Component 3

Introduction

Longitudinal assessment will replace the traditional high-stakes recertification exam previously required every ten years with an 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.

Starting April 2024, Sports Medicine will administer longitudinal assessment through the CATALYST platform hosted by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME). The platform is easily accessible from your computer, tablet or smartphone. You are required to participate in longitudinal assessment each year, beginning in the expiration year of your current certificate. Registration opens in the fall prior to the following year’s assessment.

Through participation in Osteopathic Continuous Certification, AOA board-certified physicians maintain necessary skills, explore advancements in medicine and demonstrate expertise in their specialty. OCC Component 3 requires physicians certified by the American Osteopathic Sports Medicine conjoint to pass one or more psychometrically valid and proctored examinations focused on assessing medical knowledge and core competencies.

Longitudinal Assessment Registration

Please follow the guidelines below to determine when you should register for longitudinal assessment:

• If your initial certification was issued before Jan. 1, 2023:
  You are required to participate in longitudinal assessment each year, beginning in the expiration year of your current ten-year certificate. Registration opens in the fall prior to the following year’s assessment.
• If your initial certification was issued on Jan. 1, 2023, 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 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 2023, you would register for longitudinal assessment in Fall 2024 and begin participation in 2025.

Longitudinal Assessment Schedule

The following charts outline the annual registration and administration cycles for longitudinal assessment. Once you have begun the longitudinal assessment process, it is an annual requirement.

Longitudinal Assessment Scoring

If you are unsuccessful in meeting the 70% required to pass the year, the Sports Medicine Committee will look at your results over a combined three-year rolling period to give you a chance to improve your overall score. If your three-year average is above 70%, no adverse action will be taken against your certification.

If you fail to participate in a required longitudinal assessment, your certification may be placed in inactive status. In that case, you may contact the Sports Medicine Conjoint Committee to explore options for remediation.

2024 Longitudinal Assessment References

The following references are provided as a preparation tool for the 2024 Longitudinal Assessment.

Longitudinal Assessment FAQs

FAQs about longitudinal assessment in general and the CATALYST platform coming in 2024 can be found below.

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. View the schedules above.
• 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 to maintain AOA Board Certification.

Exam Platform

• How is longitudinal assessment administered?
  The Sports Medicine longitudinal assessment will be administered through the CATALYST platform, hosted by the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME), beginning in April 2024.
• How do I access the CATALYST platform?
  The CATALYST platform can be accessed any time via computer, tablet, smartphone or the CATALYST mobile app.