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[ Home ](https://mdster.com) 2. [ Emergency Medicine ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine) 3. AOBEM AOBEM Exam Preparation ======================== American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine USA AOBEM administers AOA board certification in Emergency Medicine. Primary certification is completed via the Emergency Medicine Written (Part I) and Oral (Part II) examinations (which may be taken in any order), with certification recommended to the AOA after required components are passed. A legacy Clinical Exam (chart review) applies only to candidates approved to sit the Part I exam before September 1, 2013. Emergency Medicine Written Exam (Part I) Emergency Medicine Oral Exam (Part II) Emergency Medicine Clinical Exam (Legacy) 5,368+ Questions 3,254+ Flashcards 68+ Podcasts About the AOBEM Exam ---------------------- The American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBEM) administers the primary AOA board certification for emergency medicine physicians. The certification evaluates medical knowledge, clinical skills, and diagnostic abilities to ensure physicians meet the rigorous standards of osteopathic emergency medical care. ### Eligibility Candidates must be graduates of a COCA-accredited osteopathic medical school (or hold an ACGME-equivalent degree with AOA recognition), possess an active and unrestricted medical license, and have successfully completed an AOA-approved or ACGME-accredited Emergency Medicine residency program. ### Exam Format Certification involves two primary components: the Part I Written Exam (a remote-proctored, 300-question multiple-choice test divided into six timed sections) and the Part II Oral Exam (remote evaluation of clinical ability using simulated patient encounters). A legacy Clinical Exam (chart review) applies only to candidates approved for Part I before September 1, 2013. ### Duration The Part I Written Exam takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete, including scheduled breaks between the six timed sections. The Part II Oral Exam is typically administered over a half-day session consisting of multiple clinical case stations. ### Passing Criteria Exams are scored on a pass/fail basis using a criterion-referenced standard set by the AOBEM. Part I is graded using scaled scoring based on the number of correct multiple-choice answers, while Part II utilizes standardized grading rubrics focusing on history taking, investigation, diagnosis, treatment, and communication. ### Exam Fees Examination fees typically range from $800 to $1,200 USD for each individual part. Candidates should expect additional costs if applying during late registration windows and should verify current pricing on the AOA certification portal. ### Exam Frequency The exams are offered annually. The Part I Written Exam is typically held in the spring, while the Part II Oral Exam is generally conducted in the fall. ### Registration Process Candidates must register online via the AOA physician portal. The process involves submitting an application, providing documentation of residency completion and medical licensure, and paying the required examination fees prior to the published deadlines. AOBEM Key Syllabus Topics --------------------------- Core topics and subject areas covered in the AOBEM examination ### Cardiovascular Disorders Assessment and management of acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, heart failure, and hypertensive emergencies. ~10-15% ### Trauma and Orthopedics Evaluation of major trauma, ATLS protocols, fracture management, joint dislocations, and wound care. ~10-15% ### Respiratory Disorders Management of acute airway emergencies, asthma, COPD exacerbations, pulmonary embolism, and pneumothorax. ~10-12% ### Gastrointestinal Disorders Diagnosis and treatment of acute abdomen, GI bleeding, hepatic failure, and biliary tract emergencies. ~8-10% ### Neurologic Disorders Acute management of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, seizures, altered mental status, and intracranial infections. ~8-10% ### Infectious Diseases Identification and treatment of sepsis, septic shock, pneumonia, meningitis, and emerging infectious threats. ~8-10% ### Pediatric Emergency Medicine Pediatric resuscitation, congenital heart disease emergencies, pediatric trauma, and common childhood illnesses. ~8-10% ### Toxicology and Environmental Management of acute poisonings, drug overdoses, envenomations, hyper/hypothermia, and high-altitude illness. ~5-8% ### Endocrine, Metabolic, and Nutritional Treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, thyroid