Frequently Asked Questions
Do all diplomats need to participate in the Continuous Certification process?
All diplomates who received their certification after January 1, 1994 have time-limited certificates that require subsequent recertification at 10 year intervals. All of these diplomates are required to participate in the COLA modules and pass the Formal Recertification Exam.
When can I recertify?
Diplomates can take the FRCE (Formal Recertification Exam) as early as 2 years prior to the expiration of their certification status. There is a maximum of 2 years after their certification expires to successfully complete the FRCE.
What happens if I fail to complete the FRCE (Formal Recertification Exam) 2 years after my certification expires?
You must then apply to re-enter the certification process in its entirety (Part I, Part II, and Part III).
What is the FRCE Exam?
The Formal Recertification Exam is a combined written test and oral examination. It is offered once a year. The written portion covers the breath of the clinical practice of Emergency Medicine, and consists of approximately 140 questions. The Table of Specificity serves as the basis for the content of the exam. The oral exam includes four clinical cases. You must pass both the written and oral portions of the examination to achieve recertification.
Where do I find the Table of Specificity?
It is on the website: www.AOBEM.org.
What is the oral portion of the Formal Re-certification Exam?
There are four cases given in a standardized format. These cases are designed to test the application of Emergency Medicine knowledge and interpersonal skills. The cases presented are based on actual clinical patient encounters.
Are the COLA questions included on the written portion of the FRCE?
A COLA question may appear on the FRCE exam if it is considered general knowledge and can be referenced in one of the major Emergency Medicine texts. No question that is solely based on a specific article will be used.
My certification has expired. Can I still take the FRCE?
If you have taken and passed the required number of COLA modules, you are permitted to take the FRCE up to two years after your certification has expired. If you do not pass the FRCE or take the required number of COLA modules, then you must re-enter the certification process (i.e., Part I, Part II, and Part III).
Am I still board certified after my certificate has expired?
NO!
Can I recertify by just passing the COLA (Continuous Osteopathic Learning Assessment) or by just taking the FRCE exam?
No. You need to take and pass the correct number of COLA (Continuous Osteopathic Learning Assessment) modules, as well as pass the Formal Recertification Exam.
What happens if I did not take and pass the required number of COLA exams to sit for the FRCE?
You will not be permitted to sit for the FRCE exam if you have not passed the necessary number of COLA modules. NO EXCEPTIONS! You must re-enter the certification process (i.e. Part I, Part II and Part III).
How long are the COLA modules available on line?
Each COLA module is available on line for 3 years. Once the COLA module is taken off, there is no way to access the exam and complete it.
What score do I need to pass a COLA? How will I know if I pass?
If you are graded 75% or above, you have passed the COLA. You will receive a certificate from ACOEP. ACOEP will report this information to the AOA for your CME report.
What if I fail and score less than 75%
You are permitted three attempts to pass a COLA.
When do I need to start to participate in the COLA process?
All diplomats with time-dated certification must participate NOW. The Continuous Certification process began in January 2004.
What is the purpose of the COLA modules?
Board certification should be a continuous rather than an episodic process. The COLA modules are designed to assist physicians in remaining current with the practice of Emergency Medicine.
Can I recommend readings to be used for the COLA modules?
Yes. The Board encourages all diplomats and ACOEP committees to recommend articles for inclusion in the COLA modules. Each COLA module covers the core content area for that year. The core content areas can be found on the AOBEM website under CCEM.
How do I submit an article?
You may e-mail the reference to AOBEM at AOBEM@aol.com or send it in a letter to the Board office. Please include the name of the journal, title, author and date. Include the reason for selection of this article.
How does the Board select articles for the COLA?
A committee is appointed each year to select articles and formulate the COLA test. The goal of the articles is to promote continuous learning. The articles are selected using the core content guideline listed on the AOBEM website (use the CCEM link). These articles are supplemented by others that are felt to be excellent review articles or new developments/treatments in the field of Emergency Medicine.
Why are copies of the articles not provided?
The articles are copyrighted; the cost to re-produce them is exorbitant. AOBEM makes every attempt to select articles from major journals available in most hospital libraries. Some articles can be found on-line at no cost. Most publishers also provide on-line downloads for a fee.
Are we permitted to review and discuss the COLA modules as a group?
Yes. ACOEP sponsors sessions at their conferences where members get together as a group to take the COLA modules.
The COLA module is an on-line test. Is there anything special I need to do?
Read the instructions on the website BEFORE starting the exam. If you are going to stop in the middle of the exam, you must click on the “Save Exam” button to save your answers. To score the test, your computer must allow pop-ups.
What happens to the COLA process when I pass the FRCE?
It starts all over again. You enter a new 10 year cycle during which you must take 8 COLA modules in order to be eligible for your next re-certification exam.
Do physicians with a lifetime certificate need to take the COLA modules or the recertification exam?
No. They are encouraged to enter the process to demonstrate their continued learning and knowledge, but are not obligated to do so.
If I have a lifetime certificate, can I take the COLA modules without taking the recertification exam?
Yes.
How do I enter the recertification process if I have a lifetime certificate?
You may register to take the FRCE at any time. No COLA modules are required for those diplomates with a lifetime certificate, taking the re-certification exam for the first time.
I have a lifetime certificate—what happens to it, if I recertify?
You will always have a lifetime certificate. In addition, you will have a timed certificate for 10 years.
If I have a lifetime certificate and recertify, do I have to take the COLA modules?
You will always have the lifetime certificate. No COLA modules are required for your first re-certification exam. However, if you plan on recertifying again in 10 years, then you will follow the same process as those without lifetime certificates (i.e., you will need to take 8 COLA modules over the succeeding 10 years, in order to be eligible for re-certification again).
I hold a lifetime certificate in emergency medicine. Am I required to re-certify every ten years in order to be a core faculty member or program director in an AOA sponsored emergency medicine residency program?
Yes. While your lifetime certificate will always remain valid, recertification every ten years is a requirement for holding these academic positions. Additionally, recertification is required in order to be an AOBEM Board member, and is required by some private insurance carriers.