What principle maintains reduction of a displaced fracture in a cast?

Three-point pressure using the intact soft tissue hinge

Circular compression applied evenly around the fracture

Maximum padding with no moulding

Single-point pressure at the fracture site

When planning cuts to remove a cast, which areas should be avoided?

Bony prominences such as malleoli and styloids

Soft tissue on the flat surfaces of the limb

Which advice should be given to a patient with a new plaster cast?

Keep it dry and do not push objects inside

Soak it in water daily to clean it

Trim the edges at home if it rubs

Scratch inside with a ruler or knitting needle if itchy

Which is the earliest and most reliable sign of developing compartment syndrome in a casted limb?

Pain out of proportion and on passive stretch

Absent distal pulses at the wrist

Pale, cold fingers with slow refill

Complete paralysis of the muscles of the affected limb

For a simple swollen forearm fracture in a backslab with no signs of compartment syndrome, what elevation advice is given?

Raise the hand above heart level for 48-72 hours

Keep the arm hanging down by the side

Avoid moving the fingers at all

Keep the arm in a sling resting below the waist level

Why do plaster room sinks have a plaster trap?

To stop plaster sediment blocking the drains

To heat water for the plaster bath

To disinfect the water used in the plaster bath

An adult patient with capacity refuses a recommended cast after the risks are explained. What should the cast technician do?

Respect it, document it and inform the doctor

Apply the cast anyway for the patient's benefit

Ask a relative to give consent instead

Discharge the patient without telling anyone

Why is a backslab rather than a full cast often applied immediately after an acute fracture?

It allows for swelling in the first days

It lets the patient bear weight early

It never needs to be completed later

Free · 15 questions with answers · every GCC exam

Cast Technician Prometric exam questions with answers

15 original practice questions written to the Cast Technician exam blueprint, each with the answer and why the other options are wrong. Below them: the Cast Technician exam's format, pass mark and fee at DHA, DOH, SCFHS, QCHP and every other GCC regulator, from their own published rules.

15
Free questions: 50%
DHA pass mark: 100
Questions on the DHA exam: 12
Questions in the free mock

Start the questions Take the free timed mock

Quick answer

The Cast Technician exam is 100 MCQs in 2 hours at DHA (pass mark 50%). Below are 15 original practice questions written to the official blueprint, each with the answer and why the other options are wrong, plus a free 12-question timed mock.

The Cast Technician exam in every GCC country

DHA publish an exact Cast Technician exam; the others apply one format to every title. Figures come from each regulator's own exam pages - anything not published says so.

Cast Technician licensing exam in every GCC country
Regulator	Exam	Format	Pass mark	Fee per attempt	Practise
DHA Dubai	Cast Technician (CTE5862)	100 MCQs in 2 hours	50%	USD 180 (about AED 660)	DHA questions →
DOH Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra	DOH licensing exam Regulator-wide format	Written + oral/OSCE	Pass / fail only	Not published	DOH questions →
MOHAP Northern Emirates - Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah	MOHAP licensing exam Regulator-wide format	Computer-based	Not published	Not published	MOHAP questions →
SHA Emirate of Sharjah	SHA licensing exam Regulator-wide format	Set at assessment	Not published	Not published	SHA questions →
SCFHS Kingdom of Saudi Arabia	SCFHS licensing exam Regulator-wide format	200 MCQs, 240 min	500-560 of 800	Not published	SCFHS questions →
QCHP State of Qatar	QCHP licensing exam Regulator-wide format	150 MCQs, 3 hrs	50-65%	Not published	QCHP questions →
NHRA Kingdom of Bahrain	NHRA licensing exam Regulator-wide format	Prometric CBT	Not published	Not published	NHRA questions →
OMSB Sultanate of Oman	OMSB licensing exam Regulator-wide format	Computer-based OC exam	Not published	Not published	OMSB questions →
Kuwait MOH State of Kuwait	Kuwait MOH licensing exam Regulator-wide format	150 MCQs, 170 min	60-70%	Not published	Kuwait MOH questions →

exact exam published for Cast Technician

Pass marks, attempts and fees change - confirm yours on the regulator's exam page before you book.

15 Cast Technician exam questions with answers

Choose your answer first, then open the explanation. The set covers the main blueprint domains at a mix of easy, medium and hard.

