Longitudinal Assessment

Longitudinal Assessment for Neurology and Psychiatry Primary Certifications

The AOBNP has transitioned away from the traditional 10-year high-stakes recertification exam  to a longitudinal assessment model for continuous certification of the Neurology and Psychiatry primary certifications. The longitudinal assessment will provide high-quality, effective evaluation while allowing greater flexibility for physicians meeting the OCC Component 3 requirement.

The AOBNP longitudinal assessment will be administered through the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners’ (NBOME) CATALYST platform. The longitudinal assessment was developed and designed to give diplomates more convenient access to relevant questions and to allow diplomates the freedom to select questions relevant to their specialty in a customized process, all while keeping the true spirit of “continuous learning.”

Registration

Diplomates with a 10-year certification:
Diplomates currently holding an active primary certification in Neurology or Psychiatry must register for the longitudinal assessment annually. Registration opens in the fall prior to the following year’s assessment. Diplomates will be required to begin the longitudinal assessment in the expiration year of their current 10-year certificate.

Newly-certified diplomates:
Diplomates who have received their certification in Neurology or Psychiatry on or after Jan 1, 2020, are not required to register and begin participation in the AOBNP longitudinal assessment program for one calendar after receiving their certification. After one full calendar year following the issue date of the initial primary certification, diplomates will need to register for the AOBNP’s longitudinal assessment during the next available registration year and begin the longitudinal assessment the following year (i.e., A diplomate who is certified in 2021 must register for the AOBNP’s longitudinal assessment in 2023 and begin the longitudinal assessment in 2024).

Process

Annual participation in AOBNP longitudinal assessment is required. During each calendar year, diplomates will be required to complete an online assessment.

Beginning in 2025: During each calendar year, you will be required to answer 30 untimed multiple-choice questions per calendar year. All questions must be answered during the calendar year in which they were issued.

Number of reattempts:

If a question is answered incorrectly, the assessment platform will display the reference, rationale and correct answer. You will have the first nine months of the calendar year to submit answers. During the months of October through November of the same year, you will have an opportunity to re-attempt any incorrectly answered questions from the current calendar year only. Once the segment is closed at the end of the calendar year, no additional re-attempts will be allowed.

Beginning in 2025: The remediation quarter will close on Nov. 30 to allow the AOBNP office sufficient time to process certification renewals.

IMPORTANT: The final quarter of each year closes Dec. 15 to allow the AOBNP office sufficient time to process certification renewals.

Scoring

You must achieve a minimum score of 70% at the conclusion of the year in order to successfully pass the longitudinal assessment.

If you do not achieve a 70% grade or fail to participate in a required longitudinal assessment, your certification may be placed in inactive status. In that case, you may contact the AOBNP to explore options for remediation.

Annual schedule & fees

• Annual registration opens: June 1
• Registration closes: Oct. 31
• Annual assessment fee: $175
• First attempt available: January – September
• Re-attempt window: October – November

Exam references

The following references are provided as a preparation tool for the Longitudinal Assessment.

Please contact the AOBNP at (312) 202-8148 or via email at [email protected] with questions regarding registration or the assessment fee.