Volunteer Opportunities
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) is seeking AOA board-certified osteopathic physicians to support its certifying boards in the following roles:
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) collaborate with board members and staff to develop, review and revise items for written certification exams. This includes item writers, reviewers or those who do both. CME credit is provided for participation.
Time commitment & requirements
- First-year SMEs:
- Complete AOA-provided item writing training. Training occurs over a four to five month period and usually includes:
- Three instructional videos (approximately one hour)
- Four assignments (10 items total)
- Two 90-minute review meetings
- Complete AOA-provided item writing training. Training occurs over a four to five month period and usually includes:
- Experienced SMEs:
- Write up to six items annually
- Respond to item requests throughout the year
- Review 15–30 items annually (for item reviewers only)
Current needs
- Item writers: AOBA, AOBFP, AOBD
- Item reviewers: AOBA
Examiners
Examiners assist in administering oral, clinical and practical certification exams, which may be conducted virtually or in-person depending on the specialty. CME credit is provided for participation.
Time commitment & requirements
- Attend examiner orientation/training
- Commit one to three days annually to administer exams
Current needs
- AOBA, AOBD, AOBEM
Board Members
Board Members are dedicated volunteers who uphold high standards for osteopathic board certification within their specialty. Responsibilities may include writing and reviewing exam items, revising test content and administering exams. CME credit is provided for participation. While we welcome and encourage all interest, please note that board openings are limited and may not be immediately available.
Time commitment & requirement
- Attend in-person meetings (travel reimbursed) and conference calls as needed
- Complete AOA-provided item writing training
- Support additional duties as needed, such as:
- Item writing and review
- Exam construction
- Scoring decisions
- Oral exam supervision
- Key validation sessions