OMT Performance Exam

NOTE: Candidates may opt out of the OMT Performance Exam and become board-certified in Family Medicine only. If you select this option, you may complete the OMT Performance Exam at any point in your career to become certified in Family Medicine/OMT.

Eligibility

The following requirements are in effect for exam eligibility:

• Candidate must have completed an AOA-approved family medicine residency within the past six years OR will complete the final year of training in an AOA- or ACGME-approved family medicine residency by Aug. 1 of the exam year for the Spring exam.
• Candidates who are graduates of a non-COCA College who have completed the osteopathic education requirements in an ACGME-accredited family medicine program with Osteopathic Recognition (OR), as verified by the Director of Osteopathic Education.
• Candidates who are graduates of a non-COCA College and have not completed an OR FM Residency need to complete the additional 50-hour training requirement. These 50 hours must be approved by the AOBFP in Osteopathic Principles and Practice, prior to taking then examination(s).
• Candidate must adhere to the AOA Code of Ethics.
• Candidate must demonstrate eligibility for examination in any other manner required by the Board.

All documentation will be reviewed and approved by the AOBFP before the candidate is approved to participate in the OMT performance examination.

Requirements

Once eligibility requirements are met, applicant must submit the following:

• A completed application
• Required fees
• Verification of Residency Training form listing start and completion dates or copy of residency certificate if program is complete
• Signed and dated Statement of Understanding for Issuance of Certification

Note that although documentation of an active unrestricted state medical license is not a requirement for eligibility to sit for the certification exam, a copy of your state medical license showing an expiration date will be required to obtain certification.

Examination Fees

An exam fee of $500 must be submitted with your completed application. No application will be considered complete until all fees have been paid. Non-refundable late fees must be submitted with application based on published submission deadlines. A cancellation processing fee will be assessed once an application has been submitted. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

Exam Dates and Deadlines

The Family Medicine OMT Performance Exam will be held in spring at the annual ACOFP conference. The application period opens 6-8 months prior to the exam administration date. A letter confirming eligibility and the exam schedule is provided to the applicant via email within four weeks upon full processing of the application. Specific time assignments are supplied 4-6 weeks prior to the exam date.

Exam Content

The OMT Performance exam requires the candidate to diagnose and demonstrate an appropriate technique for each of three cases representing the areas of spine, extremities, and systemic diseases.

Examination Scoring

The criteria used for scoring includes diagnosis, identification of landmarks appropriate to the technique, implementation and demonstration of appropriate technique, ability to discuss each technique, and professionalism. A passing score must be obtained on two of the three cases.

Examination Failure

An opportunity to retake is offered during the same exam administration either later in the day or on another consecutive day of testing. In the event of a failure on the second exam attempt within that session, the candidate will be required to document completion of a CME review course in osteopathic principles and techniques before retaking the OMT performance exam at a future date.