Timeline
The American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery administers primary certification exams, subspecialty certification exams and Osteopathic Continuous Certification requirements. The following stages represent key milestones in the process of obtaining a specialty board certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.
Written Exam
1. In order to take the Orthopedic Sports Medicine Subspecialty Written Exam, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.
2. The Orthopedic Sports Medicine Subspecialty Written Exam will be offered once per year, generally in the fall. The application period opens in March/April, and applications are due in August/September.
Become Board Certified
3. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will be required to:
- Attain certification in Orthopedic Surgery through the AOBOS.
- Have been in the active practice of Orthopedic Sports Medicine for at least two years.
- Hold full operating privileges in a hospital or surgery center.
- Hold a valid, active license to practice medicine in a U.S. state, commonwealth, District of Columbia or U.S. territory.
- Adhere to the AOA Code of Ethics.
Candidates who have achieved a passing grade on the exam and fulfilled the requirements listed above will be recommended by the AOBOS for osteopathic subspecialty board certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine to the AOA.
4. You will receive a letter from the AOA via email once certification has been approved.
5. You are now board certified. You will receive your certification in the mail within 90 days.
6. Your subspecialty certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine will remain active provided you successfully complete Osteopathic Continuous Certification requirements.
Osteopathic Continuous Certification
7. Maintain active licensure.
8. Participate in lifelong learning and continuing medical education.
9. Complete the Longitudinal Assessment.
10. Complete the practice performance assessment.