OSTEOPATHIC BOARD CERTIFICATION

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AOA Specialty Certifying Boards

AOA Conjoint Examination Committees

Other Recognitions

AOBS now recognizes external Qualifying Exams (Part 1) as Equivalent to AOBS Qualifying Exams.
Successful candidates can apply for certification through AOBS Oral Exams (Part 2). LEARN MORE

Welcome to the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery

Affirm your commitment to ongoing evidence-based education resulting in high-quality whole person care.

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Information for Candidates

Learn about the process to become AOA board certified in Surgery, including required exams and eligibility criteria.

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Why Choose AOA?

Designed for physicians by physicians, AOA board certification is an important quality marker for patients and employers.

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Maintaining Certification

Demonstrate excellence in your specialty throughout your career by participating in Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC).

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Important Dates View All

Dec. 2, 2025 – June 30, 2026

2025 Longitudinal Assessment (OCC Component 3)

Diplomates who need to retake the 2025 assessment or who are in remediation will have the opportunity to do so during this limited timeframe.

Jan. 8, 2026

2026 Longitudinal Assessment (OCC Component 3)

Registration opened on Nov. 17, 2025. Diplomates will have access to the assessment Jan. 26 – Nov. 15, 2026.

May 1-3, 2026

Spring Qualifying Examination

Remote proctored

Sept. 30, 2026

Oral Examination

In-person in New Orleans, Louisiana, in conjunction with the ACOS Annual Clinical Assembly (ACA). Registration opens March 30, 2026.

Dec. 4-6, 2026

Neurocritical Care Subspecialty Exam

Registration will be open June 4 – Nov. 4, 2026 (final deadline).

April 12-17, 2027

Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Examination

Registration will be open Oct. 12, 2026 – March 12, 2027. (final deadline).

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