In-training Examination Content

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CBPS Examination Content

The CBPS In-training Examination content is classified into content areas and case management areas that are the same for Foot and RRA.

The Foot Surgery CBPS examination covers the diagnosis of general medical problems and surgical management of pathologic foot conditions, deformities, and/or trauma, and related structures that affect the foot and ankle.

The RRA Surgery CBPS examination covers the diagnosis of general medical problems and surgical management of pathologic foot and ankle conditions, deformities, and/or trauma, and related structures that affect the foot, ankle, and leg.

Foot Surgery CBPS Exam: Case Management Areas

Case Management Areas

Physical Examination: 15-35%
Diagnostic procedures/labs/imaging: 15-35%
Diagnosis: 10-30%
Treatment: 20-40%

Foot Surgery CBPS Exam: Content Areas

Content Areas

Cases may belong to one or more of the following categories:

Complications/Revision
Congenital disorders (pediatrics)
Congenital disorders (adult)
Deformities
Perioperative management
Neoplastic disorders
Neurovascular disorders
Trauma
Wound/Infection
Metabolic, rheumatologic, and inflammatory disorders

RRA Surgery CBPS Exam: Case Management Areas

Case Management Areas

Physical Examination: 20-40%
Diagnostic procedures/labs/imaging: 15-35%
Diagnosis: 10-30%
Treatment: 15-35%

RRA Surgery CBPS Exam: Content Areas

Content Areas

Cases may belong to one or more of the following categories:

Complications/Revision
Congenital disorders (pediatrics)
Congenital disorders (adult)
Deformities
Perioperative management
Neoplastic disorders
Neurovascular disorders
Trauma
Wound/Infection
Metabolic, rheumatologic, and inflammatory disorders

Foot and RRA Surgery Didactic Exams

Each test question is classified with a single topic and a subtopic. For example, a question could cover surgical principles (topic) regarding the treatment of a hallux abductovalgus deformity (subtopic).

Foot Surgery Didactic Exam: Topics

Diagnostic Studies/Medical Imaging

Target: 17% of Questions
Acceptable Range: 12-22%

Definition: Interpretation of specific studies of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the lower extremity. RRA subject areas may be tested on the Foot exam.

Sample Topics

Diagnosis or differential based on laboratory studies, imaging, or other diagnostic studies
Diagnosis based on a specific imaging study

Surgical Principles

Target: 20% of Questions
Acceptable Range: 15-25%

Definition: General principles standard to all surgical disciplines and applicable to podiatric surgery. RRA subject areas may be tested on the Foot exam.

Sample Topics

Preoperative, intraoperative, or postoperative decision-making or management
Not procedure-specific

Surgical Procedures/Techniques

Target: 22% of Questions
Acceptable Range: 17-27%

Definition: Intraoperative aspects of specific surgical procedures.

Sample Topics

Relevant (normal or abnormal) anatomy encountered and surgically altered during the performance of a surgical procedure
Anatomy that is encountered and surgically altered
Incision placement and dissection technique
Orientation of bone cuts
Selection and application of fixation devices and bioimplants
Placement and fixation of tissue transfers
Selection and application of closure materials, drains, and surgical dressings
Complications that are assessed and/or managed intraoperatively

Procedural Perioperative Management

Target: 15% of Questions
Acceptable Range: 10-20%

Definition: Procedure-specific and preoperative or postoperative in nature (not intraoperative). RRA subject areas may be tested on Foot exam.

Sample Topics

Selection of a specific procedure based on findings
Diagnosis that requires a surgical management decision
Postoperative management of a specific procedure

Complications

Target: 13% of Questions
Acceptable Range: 8-18%

Definition: Procedure- or injury-specific postoperative or post-traumatic conditions. RRA subject areas may be tested on Foot exam.

Sample Topics

Identification and/or management of lower extremity procedure-specific postoperative complications
All-inclusive subject categories dealing with diagnosis and/or treatment

General Medicine

Target: 13% of Questions
Acceptable Range: 8-18%

Definition: All general medical diagnostics and treatments exclusive of lower-extremity pathology.

Sample Topics

Systemic complications
Diagnosis that requires a medical management decision
Medical management: diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions exclusive of the lower extremity
Interpretation of history and physical examination and diagnostic studies relating to non-lower extremity pathology
Anesthesia: local, regional, spinal, epidural, IV sedation, and general anesthesia topics, including related peri-anesthesia assessment and pharmacologic management
Emergency medicine: diagnosis and treatment of urgent or emergent diseases, disorders, and conditions exclusive of lower extremity