CORE Exam

https://certification.osteopathic.org/emergency-medicine/aobem-launches-core/

AOBEM Launches New Osteopathic Continuous Certification Examination
The American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBEM) is pleased to announce the launch of its new annual Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) examination. The Continuous Osteopathic Recertification Examination (CORE) will replace the high stakes, 10 year examination also known as the Cognitive Assessment Recertification Examination.

CORE OVERVIEW:

CORE, the new annual OCC for AOBEM, is administered online 24/7 and can be taken at home or in the office. It is an open book examination where diplomates are encouraged to use the educational resources typically available in the Emergency Department. CORE has a total of 40 to 60 multiple-choice questions, based on two to three main content areas from the AOBEM Table of Specifications (TOS) and four current practice changing articles.

Two sections are available once logged in:

  • Section One includes two required core content modules.
  • Section Two has eight article-based modules. Of the eight article-based modules, the diplomate is required to take and pass four modules.

After completing all six modules (two core content and four article-based), the diplomate will be required to complete a short survey to receive their certificate of completion.

Looking to prepare for CORE?
ACOEP’s Review Course is offered live each year during our Spring Seminar. Each new version is uploaded about 30 days after the spring event. While the in-person session provides the best experience, the recorded course is also available for purchase anytime in our Digital Classroom.

KEY DETAILS:

Registration: Registration is available on the AOBEM Exams page. Once you register for CORE, allow 5-7 business days to receive access. You will be notified by AOBEM staff via the email address provided during registration. The final deadline to apply for CORE is Nov. 15th of each calendar year.

Cost: The annual fee for CORE is $210.

How CORE works: Once registered for CORE, the diplomate has until Dec. 1st of each calendar year to complete CORE.

  • The module can be reviewed after it is completed.
  • The correct and incorrect answers are visible. The correct answer will not be shown for questions answered incorrectly.
  • Each module requires a 75% to pass.
  • Module questions are shuffled per diplomate. No diplomate will have the same questions in the same order.
    • After the first attempt the questions will not reshuffle.
  • Each module allows two attempts.
    • The diplomate must wait one week after each attempt before reattempting the same module. Consider this when attempting modules near the December 1st deadline.
    • The diplomate has the option to move on to a different module, if available, without a delay.

Want to learn more?

Access a detailed phase-in plan, CORE eligibility requirements, FAQs and application instructions in our OCC Component 3 section.

After You Apply

Applications are processed weekly. AOA launched a new Learning system this year, so the screens may look different than past years.

When your application is processed, you will receive an invitation email from elearning@osteopathic.org. This message includes your unique access link to the AOA Learning site. Please check your inbox and your spam or junk folder for this email.


Invitation email from elearning@osteopathic.org with Access button
Invitation email example. Sender: elearning@osteopathic.org

How to Access CORE

  1. Open the invitation email and click the unique Access button.
  2. Log in to the AOA Learning site with your AOA credentials.
  3. Click Get Started to enroll in CORE 2025.
  4. After enrollment, return to AOA Learning any time.
  5. CORE will appear under My Courses in your account.


AOA Learning dashboard showing CORE under My Courses
Locate CORE course after enrollment, listed under My Courses

Need help finding the email

  • Search your inbox for elearning@osteopathic.org.
  • Check spam or junk folders.
  • Confirm the email address you used in your application.

If you still do not see the invitation and you have checked your AOA Learning account, please contact AOBEM at
312-202-8293 or aobem@osteopathic.org.

INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR:

AOBEM Vice chair, Bradley Chappell, DO, and AOBEM Secretary, Christopher Zabbo, DO, hosted a live webinar to discuss an array of topics, including eligibility requirements, how to register for CORE, as well as a short demo of the exam (no actual exam content was shown). Participants also had the opportunity to ask questions relating to AOBEM’s CORE.

The webinar took place Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, and can be viewed here.

https://certification.osteopathic.org/emergency-medicine/aobem-launches-core/