2026 Part I Written Examination
The American Osteopathic Board of Orthopedic Surgery (AOBOS) is pleased to announce that applications for the Part I Written Certification Examination are now open. This exam is a key step toward board certification in Orthopedic Surgery.
Exam Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Format: Remote proctoring – take the exam from a private, secure location of the candidate’s choosing.
Fee: $1,000
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
Eligibility
Candidates must be in or have completed an AOA or ACGME-accredited orthopedic surgery residency program. Eligibility includes:
- 4th-Year Residents with Program Director approval
- 5th-Year Residents (no approval required)
- Residency-complete candidates
The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions, delivered in three 120-minute sections with optional breaks.
AOAO Resident Scholarship
The American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics (AOAO) offers a one-time $500 reimbursement to AOAO resident members (4th or 5th year) who register and pay for the AOBOS Part I Written Exam. Visit the AOAO website for details.
Board Certification Next Steps After Part I
Successful candidates will advance to the Clinical Examination, which includes a chart review and oral defense of cases. Eligibility requires one year of independent practice and submission of a surgical log covering a 6-month consecutive period.
The Value of AOBOS Certification
AOBOS board certification is a nationally recognized credential that meets the standards of government agencies, insurers, and employers. It is accepted by ACGME program directors and faculty, and pass rate data is reported directly to the ACGME Review Committee. ACGME Requirement V.C.3 stipulates that program directors should encourage residents to take the certifying exam offered by their specialty AOA or ABMS board.
Residency Programs: Learn More – Schedule a Webinar
AOBOS offers custom webinars for any program interested in learning more about AOBOS board certification. These sessions provide direct access to an AOBOS Board Member and the Certification Director, allowing residents and faculty to ask questions and gain clarity on the certification process.
To help us communicate exam opportunities and confirm eligibility, please submit a list of your current residents using the following submission form.
For questions or to schedule a webinar, contact the AOBOS Office at [email protected] or (312) 202-8208.
Exciting Update: Immediate Exam Eligibility for Subspecialty Certification in Hand Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine
AOBOS is pleased to announce a change in the eligibility timeline for subspecialty certification in Hand Surgery and Orthopedic Sports Medicine.
Effective immediately, candidates who have completed an ACGME-approved fellowship in Hand Surgery or Orthopedic Sports Medicine may now apply for and take the written subspecialty examination immediately following fellowship completion.
This change allows for greater flexibility and alignment with training timelines, while maintaining the high standards required for certification.
Please note that all other certification requirements—including surgical case logs and practice experience—must still be fulfilled before certification can be awarded.
We encourage eligible candidates to take advantage of this opportunity and begin the certification process as soon as they complete their fellowship training.
Limited Subspecialty Certification Opportunity for Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Board-certified orthopedic surgeons who are fellowship-trained in Orthopedic Sports Medicine (OSM) and serve as team physicians are facing evolving employment requirements. Increasingly, professional organizations mandate subspecialty certification for team physicians, a trend expected to extend to collegiate athletics due to recent changes in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies. Surgeons without subspecialty certification risk losing their roles despite fellowship training.
In response, the AOBOS has received approval from the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS) Executive Committee to offer a limited opportunity for AOBOS primary board-certified orthopedic surgeons—who are beyond the standard 6-year board eligibility and post-eligibility windows—to pursue subspecialty certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine. This opportunity will be available for a three-year period, ending December 31, 2028.
