OCS exam 2027
OCS Exam 2027: Dates, Fees, Eligibility and Format
Everything about the spring 2027 Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist exam in one place, pulled from ABPTS. Always confirm on the ABPTS fees and deadlines page before you pay or schedule.
Key dates for the 2027 exam
Testing in late February? Twelve weeks before February 24 is December 2, so if you have not started studying, now is the time. Here is a free OCS study plan built around the exam outline.
Fees
An APTA member who applied after the early bird deadline pays $1,460 in total ($650 plus $810). A non member pays $2,530 ($995 plus $1,535).
Who can sit for the OCS in 2027
- A current, unrestricted license to practice physical therapy in the United States.
- Clinical hours route (ABPTS Option A): 2,000 hours of direct patient care in orthopaedics within the last 10 years, with at least 300 of those hours in the last 3 years. For 2027, the hours follow a body region breakdown: 750 spine, 500 upper quarter, 500 lower quarter and 250 of your choice.
- Observed or mentored hours under a certified orthopaedic clinical specialist count hour for hour toward the clinical hours route. For arm, elbow, wrist and hand, a certified hand therapist can supervise.
- Residency route (Option B): completion of an ABPTRFE accredited orthopaedic residency. Current residents may be approved to sit for the exam conditionally.
Source: ABPTS orthopaedics eligibility requirements for the 2027 exam cycle.
Exam format
- 200 multiple choice questions, split into 4 blocks of 50.
- 90 minutes per block, about 1 minute 48 seconds per question.
- About 7 hours in total, with optional breaks.
- Questions stand alone or come as a case series about one patient.
- Computer based at PSI testing centers.
- A scaled score of 500 is needed to pass.
Lumbar spine (about 19%), shoulder (14%), thigh and knee (14%) and cervical spine (12%) make up over half the exam. The OCS study guide has the full body region breakdown, and the OCS pass rate page shows how candidates have done every year since 2014.
After you pass
Certification lasts 10 years. ABPTS maintenance of specialist certification checks in at years 3, 6 and 9 (licensure, 200 hours of direct patient care in the prior 3 years and professional development), and year 10 ends with a 100 question knowledge review assessment.
Frequently asked questions
When is the OCS exam in 2027?
The spring 2027 testing window is February 24 to March 17, 2027, according to the 2026 ABPTS candidate guide.
How much does the OCS exam cost?
For the 2027 exam, the application review fee is $550 for APTA members ($650 after the early bird deadline) and $895 for non members ($995 after early bird). The exam fee is $810 for members and $1,535 for non members. An APTA member who applied after early bird pays $1,460 in total.
Can I still apply for the 2027 OCS exam?
The final application deadline for the spring 2027 exam was September 30, 2026. If you already applied, your exam fee is due by November 30, 2026. If you missed it, plan for the next cycle and check the ABPTS fees and deadlines page.
How long is the OCS exam?
The OCS has 200 multiple choice questions in 4 blocks of 50. Each block is 90 minutes, and the full session runs about 7 hours with optional breaks.
How long does OCS certification last?
Specialist certification lasts 10 years, with maintenance requirements at years 3, 6 and 9 and a 100 question knowledge review assessment at year 10.
Source for dates, fees, format and maintenance: 2026 ABPTS candidate guide. Pass the OCS is not affiliated with ABPTS.
Start practicing
Ten 50 question practice exams, the same size as the real exam blocks, with every answer explained.