying to figure out what the exam writers thought was correct versus current evidence. I think Current Concepts and Clinical Practice Guidelines were the most useful pieces.

Reply
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

Chris link
9/16/2015 05:57:29 pm

Hi Lisa,

I think those three components were definitely sufficient. I think if you use other material, you might outsmart yourself. The test will have some dated material so knowing too recent of research may be detrimental (the exam is usually up-to-date except for the 6 months prior to the exam unless it is a groundbreaking study). If you have the funds however, the review course by Eric Wilson is outstanding.

Brittany
1/2/2018 07:10:25 pm

Hello,
Would you be interested in selling your 3rd edition Current Concepts?
Thanks

Reply
jacob kuruvilla
6/28/2015 03:53:49 am

what do you guys recommend ?

Eric Wilsons prep course vs EIM course

Reply
Chris link
6/28/2015 10:41:46 am

Eric Wilson's course has a pretty high pass rate in the upper 80's I believe. I only heard his review course, so I'm not entirely certain. Brian, who passed the SCS, said the SCS prep course through EIM was spot on, so that may be the case for OCS as well.

Reply
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.

Reply
Chris link
8/24/2015 12:29:09 pm

Hi Lisa, you want one for PT's. The link below is to the correct book.

http://www.amazon.com/Orthopaedic-Physical-Therapy-Secrets-2e/dp/1560537086/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1440469686&sr=8-2&keywords=ortho+secrets

Reply
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?

Reply
Chris link
8/25/2015 11:04:28 am

Correct!

Reply
Sara
8/24/2017 11:23:55 am

Do you have the link to the APTA Orthopaedic Section's monographs?

Reply
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?

Reply
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

Reply
jacob
11/30/2015 07:53:28 pm

anyone taking OCS 2016

Reply
Lisa
12/1/2015 05:04:20 am

Yes I am . So far I have been studying from the current concepts.

Reply
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).

Reply
Chris link
12/2/2015 06:54:26 am

Hi Stephanie,

From what I have heard the Eric Wilson course has a pass rate of somewhere in the 80-90% range, but the practice tests in the EIM course are more in tune with the OCS. I wouldn't worry about the Current Concepts being too outdated as the OCS in general is outdated. It takes at least a few years for the questions to be verified.

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,
Would you be interested in selling your 3rd edition current concepts?
Thanks

Chris link
2/19/2016 12:46:14 pm

Hi Dianna,

If you follow Optim Manual Therapy on facebook, we post quizzes each week in preparation for the OCS. I believe there are 7 available on there (each 5 questions) currently with a new one coming soon. Good luck!

Reply
Dr. Paul link
10/11/2016 08:05:54 pm

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.

Also, make sure you look at the clinical practice guidelines published by the APTA...a lot can be inferred from those guides.

If anyone is looking for specifically OCS-style questions, you can get a free 25-question exam at: http://ptocsexam.com/free-ocs-exam-questions/

Reply
Dr. Paul link
10/11/2016 08:06:03 pm

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.

Also, make sure you look at the clinical practice guidelines published by the APTA...a lot can be inferred from those guides.

If anyone is looking for specifically OCS-style questions, you can get a free 25-question exam at: http://ptocsexam.com/free-ocs-exam-questions/

Reply
Dr. Paul link
10/11/2016 08:06:12 pm

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.

Also, make sure you look at the clinical practice guidelines published by the APTA...a lot can be inferred from those guides.

If anyone is looking for specifically OCS-style questions, you can get a free 25-question exam at: http://ptocsexam.com/free-ocs-exam-questions/

Reply
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!

Chris link
11/19/2016 12:17:12 pm

Hi Mallory,

I absolutely recommend getting the Current Concepts from the APTA for each joint. That and the Clinical Practice Guidelines are what the test is based off of. The Ortho Secrets book is a nice supplement but definitely wouldn't put all my eggs in that basket. Taking a course is not necessary by any means as I didn't take it, but can be helpful for some. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Chris

Denise
7/13/2017 01:19:36 am

Reply
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

Reply
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.

Reply
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.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Authors

    James Heafner DPT, Chris Fox DPT, and Brian Schwabe DPT, CSCS are recent graduates of Saint Louis University's Program in Physical Therapy. 

