Component 3

Overview

The PAAI Longitudinal Assessment will replace the traditional high stakes written recertification exam required for Component 3 of OCC.

Launch of Longitudinal Assessment on CATALYST

OCC Recertification for Pediatric and Adult Allergy and Immunology will transition to a longitudinal assessment model designed to replace the traditional high stakes Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) recertification written exam required for Component 3 of OCC. Longitudinal assessment leverages technology to facilitate continuous learning through more frequent, shorter assessments relevant to your specialty training and career, delivered via a convenient online learning platform.

Diplomates whose Allergy and Immunology certificate is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2024, will have the option sitting for the high-stakes OCC recertification examination or register to begin participation in longitudinal assessment. The high-stakes OCC recertification exam will no longer be available after the 2024 administration.

PAAI Longitudinal Assessment

The PAAI Longitudinal Assessment will replace the traditional high stakes written recertification exam required for Component 3 of OCC.

Longitudinal assessment enhances convenience and flexibility by leveraging technology to facilitate continuous learning through more frequent, shorter assessments relevant to your specialty training and career.

Annual participation in longitudinal assessment is required for continuous certification. The assessment is delivered through the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) CATALYST platform. The platform is easily accessible from your computer, tablet, smartphone or mobile app. A total of 16 items are distributed in two segments over the course of the calendar year. All items are untimed, and each item must be answered each calendar year. Diplomates must achieve a 70% at the conclusion of the calendar year for successful completion of the year’s assessment.

Please contact the Allergy and Immunology Board for additional information.

General information

If you hold an active 10-year subspecialty certification in Allergy and Immunology, you are required to begin longitudinal assessment during the expiration year of your 10-year certificate. Once you begin the program, annual participation is required to maintain continuous certification. The applications period is open now for the July 2024 longitudinal assessment.

Item delivery

Items are untimed and administered via the online CATALYST platform. A total of 16 items are provided each calendar year and you are permitted to use resources to answer the items. After completing the assessment, you may review any incorrect items, read through the rationale and view the correct answer. When the first attempt period closes, the correct answers will no longer be available to view. References are only viewable during the open period. During the re-attempt period, you will be able to redo items answered incorrectly to raise your score.

Longitudinal assessment scoring

You must achieve a 70% at the conclusion of the longitudinal assessment year for successful completion of the year’s assessment.

Longitudinal assessment fees

Registration is required each year of the longitudinal assessment year. A $250 fee will be assessed at the time of registration.

• Assessment fee: $250
• Late fee: $200
• Refund policy applies

Applications and Payment

The OCC cognitive assessment (long form) can be taken within two years of your certification’s expiration date. The Longitudinal Assessment on CATALYST begins during the year of your expiration date.

Exam Content Outline

The Pediatric and Adult Allergy and Immunology OCC Exam will cover the below Table of Specifications. These percentages represent the minimum amount of content from each of the stated areas.

*These percentages represent the minimum amount of content from each of the stated areas. Many items may address multiple areas listed above while other items will also assess other knowledge bases, such as general surgery.

Exam Number of Questions and Timing

Questions will be untimed and administered via the online CATALYST platform. There are 16 items provided each year. You are permitted to use resources to answer the questions. After completing the assessment, you may review any incorrect items, read through the rationale and view the correct answer. When the first attempt period closes, the correct answers will no longer be viewable. References are only viewable during the open period. During the re-attempt period, you will be able to redo any questions answered incorrectly to raise your score.

Incorrect answers

You will be given a second attempt to answer any missed or incorrectly answered questions from the previous segment during the re-attempt period of each segment. The re-attempt period is only available if you participated in the initial segment.

Segment timeframes

• Segment 1: Jan. 11 – June 15 (first set of eight items)
  Segment 1 Re-Attempt Period: June 16 – June 30 (re-attempt to answer any missed or incorrectly answered items from Segment 1; not available if you did not participate in Segment 1)
• Segment 2: July 1 – Oct. 15 (second set of eight items)
  Segment 2 Re-Attempt Period: Oct. 16 – Oct. 31 (re-attempt to answer any missed or incorrectly answered items from Segment 2; not available if you did not participate in Segment 2)

Exam Results

Examination results will be mailed approximately 8–10 weeks after the exam administration. Exam results will not be given over the phone, by fax or email.

Compliance With Federal Regulations

The Conjoint Committee supports the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for candidates who meet ADA eligibility. The Committee will make a reasonable effort to provide qualified board candidates who have documented disabilities the necessary auxiliary aids and services that do not fundamentally alter the measurement of the skills or knowledge the board assessment process is intended to test or result in an undue burden.

The Committee supports the intent of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for all patients or patient records that may be used as part of the board certification process.