Pedorthic Certification

There are three levels of pedorthic certification offered in Canada:

C. Ped (C)

Certified Pedorthist Canada

These practitioners provide:

  • Assessment through observation of surface anatomy and palpation of the lower limb;
  • Gait analysis, range-of-motion testing, footwear analysis, and review of potentially complicating health factors;
  • Casting, manufacturing, fitting, and adjusting foot orthotics;
  • Fitting and modifying standard and orthopaedic footwear;
  • Accommodating/incorporating complementary devices including various over-the-counter (OTC) products such as compression therapy, dorsiflexion night splints, below knee walkers, ankle braces, drop foot braces, and toe splints; and,
  • Casting, measuring, fitting and adjusting custom footwear and Subtalar Control Foot Orthoses (SCFO’s).

C. Ped Tech (C)

Certified Pedorthic Technician Canada

These practitioners provide:

  • Shoe fitting;
  • Shoe modification and orthotic fabrication (from laboratory prescriptions provided by foot care professionals with the scope of practice to assess);
  • May perform duties of a clinical pedorthist under the direct supervision of a Canadian Certified Pedorthist.
  • A C. Ped Tech (C) cannot independently manage patients.

C. Ped MC

Certified Pedorthic Master Craftsman

The highest level of certification available. This level of clinical pedorthist has all the skills listed for a C. Ped (C) as well as manufacturing custom orthopaedic footwear including:

  • Measuring, casting and making original shoe lasts;
  • Designing and making upper patterns;
  • Manufacturing fitting model of shoes; and,
  • Lasting and finishing of custom shoes.

COFS

Certified Orthopaedic Footwear Specialist

This is a closed membership category. Historically, COFS members were one of the founding groups that merged to create the Pedorthic Association of Canada. Recognizing the contribution COFS members have made to the pedorthic profession, The College of Pedorthics of Canada verified their competency and has added the COFS category. These practitioners provide:

  • Assessment for orthotics and custom footwear;
  • Accommodating/incorporating complementary assistive devices;
  • Fitting and modifying standard and orthopaedic footwear; and,
  • Casting, manufacturing, fitting and adjusting of orthoses;
  • Lasting and finishing of custom shoes;
  • Manufacturing fitting models of shoes;
  • Designing and making upper patterns;
  • Measuring, casting and making original shoe lasts; and,
  • Manufacturing of custom orthopaedic footwear, including casting and measuring for custom footwear.