Jumpstart your career: AOBFP Early Entry Initial Certification for new physicians
By Deb Dupnik, CAE, CCSM-A, Director, American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians
Are you a DO in a family medicine residency, or an MD in an osteopathically recognized family medicine residency? Will you be in your final year of residency in January 2026?
I want to encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities available to you during residency to position yourself for success after graduation, particularly by pursuing early entry into board certification through the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians (AOBFP) Early Entry Initial Certification exam (EEIC).
One key step in this process is participating in the in-service exam (ISE). Taking two ISEs during residency is required to be eligible for the AOBFP Early Entry Initial Certification Exam, which you can take during your third year. Early certification helps you stand out as a residency graduate who is fully board-certified and ready to enter practice without delay. It also offers peace of mind as you near the end of residency, knowing that you will leave residency with board certification in Family Medicine under your belt.
In addition, I strongly encourage you to consider taking the OMT Performance Exam as part of your board certification pathway. Completing this exam allows you to earn the OMT Certification, which highlights your proficiency in osteopathic manipulative treatment and your commitment to hands-on, patient-centered care. It is a meaningful credential that demonstrates the unique value you bring to your patients as an osteopathic physician.
To further support you, the ACOFP Foundation offers a grant that helps cover the cost of the AOBFP early entry certification exam and the OMT exam. This financial support makes early certification more accessible and removes one of the common barriers to taking this important step.
EEIC and OMT Certification send a powerful message to future employers and patients about your readiness, skills and dedication to the principles of osteopathic medicine.
Please reach out with any questions about registration, preparation or grant application details. We are here to support you in achieving these important professional milestones.
Upcoming exams and application dates
Early Entry Initial Certification (EEIC)
- 2026 Written Exam
Exam dates: Jan. 13-16, 2026
Application opens Aug. 15, 2025
First application deadline: Nov. 13, 2025
Final application deadline: Dec. 13, 2025 (with late fees)
Exam fee: $400 - 2026 OMT Performance Exam
Orlando, FL (in conjunction with the annual ACOFP conference)
Exam dates: April 16-17, 2026
Application opens: Oct. 1, 2025
First application deadline: Dec. 16, 2025
Final application deadline: Jan. 16, 2026 (with late fees)
Exam fee: $500
Traditional Initial Certification
- Fall 2025 Traditional Pathway Written Exam
Exam dates: Sept. 10-12, 2025
Application opens May 1, 2025
First application deadline: Jul. 10, 2025
Final application deadline: Aug. 10, 2025 (with late fees)
Exam fee: $550