storm, adrenal crisis, and severe electrolyte abnormalities. ~5-8% ### Obstetrics and Gynecology Management of ectopic pregnancy, preeclampsia, peripartum emergencies, and acute pelvic pain. ~4-6% ### Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP/OMT) Application of osteopathic manipulative treatment and principles in the acute emergency department setting. ~2-5% **11** key topics covered Start Your AOBEM Preparation Today ------------------------------------ Comprehensive study materials designed to help you pass the AOBEM with confidence [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • 5-day free trial Everything You Need to Pass the AOBEM --------------------------------------- A complete preparation platform with tools designed for Emergency Medicine professionals ### Practice Questions 5,368+ questions across MCQ, SAQ, SOE formats with detailed explanations and references ### Flashcards 3,254+ flashcards for active recall — mark known and unknown cards to focus on weak areas ### Audio Podcasts 68+ audio episodes — learn on the go during commutes, workouts, or ward breaks ### Timed Mock Exams Simulate real exam conditions with timed sessions, customisable question counts, and topic filters ### AI-Powered Q&A Ask follow-up questions on any topic and get instant, contextual answers with references ### Performance Analytics Track your progress, identify weak areas, and monitor your exam readiness with detailed analytics AOBEM Exam Structure ---------------------- Our materials cover all parts of the AOBEM examination ### Emergency Medicine Written Exam (Part I) The AOBEM Emergency Medicine Written Exam (Part I) evaluates a candidate's mastery of the basic science and clinical knowledge critical to the practice of Emergency Medicine. Offered each spring as a remote-proctored test, it assesses the ability to diagnose, manage, and stabilize a broad spectrum of acute illnesses and injuries. Passing this rigorous written exam is the required foundational step toward achieving full AOBEM board certification. Remote-proctored multiple-choice examination consisting of 300 questions, administered across six timed sections. Approximately 6 hours of active testing time (60 minutes per 50-question section), plus optional 10-minute scheduled breaks between sections. Pass: Exam results are reported on a scale of 200 to 800, with a minimum overall scaled score of 500 required to pass. Key Topics Cardiovascular Disorders Trauma Respiratory and Thoracic Disorders Abdominal and Gastrointestinal Disorders Neurologic Disorders Toxicologic and Environmental Disorders +1 more ### Emergency Medicine Oral Exam (Part II) The AOBEM Emergency Medicine Oral Exam (Part II) is a remote, simulated clinical examination that rigorously assesses a candidate's ability to diagnose and manage acute medical emergencies. Administered each fall, it evaluates practical competencies such as history taking, physical examination, diagnostic interpretation, treatment formulation, and effective communication. Candidates are judged on their safe and effective patient care, as well as appropriate disposition and consultation decisions across multiple clinical stations. Remote oral examination consisting of 4 clinical stations, typically featuring 2 simulated emergency patient encounters per station. Approximately 2 hours (30 minutes allotted for each of the 4 stations). Pass: Pass/Fail based on a criterion-referenced standard setting model established by the AOBEM. Key Topics Cardiovascular Emergencies Trauma & Resuscitation Respiratory Emergencies Neurological Emergencies Toxicological & Environmental Emergencies Pediatric Emergencies +2 more ### Emergency Medicine Clinical Exam (Legacy) The Emergency Medicine Clinical Exam is a legacy portfolio-style assessment designed specifically for candidates approved to take the AOBEM Written Exam prior to September 1, 2013. Instead of a traditional test, candidates submit de-identified emergency department medical records to demonstrate real-world clinical competence. Examiners review these submitted charts to evaluate the physician's case management, diagnostic reasoning, and documentation skills in active practice. Portfolio-style clinical assessment requiring the submission of de-identified medical records Self-paced compilation with specific AOBEM submission deadlines Pass: Pass/Fail based on AOBEM examiner evaluation of the submitted clinical portfolio Key Topics Medical Decision Making (MDM) Clinical Documentation Patient Management and Therapeutics Diagnostic Evaluation Disposition Planning How to Prepare for the AOBEM ------------------------------ A