OSTEOPATHIC BOARD CERTIFICATION

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AOA Specialty Certifying Boards

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Board Eligibility

A physician’s eligibility for AOA board certification begins upon completion of their specialty or subspecialty training program and ends on Dec. 31 of the following sixth year.

Board eligibility status will be automatically terminated in the following circumstances:

  • After completion of the board eligibility timeframe.
  • Upon denial of an appeal to extend the board eligibility timeframe for an individual.
  • Upon award of certification.

The following eligibility requirements must be met for AOA board certification:

  • You must be a graduate of a COCA-accredited college of osteopathic medicine and have completed an AOA or ACGME-accredited training program OR be a graduate of a LCME-accredited medical school and have completed an ACGME-accredited training program.
  • You must hold a valid, active license to practice medicine in a U.S. state, commonwealth, District of Columbia, or U.S. territory.
  • You must adhere to the AOA Code of Ethics.
  • You must follow the process as outlined by the board’s requirements and meet any specialty-specific requirements for board certification during the six-year board eligibility period.
  • You must pass all required certification exams.

Re-Entry into the Certification Process

A physician who has not obtained final certification at the end of six years of board eligibility may petition the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM) to re-enter the certification process. If unsuccessful on a given exam, the candidate must participate in the next available exam.

Candidates who fail any exam required for certification three times must re-enter the certification process and must participate in the first available administration of the exam. The candidate will have two attempts to pass. If unsuccessful on a given exam, the candidate must participate in the next available exam.

In order to be granted re-entry into the certification process, a candidate must meet specific criteria to be recommended by the board. If the board-recommended criteria are not met, the candidate will no longer be eligible to continue the certification process.

Subspecialty Certification Eligibility

To be eligible for AOBIM subspecialty certification, a candidate must:

  • Earn primary certification through the AOBIM.
  • Successfully complete at least a two-year training program in the area of subspecialty focus.
  • Pass a Written Exam in the area of subspecialty focus (to be taken following completion of training).

Resolution 56: Eligibility for ABMS-Certified DOs

Resolution 56 defines the certification eligibility for ABMS-certified internists seeking primary certification from the AOBIM. To be eligible for Resolution 56, ABMS-certified osteopathic physicians must meet the following requirements:

  • Be certified by the ABMS and have completed residency training prior to submitting an application. Note that ABMS-certified osteopathic physicians who participated in a clinical pathway (in lieu of completing a residency program) to achieve ABMS certification may be allowed to enter the certification process under the following conditions:
    • The pathway must have been completed prior to 1995; and
    • The candidate must meet any additional requirements set by the specialty board for certification.
  • Applicants may be subject to additional requirements and fees as designated by the certifying board.
  • Complete and submit the application and release of information form.

Right to Appeal

If a candidate feels that actions of the AOBIM with regard to any part of the certification process constitute unequal application of the Bylaws or Policies and Procedures, unwarranted discrimination, prejudice, unfairness or improper conduct of the examination, he or she has the right to appeal to the board.

Appeals to the board must be made in writing and should include any supporting document for proper review of the case. The appeal must be submitted in writing within 30 days of receiving exam results.

The board will not consider appeals based on examination content, sufficiency or accuracy of answers to exam questions, scoring of the exam, and/or determination of the minimum passing score. If an appeal is denied by the AOBIM, the candidate retains the right to appeal to the AOA Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS).

View the full policy.

Compliance With Federal Regulations

The AOBIM complies with all applicable federal and state regulations, including:

  • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The AOBIM complies with requirements prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation, as well as regulations for Title II and Title III (and all subsequent regulations) as printed in the federal register.
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): In compliance with the HIPAA Act of 1996 and any subsequent modifications, the AOBIM ensures that individuals’ health information is properly protected, while allowing the flow of health information to provide and promote high quality health care. All medical records submitted for review by candidates for AOBIM certification will be de-identified by the candidate prior to submission, such that the remaining information cannot be used to identify an individual patient.