Question 1Cast Application Techniquesmedium
A patient with an acute Achilles tendon rupture is treated non-operatively. In what ankle position is the cast or boot initially applied?
1. ANeutral at 90 degrees
2. BFull dorsiflexion
3. CEversion with neutral flexion
4. DPlantar flexion (equinus)
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Plantar flexion (equinus)
Equinus brings the ruptured tendon ends together; the angle is reduced gradually over the following weeks. A neutral or dorsiflexed position would separate the tendon ends.
Question 2Cast Application Techniqueshard
What principle maintains reduction of a displaced fracture in a cast?
1. ACircular compression applied evenly around the fracture
2. BMaximum padding with no moulding
3. CSingle-point pressure at the fracture site
4. DThree-point pressure using the intact soft tissue hinge
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Three-point pressure using the intact soft tissue hinge
Three-point moulding applies forces at the fracture and at two opposing points above and below, using the intact periosteal hinge. A single-point force cannot balance the deforming forces.
Question 3Cast Removal and Equipment Safetymedium
When planning cuts to remove a cast, which areas should be avoided?
1. ASoft tissue on the flat surfaces of the limb
2. BBony prominences such as malleoli and styloids
3. CAreas of thick padding
4. DThe middle of the forearm
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Bony prominences such as malleoli and styloids
Cutting over bony prominences risks burns and lacerations where padding is thin and the skin is close to bone. Flat, well-padded surfaces are safer cutting lines.
Question 4Casting Materialsmedium
How long does a plaster of Paris cast usually take to dry fully and reach full strength?
1. AAbout 30 minutes
2. B2-3 hours
3. C24-72 hours
4. D7-10 days
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. 24-72 hours
Plaster sets in minutes but needs about 24-72 hours to dry completely, so patients must avoid weight bearing or pressure early. Synthetic casts reach working strength in about 30 minutes.
Question 5Patient Education, Infection Control and Professional Practiceeasy
Which advice should be given to a patient with a new plaster cast?
1. ASoak it in water daily to clean it
2. BTrim the edges at home if it rubs
3. CKeep it dry and do not push objects inside
4. DScratch inside with a ruler or knitting needle if itchy
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Keep it dry and do not push objects inside
Plaster weakens when wet, and objects pushed inside can break the skin and cause infection. Patients should return for adjustment rather than altering the cast themselves.
Question 6Complications and Patient Monitoringmedium
Which is the earliest and most reliable sign of developing compartment syndrome in a casted limb?
1. APain out of proportion and on passive stretch
2. BAbsent distal pulses at the wrist
3. CPale, cold fingers with slow refill
4. DComplete paralysis of the muscles of the affected limb
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Pain out of proportion and on passive stretch
Pain disproportionate to the injury and worsened by passive stretch of the compartment muscles is the earliest sign. Loss of pulses and paralysis are late signs, when damage may be irreversible.
Question 7Splints and Immobilisation Deviceshard
A boxer's fracture of the fifth metacarpal neck is to be splinted. Which splint is most appropriate?
1. AUlnar gutter splint
2. BThumb spica splint
3. CRadial gutter splint
4. DDorsal finger splint
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Ulnar gutter splint
An ulnar gutter splint immobilises the fourth and fifth rays with the wrist. A radial gutter covers the index and middle fingers, and a thumb spica the thumb.
Question 8Splints and Immobilisation Deviceseasy
In what wrist position is a night splint usually applied for carpal tunnel syndrome?
1. ANeutral position
2. BFull flexion
3. CFull extension
4. DUlnar deviation
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Neutral position
A neutral wrist minimises pressure in the carpal tunnel. Flexion and extension both increase carpal tunnel pressure.

