Healthcare License
How to Verify a Prosthetist or Orthotist License
Prosthetists and orthotists (O&P practitioners) are certified by two national organizations — ABC and BOC — and licensed by an increasing number of states. Verification requires checking both the national certification and the applicable state license. Here is the complete process.
Quick answer
The two recognized national O&P certifying bodies are ABC (American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics) and BOC (Board of Certification/Accreditation). Verify ABC credentials at abcop.org and BOC credentials at bocusa.org. Most states also require a state license — verify with the appropriate state O&P licensing board as well.
O&P credential types
Both ABC and BOC certify practitioners across multiple specialties in orthotics and prosthetics. The most common credentials are:
| Credential | Full Name | ABC or BOC |
|---|---|---|
| CPO | Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist (dual) | ABC |
| CP | Certified Prosthetist | ABC |
| CO | Certified Orthotist | ABC |
| CPed | Certified Pedorthist | ABC or BOC |
| BOC-P | Board Certified Prosthetist | BOC |
| BOC-O | Board Certified Orthotist | BOC |
| BOC-PO | Board Certified Prosthetist-Orthotist | BOC |
Verify in the issuing system (ABC or BOC) that matches the credential presented by the candidate. Both credentials are accepted by Medicare and most payers for billing purposes.
ABC credential verification
The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics (ABC) maintains a public online credential verification portal.
Verify ABC credentials at: abcop.org → Find a Practitioner or Verify a Credential (search by name or certification number). The portal shows credential type, status, and expiration date.
ABC credentials require continuing education for renewal — 75 CE hours per 5-year renewal cycle. Confirm the certification is Active and in the current renewal cycle.
BOC credential verification
The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) administers its own separate certification pathway for prosthetists, orthotists, and pedorthists.
Verify BOC credentials at: bocusa.org → Verify a Credential (search by name or credential ID). Confirmation shows credential type, current status, and renewal information.
BOC credentials also have continuing education requirements for renewal. Confirm the credential is Active and that CE requirements for the current cycle are satisfied.
State O&P licensing requirements
Most states now require state licensure for prosthetists and orthotists in addition to national certification. State licenses are typically issued by a state medical board, health professions licensing agency, or a dedicated O&P board.
State O&P licensing portals (selected)
- California: California Board of Prosthetics and Orthotics — bpo.ca.gov; License Search
- Texas: Texas Department of State Health Services — O&P license lookup via DSHS
- Florida: Florida DBPR — myfloridalicense.com; search Orthotist or Prosthetist
- New York: NYS Office of the Professions — op.nysed.gov/verification; search Orthotics/Prosthetics
- Illinois: Illinois IDFPR — idfpr.illinois.gov/LicenseLookup; Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Georgia: Georgia Composite Medical Board — medicalboard.georgia.gov; O&P licensing
For states not listed, search “[State] orthotist prosthetist license verification” or consult the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association (AOPA) at aopanet.org for state licensing information.
Medicare supplier enrollment
O&P practitioners billing Medicare must be enrolled as Medicare suppliers and hold a valid ABC or BOC certification. CMS requires that orthotists, prosthetists, and pedorthists hold current national certification to bill for O&P services under Medicare Part B.
Confirm that the practitioner's national certification is active at the time services are billed. An expired ABC or BOC certification creates Medicare billing compliance risk.
Verification checklist
- 1. Collect the practitioner's name, credential type (CP, CO, CPO, CPed, BOC equivalent), and certification number
- 2. For ABC credentials: verify at abcop.org — confirm Active status and expiration date
- 3. For BOC credentials: verify at bocusa.org — confirm credential type and active status
- 4. Confirm CE requirements for the current renewal cycle are satisfied
- 5. Verify state license in the applicable state's O&P licensing portal
- 6. For Medicare-billing roles, confirm national certification is Active and supplier enrollment is current
- 7. Confirm the credential type matches the role scope — a CO (orthotist) alone is insufficient for prosthetics work
Verify O&P program accreditation
Orthotics and prosthetics programs must be accredited by NCOPE (National Commission on Orthotic and Prosthetic Education). ABC and BOC certification eligibility requires graduation from an NCOPE-accredited program. Use VerifyED to confirm a candidate's program was properly accredited before accepting their educational credentials.
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