OSTEOPATHIC BOARD CERTIFICATION

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Osteopathic Continuous Certification

Component 3: Cognitive Assessment

Component 3 of Osteopathic Continuous Certification requires provision of one or more psychometrically valid and proctored examinations that assess a physician’s specialty medical knowledge, as well as core competencies in the provision of health care.

Longitudinal Assessment

In January 2022, the board transitioned to a Longitudinal Assessment model that replaced the high-stakes written examination previously required for OCC Component 3. The new approach is designed to afford board-certified physicians with greater flexibility, accessibility and convenience, while facilitating ongoing high-quality assessment and continuous learning.

Longitudinal assessment for General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care became available with registration in the fall of 2021 and access in January 2022.  Longitudinal assessment for Specialties became available with registration in the fall of 2022 and access in January 2023.

View process

All other AOBS primary specialties, including General Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurological Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and Urological Surgery, will transition to longitudinal assessment with registration opening on Oct. 3, 2022. Access to the assessment for participation will begin in January, 2023.  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.  The AOBS Longitudinal Assessment for Specialties 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.

Exam Policies

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.