Exam Policies
Exam Scoring
The final score is determined by the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for guessing. The minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard developed by the AOA Boards participating in this conjoint examination.
After the exam is given, it will be psychometrically analyzed and evaluated to ensure the reliability of individual results. Your results will be released to you within 90 days of the date of the exam through the candidate’s online exam portal. Questions regarding exam results and any appeals of the examination must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the date results were released.
Rescore of Examinations Policy
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 or email 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.
Right to Appeal
A candidate who fails any examination may appeal by submitting the following materials to the Board:
- A written request for appeal.
- The applicable appeal fee.
- Additional written information in support of the appeal.
If the candidate is not satisfied with the results of an appeal before this board, he or she has the right to further appeal to the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS). Where necessary, candidates may appeal the decision of the BOS to the AOA Board of Trustees.
Compliance With Federal Regulations
The Hospice and Palliative Medicine Conjoint complies with all applicable federal and state regulations, including:
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The HPM Conjoint 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 HPM Conjoint ensures that individuals’ health information is properly protected, while allowing the flow of health information to provide and promote high quality health care.
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.