Exam Policies

Rescoring of Examinations

Candidates have the right to request a rescore and audit process of their examination scores. Requests for the rescoring and audit must be submitted to the Board in writing via formal letter emailed within one month of the Board’s release of the exam results. The fee for rescoring and audit is $200. The Board will commence the rescoring and audit process following receipt of the candidate’s request and payment. This process is limited to rescoring and audit of the candidate’s exam. Candidates are not allowed to review specific items on the examination. The Board will not reevaluate or reset the “cut” score for passing the exam. The electronic examination data of candidates will be destroyed 24 months after administration of the examination.

AOBA Refund Policy

• Primary and Subspecialty Written Examination
  • Applicant not accepted for examination by the Credentials Committee = 75% refund
  • Applicant cancels prior to 31 days of the scheduled examination = 50% refund
  • Applicant cancels within 30 days of the scheduled examination = no refund
• Primary Oral Examination
  • Applicant not accepted for examination by the Credentials Committee = 75% refund
  • Applicant cancels prior to 30 days of the scheduled examination = 50% refund
  • Applicant cancels within 30 days of the scheduled examination = no refund
• Clinical Examination
  • Applicant not accepted for examination by the Credentials Committee = 75% refund
  • Applicant cancels prior to 30 days of the scheduled examination = 50% refund
  • Applicant cancels within 30 days of the scheduled examination = no refund

Right to Appeal

If a candidate feels that actions of the AOBA 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 can be made via email by submitting a written request along with any supporting documentary material necessary for proper review of the case. The Appeal Request must be emailed within seven days after completion of the exam.

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.

Candidates will be advised by email within 30 days of final action of the board.

Compliance With Federal Regulations

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

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The AOBA 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 AOBA 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 AOBA certification will be de-identified by the candidate prior to submission, such that the remaining information cannot be used to identify an individual patient.

Code of Conduct: Irregular or Improper Behavior

Because of the AOA’s commitment to the high level of confidentiality and integrity of our certifying board examinations, board examination results and questions of improper conduct are reviewed by board members. Improper behavior, including but not limited to, giving, receiving, or otherwise obtaining unauthorized information or assistance, looking at or utilizing the test material of others, taking notes, failing to comply with computer site staff instructions, talking with other candidates or other disruptive behavior will be considered cause for review of conduct and a possible violation of the certification process. Candidates must not discuss the examination while the session is in progress. Candidates must not disclose the contents of the examination to others or reproduce the examination or any portion of the examination in any manner, including without limitation reconstruction through memorization, electronic means, or dictation. All AOA examinations are copyrighted and protected by federal law. The above policies apply to all examinations administered by any AOA specialty certifying board.

It is a criminal offense to copy or reproduce any portion of the certifying examinations. Each board will monitor examinations for irregular or improper behavior by direct observation, statistical analysis, and by other means. Irregular or improper behavior will constitute grounds for invalidation of the candidate’s examination and each board reserves the right to invoke other sanctions, such as exclusion from future examinations, revocation of board certification, and reporting misconduct to censing bodies or law enforcement agencies.