Certification is recognition by one of the 18 AOA Approved Specialty Boards that a D.O. has achieved expertise in a medical specialty or subspecialty.* Certification by an AOA Approved Board is not a requirement to practice in a medical specialty.

Doctors of osteopathic medicine can become AOA certified in the following areas:

Certification requirements vary by specialty. At a minimum, however, all AOA Board certified physicians must:

• Be a member of the American Osteopathic Association or the Canadian Osteopathic Association
• Pay the annual certification registration fee, unless classified as inactive
• Maintain a minimum of 120 hours of approved and documented AOA Continuing Medical Education credits within a three-year period, at least one-third of which shall be in their general specialty

For more information about specific certification requirements for osteopathic physicians, please visit DO-Online’s Certification section.

The AOA Specialty Boards:

• Define the qualifications required of osteopathic physicians for certification and recertification in each specialty
• Determine the qualifications of osteopathic physicians as specialists for certification in each specialty
• Conduct examinations for certification
• Issue certificates, subject to the recommendations of the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists and to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the AOA, to those physicians who are found qualified for certification in each specialty
• Recommend revocation of certificates for cause
• Use every means possible to maintain a high standard of practice in each specialty within the osteopathic profession.

* Allopathic boards can also certify osteopathic physicians.