OCS Exam Prep Free practice test →

Free OCS Practice Questions

10 free, exam-style Oncologic Certified Specialist (OCS) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free OCS practice test to study every exam domain.

The OCS exam has 200 questions and runs 6 hours.

These 10 free OCS questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Oncologic Certified Specialist blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.

Domain 1: Knowledge Areas 15% of exam

Question 1

A survivor treated with doxorubicin several years ago now presents with new exertional dyspnea and reduced exercise tolerance. This late effect is MOST consistent with the known toxicity profile of which drug class?

  1. Vinca alkaloids
  2. Anthracyclines
  3. Aromatase inhibitors
  4. Platinum compounds
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Anthracyclines

Question 2

A patient's affected arm shows swelling that does NOT decrease with elevation and demonstrates early tissue fibrosis, but skin changes are not yet advanced. Using the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) system, this is BEST classified as:

  1. Stage 0 (latent)
  2. Stage I
  3. Stage II
  4. Stage III
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Stage II

Domain 3: Patient and Client Management Expectations 69% of exam

Question 3

A patient hospitalized during a chemotherapy cycle has a platelet count of 16,000/µL and asks to begin a strengthening program. Based on commonly used activity guidelines, the physical therapist should:

  1. Proceed with progressive resistance exercise using free weights
  2. Withhold all activity until platelets exceed 100,000/µL
  3. Limit the patient to essential ADLs and light active movement
  4. Have the patient perform a graded treadmill test to set intensity
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Limit the patient to essential ADLs and light active movement

Question 4

A patient with metastatic breast cancer has a lytic lesion in the proximal femur (peritrochanteric region) occupying more than two-thirds of the cortex, with functional pain on weight-bearing. Using Mirels' scoring system, the MOST appropriate recommendation is:

  1. Continue impact aerobic training with close symptom monitoring
  2. Begin closed-chain strengthening within a pain-free range
  3. Refer for surgical consult regarding prophylactic fixation
  4. Apply a compression garment and progress ambulation
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Refer for surgical consult regarding prophylactic fixation

Question 5

According to the 2019 ACSM International Multidisciplinary Roundtable, which aerobic exercise dose has strong evidence for improving cancer-related fatigue, anxiety, and quality of life in survivors?

  1. About 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, 3 times per week
  2. 150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity spread across 7 days
  3. 10 minutes of high-intensity interval training on alternating days
  4. 60 minutes of moderate aerobic activity performed once weekly
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - About 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, 3 times per week

Question 6

During an outpatient session, a patient with known prostate cancer reports new, progressively worsening mid-back pain that is worse at night, along with bilateral lower-extremity weakness that began this morning. The MOST appropriate action is to:

  1. Stop treatment and arrange immediate medical evaluation
  2. Reassess in 48 hours to determine whether symptoms are mechanical
  3. Continue the session but avoid loading the thoracic spine
  4. Apply thermal modalities and initiate lumbar stabilization exercises
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A - Stop treatment and arrange immediate medical evaluation

Question 7

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) for lymphedema consists of four core components. Which of the following is NOT one of them?

  1. Manual lymph drainage
  2. Intermittent diuretic administration
  3. Compression bandaging or garments
  4. Skin and nail care
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B - Intermittent diuretic administration

Question 8

A patient who completed treatment for breast cancer with axillary lymph node dissection is fearful that lifting weights will trigger lymphedema. Based on current evidence, the therapist should advise that:

  1. Upper-body resistance training must be avoided permanently on the affected side
  2. Only the unaffected limb should be exercised to prevent fluid accumulation
  3. Resistance training is safe only after a compression sleeve is worn continuously
  4. Slowly progressed resistance training does not increase lymphedema risk
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Slowly progressed resistance training does not increase lymphedema risk

Question 9

A patient receiving a taxane-based regimen reports symmetric numbness and tingling affecting both feet and both hands. This presentation is MOST characteristic of:

  1. Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy
  2. A lumbar radiculopathy
  3. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
  4. Steroid-induced proximal myopathy
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C - Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Question 10

A patient with significant cancer-related fatigue asks how to manage it. Which recommendation has the STRONGEST evidence base?

  1. Prioritize extended bed rest until energy levels normalize
  2. Increase daily caffeine intake to offset the tiredness
  3. Restrict all activity in order to conserve remaining energy
  4. Participate in a structured exercise program
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D - Participate in a structured exercise program

The rest of the OCS blueprint

The OCS exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:

Ready for the real thing?

Practice hundreds more OCS questions with instant scoring, weak-area drills, and full exam simulations.

Start the free practice test See pricing