UPDATE: AOBS Longitudinal Assessment

The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) is transitioning from the 10-year high-stakes recertification exam to a longitudinal assessment model for diplomates to fulfill the Component 3 requirement of the Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) process.

In January 2023 the AOBS will launch longitudinal assessments for diplomates holding active certifications in Cardiothoracic, General Vascular, Plastic & Reconstructive, Neurological, and Urological surgery. Registration for the 2023 AOBS Longitudinal Assessment for these specialties will open this Fall on October 3, 2022.

Please note: If your certification is set to expire in 2022, you must register for the assessment in the fall to participate in the 2023 AOBS Longitudinal Assessment in order to maintain your active board certification status. A $225 annual fee will be assessed at the time of registration.

The AOBS Longitudinal Assessment consists of 15 questions delivered over the course of the calendar year through the National Osteopathic Medical Examiners CATALYST learning assessment platform.

AOBS remains committed to supporting our diplomates desire for life-long learning. Please check this website frequently as we continue to provide additional details of each of the specialty’s longitudinal assessment plan.

AOBS Announces Transition to Longitudinal Assessment for Component 3

Notice to Diplomates Certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) Specialties:

Sept. 8, 2021: The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) has announced, under the guidance of the AOA, that the process by which AOA board-certified surgeons maintain certification will be changing. Beginning in January 2022, the board will begin the transition to a longitudinal assessment model that will replace the high-stakes written examination previously required for Component 3 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC).

The new Component 3 requirements will take effect when the new OCC cycle begins on Jan. 1, 2022, starting with implementation of longitudinal assessment for diplomates certified in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. All other AOBS primary specialties, including General Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Urological Surgery, will transition to longitudinal assessment at a later date. Additional details on the timeline will be forthcoming.

The transition away from the high-stakes examination to a longitudinal assessment model will enable AOBS to provide high-quality evaluation of diplomates while allowing greater flexibility, accessibility and convenience. The new model will afford diplomates the freedom to access and select content that is relevant to their specialty, while maintaining the true spirit of “continuous learning” that longitudinal assessment delivers.

Please continue to consult this website for further details and information regarding transition timeframes.