Board Policies

Board Eligibility

A physician’s eligibility for AOA board certification begins upon completion of their specialty or subspecialty training program and ends on Dec. 31 of the following sixth year.

Board eligibility status will be automatically terminated in the following circumstances:

• After completion of the board eligibility timeframe.
• Upon denial of an appeal to extend the board eligibility timeframe for an individual.
• Upon award of certification.

The following eligibility requirements must be met for AOA board certification:

• You must be a graduate of a COCA-accredited college of osteopathic medicine and have completed an AOA or ACGME-accredited training program OR be a graduate of a LCME-accredited medical school and have completed an ACGME-accredited training program.
• You must hold a valid, unrestricted active license to practice medicine in a U.S. state, commonwealth, District of Columbia or U.S. territory.
• You must adhere to the AOA Code of Ethics.
• You must follow the process as outlined by the board’s requirements and meet any specialty-specific requirements for board certification during the six-year board eligibility period.
• You must pass all required certification exams.

Post-Board Eligibility Process

Candidates who did not achieve AOA board certification by the conclusion of the six (6) year board eligibility timeframe must apply for examination to the specialty certifying board to enter the post board eligibility certification process within three (3) years of termination of the board eligibility status timeframe.

Candidates must adhere to the process as outlined below:

• Candidates must follow the specialty certifying board’s certification examination application process as outlined on the board’s website.
• Candidates must participate in the first available administration of each exam.
• Candidates will have four (4) attempts to pass each step of the examination process.
• Candidates will have four (4) attempts to pass each step of the examination process.
  • Nonparticipation in the next available examination administration is considered a forfeiture and an unsuccessful examination attempt.
• Candidates participating in the post-board eligibility process may not claim “board eligible” status.

Candidates who do not achieve board certification through the post board eligibility process will have no further opportunity to obtain AOA board certification in the specialty or subspecialty.

Subspecialty Certification Eligibility

To be eligible for AOBS subspecialty certification in Surgical Critical Care, a candidate must:

• Earn primary certification through the AOBS in General Surgery.
• Successfully complete at least a one-year training program in Surgical Critical Care through the AOA or the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.
• Pass a written exam in Surgical Critical Care (to be taken following completion of training).

Resolution 56: Eligibility for ABMS-Certified DOs

Resolution 56 defines the certification eligibility for ABMS-certified surgeons seeking primary certification from the AOBS. To be eligible for Resolution 56, ABMS-certified osteopathic physicians must meet the following requirements:

• Be certified by the ABMS and have completed residency training prior to submitting an application. Note that ABMS-certified osteopathic physicians who participated in a clinical pathway (in lieu of completing a residency program) to achieve ABMS certification may be allowed to enter the certification process under the following conditions:
  • The pathway must have been completed prior to 1995; and
  • The candidate must meet any additional requirements set by the specialty board for certification.
• Additional requirements and fees as designated by the certifying board.
• Complete and submit the application and release of information form.

Right to Appeal

If the candidate believes that the action of the Board constitutes unequal application of regulations and requirements or standards, unwarranted discrimination, prejudice, unfairness or improper conduct of all or any part of an examination conducted by the Board, the candidate has the right to appeal to the Appeal Committee of the Board.

View the full AOBS appeal policy.

View the Appeal Form.

Compliance With Federal Regulations

The AOBS complies with all applicable federal and state regulations, including:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The AOBS complies with requirements prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations, commercial facilities, and transportation, as well as regulations for Title II and Title III (and all subsequent regulations) as printed in the federal register.
• Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA): In compliance with the HIPAA Act of 1996 and any subsequent modifications, the AOBS ensures that individuals’ health information is properly protected, while allowing the flow of health information to provide and promote high quality health care. All medical records submitted for review by candidates for AOBS certification will be de-identified by the candidate prior to submission, such that the remaining information cannot be used to identify an individual patient.