practical guide to help you plan your AOBEM preparation effectively ### Recommended Timeline 6-12 months of structured, consistent study, typically beginning during the final year of residency or immediately post-graduation. ### Study Tips - Utilize a high-quality question bank tailored to emergency medicine and complete at least 2,000 practice questions. - Review the official AOBEM table of specifications (blueprint) to ensure proportional study time based on topic weights. - For the Part II Oral Exam, practice 'thinking out loud' with board-certified peers or attendings to build muscle memory for verbalizing clinical steps. - Do not neglect the Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) questions, as they represent a unique and required scoring component for DO candidates. - Rehearse managing simulated patient encounters over Zoom or video call to simulate the remote-proctored environment of the Oral Exam. - Take full-length timed practice exams to build stamina for the 6-8 hour Part I Written Exam. ### High-Yield Topics - Acute Coronary Syndrome and ECG interpretation - Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) primary and secondary surveys - Airway management and rapid sequence intubation (RSI) pharmacology - Sepsis protocols and shock resuscitation - Common toxicological toxidromes and their specific antidotes - Pediatric resuscitation algorithms (PALS) - Integration of OPP/OMT in musculoskeletal and respiratory emergencies ### Common Pitfalls - Failing to articulate the primary survey (ABCs) immediately during Part II Oral Exam simulations. - Running out of time on the Part I Written Exam due to lingering on difficult questions instead of utilizing the flag-and-review feature. - Jumping straight to a definitive diagnosis in oral stations without verbalizing the differential diagnosis and initial stabilization. - Ignoring the OPP/OMT syllabus, assuming general EM knowledge will be sufficient to pass. - Underestimating the mental fatigue of remote-proctored exams and failing to optimize the home testing environment. ### Recommended Resources - ROSH Review (AOBEM or general EM Q-bank) - PEER (Physician's Evaluation and Educational Review in Emergency Medicine) - Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine Manual - AAEM/RSA Oral Board Review Course or Text - Foundations of Osteopathic Medicine (for OPP/OMT review) Study Pathways ---------------- Choose the pathway that matches your AOBEM preparation stage ### Emergency Medicine Core Pathway Core pathway for Emergency Medicine covering foundational exams and initial certification steps. #### What's Included 2,345 MCQ Questions 1,143 SAQ Questions 2,343 Flashcards 35 Podcasts 5,866 total study resources #### Exam Coverage AOBEM Emergency Medicine Written Exam (Part I) [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) ### Emergency Medicine Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Emergency Medicine covering final exams, oral assessments, and advanced clinical evaluations. #### What's Included 997 MCQ Questions 769 SAQ Questions 114 SOE Questions 911 Flashcards 33 Podcasts 2,824 total study resources #### Exam Coverage AOBEM Emergency Medicine Oral Exam (Part II) AOBEM Emergency Medicine Clinical Exam (Legacy) [ Start Learning ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) Last refreshed: May 2026 Flexible Pricing Plans ------------------------ Choose the plan that fits your AOBEM study schedule ### Try Risk-Free for 5 Days Start your free trial today and get full access to all AOBEM features. **No credit card required**. Cancel anytime. No Commitment! Full platform access All study materials Analytics & tracking Cancel anytime ### Emergency Medicine Core Pathway Core pathway for Emergency Medicine covering foundational exams and initial certification steps. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $12.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 8% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $11.00 /month Billed $33.00 every 3 months Save 8% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 17% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $10.00 /month Billed $60.00 every 6 months Save 17% vs monthly Best value for serious learners ### Emergency Medicine Advanced Pathway Advanced pathway for Emergency Medicine covering final exams, oral assessments, and advanced clinical evaluations. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $15.