Certification Examination Process

IAOM-US has developed a certification process specifically for occupational therapists and physical therapists specializing in the upper extremity: the Upper Quadrant Certification. Currently, the Upper Quadrant Certification is the ONLY test available through IAOM-US for occupational therapists. It includes information for identification of spinal contributions to upper extremity symptomatology, however testing and treatment of this area is not included in the practical part of the certification. Based on the practice act of the individual being certified, the practical part of the IAOM-US examination may include manipulation techniques for the shoulder, elbow, and or hand. It is imperative for the individual being tested to notify IAOM-US administration of the practice act of their state where instances of manipulations are forbidden; the test will be modified accordingly.

To best prepare yourself for the examination, we recommend you study the material in the course manuals provided at the courses and IAOM books. It is recommended you purchase the DVDs as the practical examination comprises the material from the DVDs as well as new textbooks.

Written Examination

Written examinations are generally scheduled for the morning of the testing date.

Schedule for a maximum of 2 hours for 3-4 module examinations and 3 hours for a 6 module examination.

Written examinations consist of multiple choice and short answer questions with one correct answer only.

Material for the examination are the IAOM-US course manuals and the course textbooks (Winkel et al. books for the Spine & the Extremities, 1997, as well as the IAOM-US books published by OPTP such as the Hip and Knee)

Includes questions regarding:

1. Pathoanatomy
2. Pathology
3. Mechanics (arthro/osteokinematics)
4. Differential diagnosis
5. Treatment Approach
6. General/Definition terms

The 3-courses examination consists of approximately 66 questions with the following breakdown for each section (22 questions per section) of the test (this may vary):

1. Pathoanatomy: 5 questions
2. Pathology: 5 questions
3. Mechanics: 4 questions
4. Differential diagnosis: 3 questions
5. Treatment approaches: 3 questions
6. General questions: 2 questions

The 4-courses examination (Upper Quadrant) consists of approximately 88 questions with the same breakdown for each section (22 questions per section) of the test.

The 6-courses examination consists of approximately 102 questions with the following breakdown for each section (17 questions per section) of the test (this may vary):

1. Pathoanatomy: 4 questions
2. Pathology: 4 questions
3. Mechanics: 3 questions
4. Differential diagnosis: 2 questions
5. Treatment approaches: 2 questions
6. General questions: 2 questions

Practical Examination

Practical examinations follow the written examination.

Each Participant received the practical examination questions before the examination, allow 30 minutes to prepare prior to examination.

Two participants are scheduled for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for 2-3 module examinations and approximately 2 hours for 4-6 module exams throughout the day.

Practical exam will be videotaped.

Practical Examinations include the following:

1. 1 clinical or local segmental examination including special-extra tests (the examination sheets are available by clicking here): 35%
   
   
2. 2 surface anatomy locations — soft tissue techniques: 20%
   
   
3. 2 mobilization techniques (30%) for the 3 courses examination, and 3 mobilization techniques for the 4-6 courses examination: 30%
   
   
4. 1 high velocity manipulative technique: 15%

Passing Score

Passing scores are calculated as follows:

1. Written Examination: 65%
   
   
2. Practical Examination: 70%
   
   
3. Overall score: 70%
   Note that the Practical examination counts for twice the value of the written examination. Therefore, if you made a 70% on the written examination and a 80% on the practical examination, the overall score is 70 + (80x2)=230/3 = 77%

Results of Examination

Results of both the Written and Practical exams are sent within six 6 weeks of taking the tests.