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 was designed to afford board-certified physicians with greater flexibility, accessibility and convenience, while facilitating ongoing high-quality assessment and continuous learning.
There are no changes to the existing Longitudinal Assessment for specialties under AOBS. Diplomates will be required to complete the 15-question assessment, updated with new questions, reading references and rationales. There are changes, however, for General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care. Rather than being on three-year cycles, General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care Diplomates will now also be on an annual assessment cycle. The changes will also provide Diplomates with a reduced number of questions to answer annually, and like Specialties, will now also be required to complete a 15-question Longitudinal Assessment.
The AOBS is pleased to announce these changes that will now align all Diplomates under AOBS for consistency, and to meet requirements set forth by the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists/Standards Review Committee, Goals and Methods for Longitudinal Assessment. Registration is now open for the 2025 Longitudinal Assessment. Please continue to watch our website, as 2025 Frequently Asked Questions to be posted shortly. We encourage you to read the current Frequently Asked Questions webpage to learn more about the process and OCC Component 3.
The AOBS Longitudinal Assessment consists of questions developed by the AOBS and the Division of Examiners, including Subject Matter Experts. The exam is delivered through the National Osteopathic Medical Examiners CATALYST learning assessment platform, providing 24/7 access.
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.
Longitudinal Assessment References
The following references are provided as a preparation tool for the 2024 and 2025 Longitudinal Assessments.
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.