Component 3

Overview

To complete Component 3 requirements for Osteopathic Continuous Certification in the primary specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, a physician must pass a written examination once per 6-year OCC cycle. To complete Component 3 requirements for Osteopathic Continuous Certification in one of the AOBOG’s four subspecialties, a physician must pass an oral examination once per 6-year OCC cycle. You can view your status for all components of Osteopathic Continuous Certification by logging in to the AOA Physician Portal.

Exam Process

The AOBOG offers an OCC Exam in the primary specialty of obstetrics and gynecology. The multiple-choice exam is offered twice each year, generally in the spring and fall at regional Pearson VUE testing centers. Diplomates may apply to take the OCC exam beginning in year four of the six-year OCC cycle. The AOBOG also offers OCC Oral Exams in the subspecialties of Female Pelvic Medicine & Reproductive Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Exams are offered twice each year, generally in the spring and fall, in Rosemont, Illinois. Exams are typically given on Friday and Saturday. Candidates will be assigned one exam session, either Friday morning, Friday afternoon, Saturday morning, or Saturday afternoon.

Primary OCC Exam Content

The Primary OCC Exam is a two-hour exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions on general obstetrics (35-45%) and gynecology (55-65%) as well as general questions encompassing female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, maternal fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, and gynecologic oncology. General knowledge reflective of the current standard of care based on the best available medical evidence is expected. Emphasis is placed on important changes in treatment guidelines (where applicable).

Subspecialty OCC Oral Exam Content

Subspecialty OCC Oral Exam Content: Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology, and Maternal Fetal Medicine The subspecialty OCC examination is a three-hour oral exam based upon:

• Cases submitted from the candidate’s log of clinical activity. All required documentation must be postmarked by the late application deadline. View all exam deadlines.
• The candidate’s general knowledge of the subspecialty.
• View details on the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology and Maternal Fetal Medicine OCC Oral Exams.

Subspecialty OCC Oral Exam Content: Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility The subspecialty OCC examination is a three-hour oral exam based upon:

• Clinical case scenarios
• View details on the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Subspecialty OCC Oral Exam

Applications and Payment

The OCC cognitive assessment exam can be taken within three years of your certification’s expiration date.

AOBOG Refund Policy

• Primary OCC Examination
  • Applicant not accepted for examination by the Credentials Committee = 75% refund
  • Applicant cancels prior to 14 days of the scheduled examination = 50% refund
  • Applicant cancels within 14 days of the scheduled examination = no refund
• Subspecialty Examinations
  • Applicant not accepted for examination by the Credentials Committee = 75% refund
  • Applicant cancels prior to 45 days of the scheduled examination = 50% refund
  • Applicant cancels within 45 days of the scheduled examination = no refund

Exam Results

Every effort will be made to release results within 45 days of the examination date.  Exam results will be posted online in the CBMS portal, the same place you registered for the exam. Candidates will be notified by email of the results posting. Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery; Gynecologic Oncology; and Maternal Fetal Medicine subspecialty oral exams will be scored as follows:

• 50 % – discussion of cases submitted from the log of clinical activity
• 50 % – candidate’s general knowledge of the subspecialty

Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility subspecialty oral exams will be scored as follows:

• 100 % – clinical case scenarios

A passing score is 75%. 

Exam Failure

For physicians holding time-dated certification, failure to successfully complete the OCC process (all components) will result in the loss of certification when their current certification expires.

Compliance With Federal Regulations

The Board supports the intent of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for candidates who meet ADA eligibility. The board will make a reasonable effort to provide qualified board candidates who have documented disabilities the necessary auxiliary aids and services that do not fundamentally alter the measurement of the skills or knowledge the board assessment process is intended to test or result in an undue burden. The Board supports the intent of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for all patients or patient records that may be used as part of any part of the AOBOG board certification process.