Component 3

Overview

Component 3 of the OCC process is intended to assess the knowledge, core competencies and skills of AOBPMR diplomates in the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and their subspecialties.

Longitudinal assessment leverages technology to facilitate continuous learning through shorter assessments relevant to your specialty and career. Longitudinal assessment must be registered for and completed on an annual basis until a physician chooses not to maintain their certification.

Introduction

Through participation in Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC), AOA board-certified physicians maintain necessary skills, explore advancements in medicine and demonstrate expertise in their specialty.

In 2021, the AOBPMR announced the replacement of the traditional high-stakes recertification exam previously required every 10 years with a longitudinal assessment model designed to enhance flexibility and streamline the certification process. Longitudinal assessment leverages technology to facilitate continuous learning through shorter assessments relevant to your specialty training and career, delivered over time via a convenient remote online learning platform.

Beginning in 2026, longitudinal assessments will be completed in the AOA’s Learning Portal. For more information on the transition and helpful tools to familiarize yourself with the new platform, please visit our platform transition page.

Longitudinal Assessment Registration

If you hold primary certification in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, please follow the guidelines below to determine when you should register for longitudinal assessment:

• If your initial primary certification was issued before Jan. 1, 2021:
  You are required to participate in longitudinal assessment each year, beginning in the expiration year of your current 10-year certificate. Registration opens in fall prior to the start of the following year’s assessment.
• If your initial primary certification was issued on Jan. 1, 2021, or later:
  You are not required to begin participation in longitudinal assessment for one full calendar year after becoming board certified. One year from the issue date of your initial primary certification, you will be required to register during the next available registration cycle and begin participation in longitudinal assessment the following year. Example: If you received initial certification in Spring 2022, you would register for longitudinal assessment in Fall 2023 and begin participation Jan. 1, 2024.

Longitudinal Assessment Schedule

The following chart outlines the annual registration and administration cycles for longitudinal assessment. Each three-year cycle consists of three segments (calendar years).

Longitudinal Assessment Process

Longitudinal assessment is an annual requirement. During each calendar year, diplomates will be required to complete online assessment.

Beginning in 2026, all items will be available at once; no more quarterly releases.  

• All 30 items will be delivered at once.
• You must answer 30 untimed multiple-choice questions in each selected content area, for a total of 30 questions per calendar year.

Number of reattempts: If a question is answered incorrectly, the assessment platform will display the reference and rationale. If you fail on your first attempt, your second attempt opens seven days after completing your first attempt. Items answered correctly during this second chance round will cancel out the previous responses and count toward your overall score.

IMPORTANT: All assessments will close on Nov. 30, to allow the AOBPMR office sufficient time to process certification renewals.

Longitudinal Assessment Scoring

You must achieve a cumulative grade of 80% at the conclusion of the three-year cycle in order to successfully pass the longitudinal assessment (for both full and prorated participants).

If you do not achieve an 80% cumulative grade or you fail to participate in a required longitudinal assessment, your certification may be placed in inactive status. In that case, you may contact the AOBPMR to explore options for remediation.

Longitudinal Assessment Fees

Once you begin longitudinal assessment participation, registration is required annually throughout the cycle. A $200 fee will be assessed annually at the time of registration. If you register after the registration deadline, you will be charged a $50 late fee.

Longitudinal Assessment References

The following references are provided as a preparation tool for the longitudinal assessment.

Longitudinal Assessment FAQs

General information:

• What is longitudinal assessment?
  Longitudinal assessment is a process that leverages technology to facilitate continuous learning by providing shorter assessments of knowledge relevant to your specialty training and career, delivered over time and accessible via a convenient remote online learning platform.
• When can I begin longitudinal assessment?
  Your certification issue/expiration date will determine when should begin participating in longitudinal assessment.
• How do I know when my certification was issued or expires?
  Visit the AOA Physician Portal to view your certification details and check the status of your OCC.
• I have a non-time limited certificate. Do I need to participate in longitudinal assessment?
  No, participation in longitudinal assessment is voluntary if you hold a non-time-limited certificate.
• Do I need to complete longitudinal assessment if I received certification through the AOA’s ABMS reciprocity campaign?
  Yes, you must fulfill all requirements for Osteopathic Continuous Certification in order to maintain AOA Board Certification.

Exam platform:

• How is longitudinal assessment administered?
  The AOBPMR longitudinal assessment is administered online. The platform can be accessed anytime via computer, tablet or smartphone.

Longitudinal assessment registration:

• How do I register for longitudinal assessment?
  If you are eligible to participate in longitudinal assessment, you can register at AOBPMR.
• How much does the longitudinal assessment cost?
  The annual fee is $200 and must be paid at the time of registration.

Longitudinal assessment process:

• Are the assessments timed?
  No, the assessment questions are not timed.
• Can I begin questions, stop, and then resume my assessment?
  Yes. You are able to start, pause the assessment and then resume the assessment where you left off at a later time of your choosing. The questions are untimed but must be answered during the quarter in which they are delivered.
• What is the passing score?
  You must achieve a cumulative grade of 80% at the conclusion of the three-year cycle.
• What happens if I am unsuccessful in meeting the passing score?
  Should you not meet the 80% cumulative passing score, once the assessment cycle has closed, you will receive a six-month grace period to participate in the final remediation process. The final remediation consists of a 90-question exam administered in a secure, proctored format. A score of 80% or better must be achieved to pass. Failure to pass remediation may result in your board certification being placed into an inactive status.

Compliance With Federal Regulations

The AOBPMR is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1992. If a candidate has a disability and requests accommodation in taking an exam, the candidate must submit a questionnaire application and documentation, and the Board will make a reasonable effort to provide necessary aids or services that do not alter the measurement of skills and knowledge that the exam is intended to test, and does not result in undue burden upon the Board.

In its examination processes, the Board will not require candidates to provide, nor will it use, any protected health information, and is obligated to remain compliant with HIPAA (Health Insurance Accountability and Portability Act).

The AOBPMR does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, sex, age, country of origin, country or sexual orientation.