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 13% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $13.00 /month Billed $39.00 every 3 months Save 13% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 20% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $12.00 /month Billed $72.00 every 6 months Save 20% vs monthly Best value for serious learners ### Emergency Medicine Bundle (Core + Advanced) Bundle subscription for Emergency Medicine: Core + Advanced pathways with all features included. #### Monthly Flexible month-to-month $20.00 /month Cancel anytime Immediate access Save 15% #### 3 Months Popular Great for exam cycles $17.00 /month Billed $51.00 every 3 months Save 15% vs monthly Perfect for exam cycles Save 25% #### 6 Months Maximum savings $15.00 /month Billed $90.00 every 6 months Save 25% vs monthly Best value for serious learners Latest AOBEM Updates ---------------------- Recent changes and developments for the AOBEM examination 2024 ### Remote Exam Administration Both the Part I Written Exam and Part II Oral Exam have transitioned to a remote-proctored format. Candidates should verify technical requirements with the AOBEM. Early 2025 ### Osteopathic Continuous Certification (OCC) Updates The AOA and AOBEM periodically update the Component 3 cognitive assessment requirements for diplomates maintaining certification. Candidates transitioning from initial certification to OCC should review the latest longitudinal assessment options. Recent Years ### Single GME Accreditation Integration With the transition to a single GME accreditation system, eligibility guidelines for ACGME-trained osteopathic physicians have been streamlined. Candidates should confirm their specific residency eligibility status directly with the AOA. Updates are based on publicly available information and may not reflect the very latest changes. Always verify with the official American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine website. Related Emergency Medicine Exams ---------------------------------- Other examinations in Emergency Medicine you may be interested in [ ### ABEM American Board of Emergency Medicine USA ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine/abem) [ ### CFPC College of Family Physicians of Canada Canada ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine/cfpc-emergency-medicine) [ ### EBEEM European Board Examination in Emergency Medicine Europe ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine/ebeem) [ ### FACEM Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Australia/New Zealand ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine/facem) [ ### FRCEM Fellowship of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine UK ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine/frcem) [ ### MRCEM Membership of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine UK ](https://mdster.com/speciality/emergency-medicine/mrcem) Frequently Asked Questions ---------------------------- Everything you need to know about AOBEM preparation ### What is the difference between the ABEM and the AOBEM? The ABEM (American Board of Emergency Medicine) is the allopathic certifying body under the ABMS, while the AOBEM (American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine) is the osteopathic certifying body under the AOA. AOBEM exams specifically include Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) and are designed for DOs, though single GME accreditation allows DOs to choose either path. ### Do I have to take Part I and Part II in a specific order? No. The AOBEM allows candidates to take the Part I Written Exam and the Part II Oral Exam in any order, provided they meet all eligibility requirements for each respective part. However, most candidates choose to take the Written Exam first. ### Is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) tested on the AOBEM? Yes, Osteopathic Principles and Practice (OPP) and OMT concepts are tested on the AOBEM examinations. Candidates should be prepared to answer multiple-choice questions on OPP in Part I and potentially integrate osteopathic approaches during Part II clinical scenarios. ### Who is required to take the Legacy Clinical Exam? The Legacy Clinical Exam is only required for candidates who were approved to sit for the Part I Written Exam before September 1, 2013. It is a chart review assessment where candidates submit de-identified emergency department records. Recent graduates do not need to take this component. ### How long does it take to get AOBEM results? Results for both the Part I Written Exam and the Part II Oral Exam are typically released within 6 to 8 weeks of the examination date. Candidates will be notified via email and can access their official score reports through the AOA physician portal. ### What happens if I fail an AOBEM exam? Candidates who do not pass either