Certification

Certification Exam Requirements 

The American Board of Oral Medicine (ABOM) administers a specialty certification examination for qualified candidates who are accomplished in the field. Individuals who pass all requirements of this board examination become Diplomates of the American Board of Oral Medicine. In order to challenge the ABOM certification examination, certain initial eligibility requirements must be met. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR ABOM CERTIFICATION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 

Part A: Foundational Knowledge Assessment (Online Digital Assessment) 

• Graduation from an advanced education program in Oral Medicine accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) or enrollment in the second year of an advanced education program in Oral Medicine accredited by CODA. 
• Membership in an appropriate Oral Medicine organization 
• Receipt of completed application form by published deadline 
• Receipt of payment of application and registration fees by published deadline 

Eligibility Duration 
An applicant approved eligible will remain so for five (5) years from the date of the first opportunity to test. During this period, the candidate must take and successfully complete the entire examination or forfeit eligibility status and any paid examination/applications fees. 

Certification Exam Grading

Part A: Foundational Knowledge Assessment (Online Digital Assessment) 

A passing score is 70% or greater. Examiners thoroughly review the examinations and consult with a psychometrician for scoring. The ABOM examiner’s decision is final. Detailed score reports are not provided, final scores are released as pass/fail only. If there is a discrepancy in the passing or failing of a candidate, the two examiners will adjudicate and collectively make a final decision. 

Certification Failure

Part A: 69.9% or lower is failing

A candidate may be admitted for re-examination within a period of three (3) years following the original examination.

The candidate must initiate a new application process including new fees and the candidate may be required to show proof of additional training set forth by the Board to qualify for additional examinations. 

There is a non-refundable re-examination fee for Part A. 

Certification Exam Fees

Apply for the ABOM Part A Examination

Eligibility Duration

An applicant approved eligible will remain so for five (5) years from the date of the first opportunity to test. During this period, the candidate must take and successfully complete the entire examination or forfeit eligibility status, any paid examination fee and /or application fee.

Apply for the ABOM Part A Examination