The Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) is the regulatory body for the prosthetic and orthotic profession within Canada.

CBCPO is recognized nationally and internationally for its adherence to the highest standards for the orthotic and prosthetic profession. These standards are critical to the CBCPO certification, registration, facility accreditation and professional discipline programs.

History and Mission

The concept of organizing a professional group for Prosthetic and Orthotic providers came about at a meeting in Toronto in 1955. This meeting consisted of a group of concerned practitioners and orthopedic surgeons who recognized the importance of the Orthotist/Prosthetist as important contributors of the rehabilitative team. The CBCPO was established in 1966 with the express purpose of recognizing and establishing a certain level proficiency in the field of Prosthetics and/or Orthotics in Canada. On August 15, 1972 the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists was granted incorporation in Canada. The mission of the CBCPO is to continue to regulate the Prosthetic and Orthotic profession by maintaining and enhancing professional, educational and technological standards so that the general public, paying agencies, patients, and the medical community can be confident that the quality of Prosthetic and Orthotic care in Canada remains world class.

CBCPO Certification

To be awarded certification by the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) an applicant must meet the following requirements and procedures:

• must be fluent in French or English.
• must be a Canadian citizen or legal landed immigrant.
• must have graduated from a CBCPO approved and officially recognized post-secondary clinical Prosthetic and Orthotic school.
• must complete a minimum 3450 hours of Residecy in either Prosthetics or Orthotics under the direct supervision of a Practitioner that is Canadian certified in the specific discipline (Orthotics or Prosthetics)
• upon completion of the residency the person may apply to sit the national certification exams for that discipline.
• must pass all the sections of the 3-day national exam that includes written, practical and oral exams.
• must be recommended to the CBCPO board of directors by the examination committee for award of certification in the discipline in which the person passed the exams.
• must be accepted by the board of directors for the award of certification unto which acceptance as a member of the CBCPO for a five-year term and will be subject to renewal thereafter on the terms and conditions set out in accordance with CBCPO by-laws. Examples of terms and conditions are fulfillment of the mandatory continuing education requirements and maintenance of annual dues.

You can be confident when your physician refers you to a certified practitioner that they are up to date in today's latest technology through mandatory professional development and ongoing certification requirements. When selecting your certified orthotist/prosthetist, make sure they have the professions highest standards: CBCPO Certification.

CBCPO Technician Program

In August 1999 the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists membership voted to accept the credentialing of the registered technicians. In September 2000 the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists held the first registered technical exams.

CBCPO registered technician provides all of the technical implementation tasks and services associated with the support of patient care. This includes fabrication, modification and the repair of orthoses and prostheses. The registered technician is obligated to support and conform to professional responsibilities that promote and assure the overall welfare of the patient and the integrity of the profession. The CBCPO Technician Registration program offers technicians whose education and or/experience correspond to existing CBCPO requirements an examination process designed to evaluate their knowledge of current orthotic/prosthetic technology and the ability to fabricate a variety of orthoses/prostheses.

Facility Accreditation

By applying for and achieving CBCPO Facility Accreditation, facilities demonstrate a commitment to excellence in orthotic and prosthetic health care. This commitment to excellence is critical for improving the quality of life of Orthotic and Prosthetic patients throughout Canada.

Mark of Quality

Look for this logo when you are seeking a certified orthotist or prosthetist. Ask your practitioner if he or she is CBCPO certified and if their facility is CBCPO Accredited.