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    • Cervical Spine >
      • Alar Ligament Test
      • Bakody's Sign
      • Cervical Distraction Test
      • Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion Test
      • Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT)
      • Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test
      • Posterior-Anterior Segmental Mobility
      • Segmental Mobility
      • Sharp-Purser Test
      • Spurling's Maneuver
      • Transverse Ligament Test
      • ULNT - Median
      • ULNT - Radial
      • ULNT - Ulnar
      • Vertebral Artery Test
    • Thoracic Spine >
      • Adam's Forward Bend Test
      • Passive Neck Flexion Test
      • Thoracic Compression Test
      • Thoracic Distraction Test
      • Thoracic Foraminal Closure Test
    • Lumbar Spine/Sacroiliac Joint >
      • Active Sit-Up Test
      • Alternate Gillet Test
      • Crossed Straight Let Raise Test
      • Extensor Endurance Test
      • FABER Test
      • Fortin's Sign
      • Gaenslen Test
      • Gillet Test
      • Gower's Sign
      • Lumbar Quadrant Test
      • POSH Test
      • Posteroanterior Mobility
      • Prone Knee Bend Test
      • Prone Instability Test
      • Resisted Abduction Test
      • Sacral Clearing Test
      • Seated Forward Flexion Test
      • SIJ Compression/Distraction Test
      • Slump Test
      • Sphinx Test
      • Spine Rotators & Multifidus Test
      • Squish Test
      • Standing Forward Flexion Test
      • Straight Leg Raise Test
      • Supine to Long Sit Test
    • Shoulder >
      • Active Compression Test
      • Anterior Apprehension
      • Biceps Load Test II
      • Drop Arm Sign
      • External Rotation Lag Sign
      • Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Sign
      • Horizontal Adduction Test
      • Internal Rotation Lag Sign
      • Jobe Test
      • Ludington's Test
      • Neer Test
      • Painful Arc Sign
      • Pronated Load Test
      • Resisted Supination External Rotation Test
      • Speed's Test
      • Posterior Apprehension
      • Sulcus Sign
      • Thoracic Outlet Tests >
        • Adson's Test
        • Costoclavicular Brace
        • Hyperabduction Test
        • Roos (EAST)
      • Yergason's Test
    • Elbow >
      • Biceps Squeeze Test
      • Chair Sign
      • Cozen's Test
      • Elbow Extension Test
      • Medial Epicondylalgia Test
      • Mill's Test
      • Moving Valgus Stress Test
      • Push-up Sign
      • Ulnar Nerve Compression Test
      • Valgus Stress Test
      • Varus Stress Test
    • Wrist/Hand >
      • Allen's Test
      • Carpal Compression Test
      • Finkelstein Test
      • Phalen's Test
      • Reverse Phalen's Test
    • Hip >
      • Craig's Test
      • Dial Test
      • FABER Test
      • FAIR Test
      • Fitzgerald's Test
      • Hip Quadrant Test
      • Hop Test
      • Labral Anterior Impingement Test
      • Labral Posterior Impingement Test
      • Long-Axis Femoral Distraction Test
      • Noble Compression Test
      • Percussion Test
      • Sign of the Buttock
      • Trendelenburg Test
    • Knee >
      • Anterior Drawer Test
      • Dial Test (Tibial Rotation Test)
      • Joint Line Tenderness
      • Lachman Test
      • McMurray Test
      • Noble Compression Test
      • Pivot-Shift Test
      • Posterior Drawer Test
      • Posterior Sag Sign
      • Quad Active Test
      • Thessaly Test
      • Valgus Stress Test
      • Varus Stress Test
    • Foot/Ankle >
      • Anterior Drawer
      • Calf Squeeze Test
      • External Rotation Test
      • Fracture Screening Tests
      • Impingement Sign
      • Navicular Drop Test
      • Squeeze Test
      • Talar Tilt
      • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Test
      • Test for Interdigital Neuroma
      • Windlass Test
  • Insider Access
  • HEP
    • Neck and Shoulder >
      • Supine Chin Tuck
      • Supine DNF with Towel Assist
      • Supine DNF
      • Standing Chin Tuck Against Wall
      • Standing Chin Tuck Against Wall with Scaption
      • Seated Cervical Retraction Repeated
      • Seated Cervical Retraction with Extension Repeated
      • Seated Cervical Retraction with Sidebend Repeated
      • Seated Cervical Retraction with Rotation Repeated
      • Standing Wall Shrugs at 90 Degrees Flex
      • Seated Thoracic Whips
      • Standing Ballistic Shoulder Extensions
      • Standing Repeated Shoulder Extension with Squat
      • Standing Repetead Shoulder Horiz. Abd. with Ext. CKC
      • Seated with Arms on Pillows Cervical AROM (Flex/Ext/Rot/SB)
      • Seated with Arms on Pillows Shrugs
      • Seated with Arms on Pillows Shrug with Scapular Retraction
      • Supine Shoulder IR with GH Centralization
      • Supine Shoulder ER with GH Centralization
      • Holding Dumbbell at 180 Degrees Flexion for Time
      • Cat Camel
      • Prone T's
      • Prone Y's
      • Quad Chin Tuck w/ Shoulder Flexion
    • Low Back >
      • Supine TA Isometric
      • Standing TA Isometric Agains Wall with Squat
      • Supine BKFO
      • Quad Rock Back
      • Standing Hip Hinge
      • Sit to Stand with Hip Hinge
      • Repeated Lumbar Sideglides
      • Repeated Standing Lumbar Extension
      • Repeated Standing Lumbar Flexion
      • Repeated Prone Press-Ups
      • Repeated Supine DKC
      • Slump Sciatic Nerve Glides
      • Birddog Progression
    • Hip and Knee >
      • Clamshells with Progressions
      • Fire Hydrants with Progressions
      • Donkey Kicks
      • Bridge Variations
      • Repeated Hip Flexion
      • Squats
      • Seated Repeated Knee Extensions
      • CKC Seated Repeated Knee Extensions
      • Heel Slides
      • CKC DF with Tibial IR
    • Foot and Ankle >
      • Calf Raises
      • Calf Raises with Soccer Ball Between Medial Malleoli
      • Towel Scrunches with Foot in PF
      • Toe Flexion Using T-Band with Foot in PF
      • PF with Toes Flexed Using T-Band
      • DF with Toes Flexed Using T-Band
      • Forefoot Adduction
      • Gastroc Stretch
      • Repeated PF
    • Examination Templates
  • Store
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