CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION SUMMARY

The certification examination is administered yearly in one nine-hour session. It is designed to thoroughly test the candidate’s knowledge of the basic sciences and clinical aspects of Dermatology and related disciplines. The exam is psychometrically analyzed and updated yearly. There are four parts of the exam. A candidate who fails any part may apply to retake that part when the next exam is conducted. If any part of the exam is failed three times, the candidate will be required to complete additional training assigned by the Board prior to re-applying to take the exam.

CLINICAL PART I – DERMATOPATHOLOGY

In this section, candidates view unknown histopathological glass slides with microscopes, or digital images of glass slides viewed on computer and answer multiple-choice questions about the slide. Additional questions on staining, immunohistochemistry and other laboratory techniques are included in this section and other sections. Two hours, approximately thirty slides and fifty questions.

NOTE: microscopic slides may be presented as either glass slides viewed with microscope or as digital images viewed on computer.

 

CLINICAL PART II – CLINICAL DERMATOLOGY

This section utilizes high-resolution clinical images of dermatological conditions with associated multiple-choice questions, emphasizing clinical and laboratory dermatology. Two hours, approximately one hundred images and questions.

 

WRITTEN PART I – OSTEOPATHIC PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE

This is a written essay exam that requires the candidate to demonstrate an understanding of the osteopathic concept of healthcare as it relates to the practice of Dermatology, emphasizing a multifactorial approach to disease management. Case histories are presented. The candidate then responds in writing in the requested format, which may include a hospital consult, an outpatient consult, a letter to a referring physician, or instructions to patients or family members regarding the case.  The candidate will discuss how they would approach the evaluation, diagnosis and management of the case as an osteopathic dermatologist. Candidates are scored based on the appropriateness of their evaluation and management process, their communication skills (thoroughness, succinctness, clarity), and the integration of the osteopathic concepts into the evaluation and management plan. Their ability to comprehend the presented clinical findings, apply this knowledge to solve the diagnostic problem, organize and communicate this information effectively and ethically are integral to the scoring of this essay exam. Sixty minutes, three cases.

 

WRITTEN PART II – COMPREHENSIVE

This consists of multiple-choice questions covering basic science and clinical dermatology. Three hours, approximately two hundred twenty questions.