CME Guide

CME policies for osteopathic physicians

Effective Jan. 1, 2013, all AOA specialty certifying boards implemented a continuous certification process for osteopathic physicians called Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC). This guide outlines the requirements for OCC Component 2: Lifelong Learning/Continuing Medical Education, and the activities that may serve to meet those requirements.

Download the guide

June 2020 Update: AOA announces CME policy changes due to COVID-19

Recognizing the significant burden placed on physician practices by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Executive Committee of the AOA Board of Trustees has approved the following policy changes for the 2019-2021 CME cycle.

• At the end of the 2019-21 CME cycle, up to 15 AOA category 1-B credits will be converted to AOA category 1-A credits on an hour for hour basis. Please note the credit adjustment will not appear on CME reports until the end of the current cycle. At that time, reports will be updated to display credit totals with and without the adjustment to preserve accuracy of reporting for non-AOA use, such as verification for state licensure.
• The maximum number of AOA category 1-B credits that may be earned for committee and hospital work (as described in the 2019-2021 CME Guide for Osteopathic Physicians) has been raised from 5 to 10.

In addition, AOA category 1 CME sponsors will be exempt from the requirement to provide a needs assessment for COVID-19 related activities.