Timeline
The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery administers primary and subspecialty certification exams, as well as Osteopathic Continuous Certification requirements. The following stages represent key milestones in the process to obtain primary board certification in General Surgery.
Written Exam
1. Applicants must be within 90 days of completing residency training or have completed training in order to apply for the Written Exam.
2. The Written Exam is only offered in the spring via a remote proctoring platform. The application period opens five months prior to the exam.
Oral Exam
3. Applicants for the Oral Exam must have successfully completed the Written Exam.
4. The Oral Exam is offered mid-fall. The application period opens at least 90 days prior to the exam date.
Become Board Certified
5. Upon successful completion of all exam components, the AOBS will recommend osteopathic board certification to the AOA.
6. You will receive a letter from the AOA via email once certification has been approved.
7. You are now board certified. You will receive your certificate in the mail within 6 weeks upon notification of approval.
8. Your primary certification in General Surgery will remain active for 3 years following date of issue provided you successfully complete Osteopathic Continuous Certification requirements.
Osteopathic Continuous Certification
9. Maintain active licensure.
10. Participate in lifelong learning and continuing medical education.
11. Complete the cognitive assessment.
12. Complete the practice performance assessment.