part of the AOBEM exam may retake the failed portion during a future testing window. There are specific limits on the number of attempts and timeframes allowed to achieve initial certification, so candidates should consult the current AOBEM policy guidelines. ### Can ACGME residency graduates take the AOBEM? Yes, osteopathic physicians who graduate from an ACGME-accredited Emergency Medicine residency program are eligible to sit for the AOBEM certification exams. They must ensure their training meets AOA recognition standards and should verify their eligibility via the AOA portal. ### How should I format my home environment for the remote exams? Candidates must take the exam in a quiet, well-lit, private room free of disruptions. Desks must be clear of all unauthorized materials, dual monitors are generally prohibited, and a stable, high-speed internet connection with a working webcam and microphone is mandatory for the remote proctoring software. Specialty reading hub Related Emergency Medicine Articles ------------------------------------- Reinforce your AOBEM preparation with specialty-specific guides, exam strategy articles, and clinical revision insights from the MDster blog. [ Browse all Emergency Medicine articles ](https://mdster.com/blog?speciality=emergency-medicine) [ ![Serotonin Syndrome and NMS Treatment in Emergency Medicine](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/serotonin-syndrome-and-nms-treatment-in-emergency-medicine.jpg) Medical Education / 5 min read ### Serotonin Syndrome and NMS Treatment in Emergency Medicine Treat serotonin syndrome and NMS with the right ED priorities: stop offending agents, use benzodiazepines, cool early, and know cyproheptadine’s limits. May 21, 2026 Read article ](https://mdster.com/blog/serotonin-syndrome-and-nms-treatment-in-emergency-medicine) [ ![Status Asthmaticus Intubation: Ventilator Strategy in the ED](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/status-asthmaticus-intubation-ventilator-strategy-in-the-ed.jpg) Case Discussion / 5 min read ### Status Asthmaticus Intubation: Ventilator Strategy in the ED High-yield ED case discussion on intubating severe asthma, choosing RSI drugs, preventing auto-PEEP, and rescuing post-intubation hypotension. 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May 14, 2026 Read article ](https://mdster.com/blog/ed-queue-management-prioritization-heuristics-that-save-lives) [ ![How to Pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC Emergency Medicine Specialty Examination)](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/how-to-pass-the-royal-college-of-physicians-and-surgeons-of-canada-rcpsc-emergency-medicin.jpg) Study Tips / 6 min read ### How to Pass the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC Emergency Medicine Specialty Examination) Practical study tips for the RCPSC Emergency Medicine Specialty Examination, with a 12-week plan for SAQs, oral cases, topic priorities, and exam-day precision. May 10, 2026 Read article ](https://mdster.com/blog/how-to-pass-the-royal-college-of-physicians-and-surgeons-of-canada-rcpsc-emergency-medicin) [ ![Hip and Pelvic Fractures in Older Adults: The ED Approach](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/hip-and-pelvic-fractures-in-older-adults-the-ed-approach.jpg) Medical Education / 6 min read ### Hip and Pelvic Fractures in Older Adults: The ED Approach High-yield ED review of geriatric hip and pelvic fractures, with pearls on occult injury, regional blocks, admission decisions, and early mobilization planning. May 07, 2026 Read article ](https://mdster.com/blog/hip-and-pelvic-fractures-in-older-adults-the-ed-approach) [ ![Pediatric Trauma Airway and TBI: High-Stakes ED Case Discussion](https://mdster.com/storage/blog/images/pediatric-trauma-airway-and-tbi-high-stakes-ed-case-discussion.jpg) Case Discussion / 4 min read ### Pediatric Trauma Airway and TBI: High-Stakes ED Case Discussion A board-focused Emergency Medicine case discussion on pediatric trauma airway management, severe TBI ventilation, occult hemorrhagic shock, cervical spine precautions, and the limits of PECARN. May 03, 2026 Read article ](https://mdster.com/blog/pediatric-trauma-airway-and-tbi-high-stakes-ed-case-discussion) Ready to Pass the AOBEM? -------------------------- Join medical professionals who are preparing for the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine with MDster [ Get Started Free ](https://mdster.com/user/dashboard) No credit card required • Cancel anytime [ MDster home ](/ "MDster home") Master your medical exams with evidence-based learning. 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