In-Service Exam (ISE)

 

Meet Your ACGME Requirements

The AOBFP In-Service Exam (ISE), produced by ACOFP, meets ACGME requirements, including an osteopathic component for programs with Osteopathic Recognition (OR).

Open to DOs, transitional or preliminary year residents, and MDs in ACGME-accredited programs, the exam consists of 265 questions and costs $70 per resident (there will no longer be an administration fee).

In 2025, the ISE will be administered on NBOME’s CATALYST platform, allowing residents to answer questions anytime, 24/7, via cell phone, computer, tablet, or app, with features that enhance learning through immediate reinforcement and spaced repetition.

Speak with your program director about registering for ISE. The registration process is by residency program, not by resident.

Registration for the 2025 Formative Assessment is June 1 through August 15th.

 

Students study outside

The Path to Certification

Chart comparing ISE and Cortex

 

calendar 1500 x 1000

ACGME Information:

What you need to know now

Important Dates

  • Applications open on June 1, 2025.
  • The first registration deadline is August 1, 2025.
  • The final registration deadline is August 15, 2025 (with late fees).
  • Exam administration will occur from October 1 - October 15, 2025, on NBOME’s CATALYST platform.

ACGME Standard:

V.A.1.c).(7) use an objective validated formative assessment method (e.g., in-training examination, chart stimulated recall).(Detail)
V.A.1.c).(7).(a) This objective formative assessment method must be administered at least annually.(Detail) 

Osteopathic Recognition Requirement:

V.A.2.h)There must be an objective formative assessment of osteopathic medical knowledge and procedural skills. This should include: (Core)

V.A.2.h).(1) a standardized assessment of OPP knowledge; and, (Core)
V.A.2.h).(2) an assessment of skill proficiency in OMT, as applicable to the specialty. (Core)

Background and Intent: 

The requirement for objective formative assessment, including standardized assessment of OPP knowledge, is intended to provide osteopathic faculty members and designated osteopathic residents with information that will allow for comparisons within and external to the program about resident progress toward program completion and practice readiness. Standardized assessment of OPP knowledge across all specialties and provision of assessment-derived information that may serve as an indicator of future performance on AOA board certification examinations is aspirational.

 

Looking for resources to help you study and prepare? 

Purchase the Intensive Update & Board Review materials. These include recorded self-study modules, expert lectures, and interactive exams. Whether you prefer viewing on your computer, smartphone, or tablet, our user-friendly platform adapts to your needs.

Discounted pricing for residents is available.

 

Hear from the experts
Explore the pathway to osteopathic initial certification with leaders from ACOFP, AOBFP, and the ACOFP Foundation in the on-demand webinar, Navigating the Osteopathic Pathway. Learn how the ISE correlates to the AOBFP Board exam, EEIC, and why you should take advantage of the ACOFP Foundation's Initial Certification Grant.
Watch the Webinar