AOBNMM NMM/OMM
AOBNMM Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (NMM/OMM) Initial Certification Exams
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ExploreAbout this exam
The American Osteopathic Board of Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine (AOBNMM) is an AOA specialty certifying board that awards osteopathic board certification in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine. It is intended for osteopathic physicians who practice NMM/OMM and want to affirm their commitment to ongoing evidence-based education resulting in high-quality whole person care. Candidates move through the certification process described under "Information for Candidates," which covers the required exams and eligibility criteria, and then maintain certification through Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC), a four-component program that includes longitudinal assessment. The certification pathway includes an Initial Written Certification Exam, an Initial Oral Certification Exam, and an Initial Practical Certification Exam; the board lists these as separate initial exams, and the published 2026 dates are Sept. 26, 2026 for the practical, Oct. 5, 2026 for the oral, and Oct. 16, 2026 for the written. Preparation should follow the board's own sequence: confirm eligibility and apply through the certification portal, review board policies and remote exam preparation and test accommodation information, then build a study plan that integrates written, oral, and hands-on performance skills rather than treating them as one test. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the AOBNMM or the AOA.
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About AOBNMM NMM/OMM preparation
What exams make up initial AOBNMM certification?
The board's site lists an Initial Practical Certification Exam, an Initial Oral Certification Exam, and an Initial Written Certification Exam as distinct exams. Eligibility criteria and the required exam sequence are described on the board's Information for Candidates pages, which you should confirm before applying.
When are the 2026 initial certification exams?
The board lists the Initial Practical Certification Exam on Sept. 26, 2026, the Initial Oral Certification Exam on Oct. 5, 2026, and the Initial Written Certification Exam on Oct. 16, 2026. The site directs candidates to an Exam dates and deadlines page for current scheduling details.
How do I apply and register?
Applications and registrations are handled through the AOA certification portal. The board site's quick actions include Apply for an exam, Exam results, and Exam dates and deadlines, all in the Certification Portal. Start there rather than relying on third-party instructions.
How long is each exam and how many questions are there?
Those specifics are not published in the source material reviewed for this page, so treat any number you see elsewhere with suspicion. Check the board's exam pages and portal for the authoritative format, timing, and item counts before you plan your test-day pacing.
What score do I need to pass, and what happens if I fail?
Passing standards and retake policy are not stated in the source reviewed here. Because retake rules and waiting periods materially affect planning, confirm them directly with the board before sitting an exam, and do not assume a fixed number of attempts.
Can I take exams remotely or get test accommodations?
The board site maintains Remote Exam Preparation and Test Accommodations sections alongside Board Policies. If you need accommodations, review those pages early, since approval typically has to be arranged before your scheduled exam date rather than on test day.
In what order should I prepare for the three exams?
Build one integrated body of knowledge and rehearse it in three modes: written recall, spoken case reasoning, and hands-on technique performance. The practical date falls before the oral and written in 2026, so do not defer hands-on practice until after your written preparation is finished.
What is Osteopathic Continuous Certification?
OCC is the board's maintenance-of-certification program, organized into Component 1 through Component 4, and it includes a longitudinal assessment that physicians register for through the certification portal. Certification is therefore ongoing rather than a one-time event after you pass the initial exams.
What are the most common preparation mistakes?
Two stand out: treating the oral and practical exams as afterthoughts to written study, and relying on stale secondhand details about dates, fees, and formats. Verify logistics on the board site, and practice explaining and performing your reasoning out loud, not just recognizing answers.