news

ABMS-certified DOs now offered exam-free pathway to AOA board certification

DOs who hold ABMS certification can now easily obtain AOA board certification without taking a high-stakes initial exam or paying initial certification fees.

Friday, November 20, 2020

Osteopathic physicians (DOs) certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) can now receive reciprocal certification from the AOA’s Certifying Board Services.

This opportunity is available to all DOs certified by an ABMS member board prior to Nov. 21, 2020, and will not require physicians to take their corresponding AOA specialty or subspecialty board’s initial certification exam or pay initial certification fees.

The new pathway is designed to provide increased options and inclusivity for ABMS-certified osteopathic physicians, says AOA CEO Kevin Klauer, DO, EJD. “It’s time to bring our DOs home,” he says.

With the goal of removing previous barriers to AOA certification for ABMS-certified DOs, the new option eliminates the burden of high-stakes initial certification exams and associated fees. Learn more.

The application fee for reciprocal certification is $0 for AOA members and $299 for non-members. To maintain AOA Board Certification, DOs will be required to meet their specialty/subspecialty board’s requirements for Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC). These requirements will vary by specialty/subspecialty board.

To obtain more information and submit an application, visit the ABMS Reciprocity page.