CPT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CPT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which gait deviation is most commonly associated with a transtibial socket that is fit too loose? → Pistoning during swing phase
2. When a prosthetist requests the technician to add a heel wedge to a SACH foot, what alignment adjustment does this typically create? → Increased plantar flexion moment at heel strike
3. What constitutes a boundary violation in professional practice? → Engaging in dual relationships that could impair professional judgment
4. In the context of upper-limb prosthetics, the rotator cuff muscles stabilize the glenohumeral joint. Which rotator cuff muscle is most commonly torn? → Supraspinatus
5. Which muscle is the primary dorsiflexor of the foot and is critical for foot clearance during swing phase? → Tibialis anterior
6. When a prosthetic technician notices unusual vibration from a bench grinder, what is the most likely cause requiring immediate attention? → Wheel imbalance, damage, or improper mounting
7. Which document must a prosthetics supplier have on file to demonstrate that a Medicare patient's device was medically necessary? → Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) or detailed written order
8. The purpose of adding proximal relief areas (reliefs) for bony prominences such as the fibular head during socket fabrication is to: → Reduce pressure concentration over sensitive bony areas
9. Which organization publishes the Practice Analysis of Certified Practitioners, which forms the basis for the CPT examination content? → American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics (ABC)
10. The 'calcaneus gait' pattern, characterized by excessive heel contact without a push-off, is most commonly caused by: → Weak plantar flexors or a prosthetic foot set in excessive dorsiflexion
11. What is the consequence of practicing outside the defined scope of practice? → Potential license revocation, legal liability, and risk to public safety
12. What is the primary function of a torsion adapter in a lower-limb prosthesis? → Allow transverse plane rotation to reduce shear forces on the residual limb
13. Which test method is used to evaluate the peel strength of an adhesive bond between two prosthetic components? → T-peel test (ASTM D1876)
14. What is the purpose of using a cast saw in prosthetic fabrication? → To cut and trim cast materials
15. A residual limb shows a scar over a bony prominence. Which anatomical principle explains why this area is at highest risk for skin breakdown? → Reduced tissue compressibility over bony prominences
16. A colleague asks the prosthetic technician to falsify a fitting date on a patient's record to meet an insurance deadline. The correct response is to: → Refuse and report the request to the compliance officer
17. In microprocessor-controlled prosthetic knees, what sensor input is MOST commonly used to detect stumble and initiate a stumble recovery response? → Inertial measurement unit (IMU) detecting unexpected angular velocity
18. The National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) is responsible for which function in the prosthetics industry? → Enrolling and monitoring DMEPOS suppliers for Medicare eligibility
19. When aligning a transtibial (below-knee) prosthesis, the socket should be positioned so the pylon is oriented in which direction during stance phase? → Vertically aligned with the ground reaction force
20. A patient reports phantom limb pain that is burning and constant in nature. The clinician should document this as: → Neuropathic phantom pain
21. Which clinical measurement is used to determine the appropriate knee center height for a transfemoral prosthesis? → Distance from the medial tibial plateau to the ground on the sound side
22. When checking the alignment of a prosthetic knee joint using a plumb line, what does the plumb line represent? → The vertical gravitational reference line
23. Which suspension system uses a shuttle lock mechanism where a pin attached to the liner clicks into a locking distal housing? → Pin lock suspension
24. The ABC Code of Professional Responsibility primarily applies to which individuals in a prosthetics setting? → Credentialed practitioners and technicians
25. A pylon in an endoskeletal prosthesis provides which structural function? → It distributes weight-bearing forces from the socket to the distal prosthetic foot or knee
26. Which element is required in a Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) for a lower-limb prosthesis? → Physician's signature and date
27. A prosthetic facility is undergoing a CMS audit. Which records are auditors most likely to request for a high-cost claim? → Physician orders, CMN, prior authorization, delivery confirmation, and progress notes
28. When storing lamination resins and solvents in the prosthetic lab, which condition is most important to maintain? → Cool temperature away from ignition sources
29. What does a quality assurance (QA) process involve in prosthetics? → Verifying conformity to standards
30. A prosthetic technician overhears a colleague sharing a patient's diagnosis with an unauthorized staff member. What is the most appropriate first step? → Report the breach to the privacy officer or supervisor