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Question 9Complications and Patient Monitoringmedium
A patient reports a localised burning pain over the heel inside a below-knee cast, and there is an unpleasant smell. What is the most likely problem?
1. ANormal fracture healing pain
2. BA plaster allergy
3. CLoose cast padding only
4. DA pressure sore under the cast
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. A pressure sore under the cast
Localised burning pain, odour or discharge suggest a pressure sore, which needs inspection by windowing or removing the cast. Fracture pain is generally diffuse and improves with time.
Question 10Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Fracturesmedium
An older woman fell on an outstretched hand. Radiographs show a distal radius fracture with dorsal displacement of the distal fragment. What is this fracture called?
1. ASmith fracture
2. BBarton fracture
3. CColles fracture
4. DGaleazzi fracture
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Colles fracture
A Colles fracture is an extra-articular distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation and displacement, giving the dinner-fork deformity. A Smith fracture has volar displacement.
Question 11Patient Education, Infection Control and Professional Practicemedium
For a simple swollen forearm fracture in a backslab with no signs of compartment syndrome, what elevation advice is given?
1. AKeep the arm hanging down by the side
2. BRaise the hand above heart level for 48-72 hours
3. CAvoid moving the fingers at all
4. DKeep the arm in a sling resting below the waist level
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. Raise the hand above heart level for 48-72 hours
Elevation above the heart in the first days reduces swelling, combined with finger exercises. Keeping the arm dependent increases swelling.
Question 12Patient Education, Infection Control and Professional Practicemedium
Why do plaster room sinks have a plaster trap?
1. ATo stop plaster sediment blocking the drains
2. BTo heat water for the plaster bath
3. CTo disinfect the water used in the plaster bath
4. DTo collect fibreglass offcuts
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. To stop plaster sediment blocking the drains
Plaster residue sets in pipes and blocks drainage, so a trap collects the sediment for regular emptying. It has no disinfecting or heating role.
Question 13Patient Education, Infection Control and Professional Practicemedium
An adult patient with capacity refuses a recommended cast after the risks are explained. What should the cast technician do?
1. ARespect it, document it and inform the doctor
2. BApply the cast anyway for the patient's benefit
3. CAsk a relative to give consent instead
4. DDischarge the patient without telling anyone
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Respect it, document it and inform the doctor
A competent adult may refuse treatment; the refusal and explanation should be documented and the responsible clinician informed. A relative cannot consent for a capacitated adult.
Question 14Splints and Immobilisation Devicesmedium
Why is a backslab rather than a full cast often applied immediately after an acute fracture?
1. AIt provides stronger fixation
2. BIt allows for swelling in the first days
3. CIt lets the patient bear weight early
4. DIt never needs to be completed later
Show answer and explanation
Answer: B. It allows for swelling in the first days
A backslab is not circumferential, so it accommodates early swelling and reduces the risk of compartment syndrome. It is usually completed or converted once swelling settles.
Question 15Splints and Immobilisation Devicesmedium
Which splint controls forearm rotation and is used for acute distal radius fractures?
1. AUlnar gutter splint
2. BVolar wrist splint
3. CBuddy strapping
4. DSugar-tong splint
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D. Sugar-tong splint
A sugar-tong splint wraps around the elbow and controls pronation and supination. A volar wrist splint does not limit forearm rotation.

What the Cast Technician exam covers

The blueprint groups questions into these domains. Weight your revision the same way - the heavier domains carry more of your score.

Musculoskeletal Anatomy and Fractures

~15%

Bones and joints of the upper and lower limb · Fracture patterns · Distal radius fractures

Casting Materials

~12%

Plaster of Paris · Synthetic fibreglass and polyester casts · Exothermic reaction and burn prevention

Cast Application Techniques

~18%

Below-elbow and above-elbow casts · Below-knee and above-knee casts · Padding technique over bony prominences

Splints and Immobilisation Devices

~12%

Backslabs for acute swollen injuries · Sugar-tong and ulnar gutter splints · Volar wrist and thumb spica splints

Complications and Patient Monitoring

~18%

Neurovascular observations · Compartment syndrome · Pressure sores under casts

Cast Removal and Equipment Safety

~10%

Oscillating cast saw · Preventing saw burns and lacerations · Cutting lines and bony prominences

Patient Education, Infection Control and Professional Practice

~15%

Cast care instructions and warning signs · Elevation and exercise advice · Hand hygiene and cleaning of casting equipment

How to answer these questions

Questions test applied practice: what you would do with this patient, this result or this image - not textbook definitions.

Safety items (radiation, infection control, patient identification, equipment checks) are high-yield and quick to revise.

Under time pressure, flag and move on: every question carries the same mark.

Aim to score comfortably above your regulator's pass mark - 10 to 15 points of margin - on timed, full-length practice before you book.

Cast Technician exam questions: FAQs

How many questions are in the Cast Technician Prometric exam?

It depends on the regulator: DHA 100 MCQs in 2 hours. The full table above lists every GCC regulator.

What is the pass mark for the Cast Technician exam?

DHA: 50%. Pass marks are set exam by exam, so use your own regulator's figure.

Are these real exam questions?

No. Regulators do not release their papers, and anything sold as a leaked paper is unofficial and risky to rely on. These are original questions written to the official exam blueprint, at the level and in the style of the real exam, each with a worked explanation.

Is the Cast Technician exam the same in every GCC country?

The clinical content is broadly similar because the exams test the same safe practice, but the format, length, pass mark, attempts and fees differ by regulator. Prepare on the content once, then check your regulator's exact rules before you book.

How should I use these questions?

Answer each one before opening the explanation, and note why each wrong option is wrong. Then take the free 12-question timed mock to see your score against the pass mark, and move to full-length papers when you score comfortably above it.

Last reviewed September 2026. Questions are original and written to the published exam blueprint; they are not taken from any real paper.

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