AOBP Pediatrics
AOA Osteopathic Board Certification in Pediatrics - General Pediatrics Certification Exam
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ExploreAbout this exam
The AOA Osteopathic Board Certification in Pediatrics is a specialty board credential conferred by the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP), an AOA certifying board. It is intended for osteopathic physicians (DOs) practicing general pediatrics who want to demonstrate specialty-level competence to patients, employers, and credentialers. AOBP also offers certification pathways in Neonatology, Conjoint: Adult & Pediatric Allergy & Immunology, Conjoint: Sports Medicine, and an OMT Designation. Certification is not a one-time event: after initial certification, physicians maintain it through Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC), a four-component program that includes a longitudinal assessment. AOBP describes its certification as affirming a commitment to ongoing evidence-based education resulting in high-quality whole person care, and positions AOA board certification as a quality marker designed for physicians by physicians. Candidates should begin with the AOBP "Certification Process" and "Exam Registration" pages, review exam dates and deadlines, and read board policies before applying. Because AOBP administers exams remotely, candidates should also review the Remote Exam Preparation guidance and the test accommodations process. Preparation should combine a structured review of general pediatrics and its subspecialty content areas with practice on board-style multiple-choice questions, and should account for the osteopathic-focused content reflected in the OMT Designation pathway. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and dates directly with AOBP.
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About AOBP Pediatrics preparation
What is the format of the AOBP General Pediatrics Certification Exam?
AOBP administers its certification exams in a multiple-choice format, and the board publishes dedicated Remote Exam Preparation guidance, indicating exams are delivered remotely. AOBP does not publish item counts, section breakdowns, or time limits on its public pages. Confirm the exact format and any scheduling details with AOBP before your exam date.
When is the General Pediatrics Certification Exam offered?
AOBP lists the General Pediatrics Certification Exam for April 13-15, 2026. Separate dates are listed for the Neonatology Initial Certification Exam and the Neonatology OCC Certification Exam, both March 17, 2026. Because dates and deadlines change, verify against the AOBP Exam Dates & Deadlines page rather than relying on a secondhand calendar.
How do I apply and register?
Start on the AOBP website, review the Certification Process and Exam Registration pages, then use the Certification Portal to apply for an exam. The same portal handles registrations, exam results, and exam dates and deadlines. Eligibility criteria are described under Information for Candidates. Review board policies before submitting, since policies govern application timing and requirements.
Is there a way to maintain certification other than retaking an exam?
Yes. AOBP maintains certification through Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC), which has four components plus a longitudinal assessment. The 2026 Longitudinal Assessment window is listed as Jan. 10 – Oct. 30, 2026, and registration for longitudinal assessment is handled through the Certification Portal. OCC components, including CME submission, are managed in the Physician Portal.
What if I need testing accommodations?
AOBP publishes a Test Accommodations page and includes it in its main navigation, so accommodations are handled through a defined request process rather than informally at the test center. Read that page and the associated board policies early, because accommodation requests typically require documentation and advance approval before your scheduled exam date.
How hard is the exam, and what should I study first?
AOBP does not publish a passing score or difficulty rating, so treat any specific pass-rate claim as unverified. Build a study plan around general pediatrics first, since it is the core of the certification, then add neonatology and the conjoint content areas if you are pursuing those pathways. Finish with timed board-style question practice.
What is the OMT Designation and do I need it?
OMT Designation is a separate AOBP offering listed alongside Pediatrics, Neonatology, and the conjoint certifications, and it appears as its own item in the site navigation. AOBP does not state on its public pages whether it is required for general pediatrics certification. Review the OMT Designation page and board policies to determine whether it applies to your pathway.
What are common reasons candidates run into trouble?
The most frequent avoidable problems are administrative: missing application or exam deadlines, requesting accommodations too late, and assuming an exam date from an old calendar. Clinically, candidates often under-prepare for content outside their daily practice. Use the AOBP Exam Dates & Deadlines and Board Policies pages as your source of truth, and confirm fees and eligibility directly with AOBP.
Does this page represent AOBP officially?
No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics or the American Osteopathic Association. AOBP does not publish question counts, time limits, fees, passing scores, or retake rules on the pages summarized here, so verify every logistical detail directly with AOBP before you apply.