OSTEOPATHIC BOARD CERTIFICATION

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Read the latest on the launch of AOBEM's new Continuous Osteopathic Recertification Exam

Osteopathic Continuous Certification

Component 2: Lifelong Learning/CME (COLA Modules)

Overview

Component 2 of the Osteopathic Continuous Certification process requires recertifying physicians to pursue lifelong learning through continuing medical education.

Emergency Medicine

CME Requirement
To complete Component 2 requirements in the primary specialty of Emergency Medicine, and subspecialties you will need to earn 60 hours of CME over the three-year certification CME cycle.

CME can be reported several ways. Using the AOA’s new online CME tracking services, you can now easily self-report AOA Category 1 and 2 CME activities hosted by non-AOA-accredited CME sponsors. CME earned through an AOA-accredited sponsor will be reported on your behalf.

The CME self-reporting and tracking system is free for AOA members, with unlimited access to report activities, download and print CME reports. Simply log into the AOA Physician Portal and click “Manage CME” to get started.

The CME self-reporting and tracking services are available to non-members who are AOA board-certified for a nominal subscription fee. Register for CME self-reporting and tracking only. To avoid the fee, you can join the AOA to begin taking advantage of all the benefits membership provides, including full access to the new CME self-reporting and tracking service, unlimited free physician profile reports and a full slate of valuable member resources and savings programs.

View the CME Guide for more information.

Please note: Diplomates have until March 31, 2022 to submit CME for the 2019-2021 CME Cycle. All reported credits must have been earned in the 2019-2021 CME Cycle.

Recognizing the significant burden placed on physician practices by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Committee of the AOA Board of Trustees approved the following policy changes for the 2019-2021 CME cycle.

  • At the end of the 2019-21 CME cycle, up to 15 AOA category 1-B credits will be converted to AOA category 1-A credits on an hour for hour basis. Please note the credit adjustment will not appear on CME reports until the end of the current cycle. At that time, reports will be updated to display credit totals with and without the adjustment to preserve accuracy of reporting for non-AOA use, such as verification for state licensure.
  • The maximum number of AOA category 1-B credits that may be earned for committee and hospital work (as described in the 2019-2021 CME Guide for Osteopathic Physicians) has been raised from 5 to 10.

COLA Modules

The COLA modules are available on the AOA Online Learning Platform. The platform is used to purchase and complete the COLA modules. The online learning platform has hundreds of on-demand CME activities and educational programs designed to build your skills and knowledge.

The AOA Online Learning Platform’s benefits include:

  • Immediate access to your COLA module: After purchasing online you can start taking the COLA right away.
  • CME posting within 24 business hours: After passing the COLA with a score of 75 or above, the CME will be posted on your report within 24 business hours. A certificate of completion will be available immediately for print or download.
  • Activity posts on the AOA Physician Portal within 24 hours: After passing the module your Physician Portal will be updated within 24 business hours.

COLA Requirement

  • If your certification expires in 2019 or earlier, you must take 8 COLA modules and pass at least 6.
  • If your certification expires in 2020 or after, you are eligible to participate in CORE, the new annual OCC assessment that replaces the high stakes 10-year written cognitive exam. Please view the AOBEM Core Phase-in plan on the CORE homepage to learn more about your COLA requirement.

COLA modules cost $105 when they’re first posted, with one new module posted every year. Once a COLA module has been posted for three years, the price doubles to $210. This is to encourage diplomates to take COLA modules frequently and complete them promptly. If you are unsuccessful in passing a COLA module after 3 attempts, you may pay the module fee again to receive another 3 opportunities to pass the module. Physicians receive 8 AOA 1-B CME credits for each COLA module they complete successfully. For each module you complete, the AOA will submit documentation on your behalf and note the CME credits you’ve earned.

Preparing to Take COLA Modules

Before taking your selected COLA modules, you can get familiar with the material by reading an outline of the topics covered in each module. You can also view the journal articles and other references used to develop each COLA module below:

Apply NowView CME Guide