Certification of Osteopathic Physicians

When an osteopathic physician (DO) is "certified," it means he or she has chosen to achieve expertise in a medical specialty or subspecialty by meeting the requirements of one (or more) of the 18 AOA Specialty Certifying Boards. Certification by an AOA Approved Board is not a requirement to practice in a medical specialty. DOs can become certified in the following areas:

Certification Requirements

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.