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Family Medicine Obstetrics: Board Certification Exam Overview

Pregnant woman In face mask getting vaccinatedThe Board of Certification in Family Medicine Obstetrics® (BCFMO), which is governed by the American Board of Physician Specialties®, offers two options for certification—Family Medicine Obstetrics and Family Medicine Obstetrics With Surgical Qualification. Exams for the surgical option consist of a computer-based written test and an oral examination covering five case studies. The exam for the non-surgical option is the written test only. The written portion is offered at testing centers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico once a year (May), while the oral exam is offered once annually (October) in Tampa, Florida.

The Written BCFMO Exam

The computer-based written exam is composed of 200 multiple-choice questions. The topics covered include:

  • Pre-conception
  • Prenatal care
  • Pregnancy complications (infectious disease, cardiopulmonary, endocrine, etc.)
  • Labor
  • Delivery
  • Postpartum
  • Neonatal care

Study references are available. A list can be found at this link.

The Oral BCFMO Exam

The oral exam covers five case studies, which reflect typical cases seen by Family Medicine Obstetrics specialists. Candidates are asked by ABPS-certified physicians to address case details in the following categories:

  • Patient history
  • Physical examination
  • Labs and tests
  • Management
  • Diagnosis
  • Disposition
  • Pathophysiology

Candidates must first pass the written exam and submit verification of competency to become eligible to take the oral portion. Candidates may attempt the written and oral portions three times to attain a passing score. If no passing score is achieved after three attempts, a candidate must reapply.

Eligibility Requirements for Certification With the BCFMO

To be eligible to apply for initial board certification with the BCFMO, an applicant must first satisfy the general requirements of the ABPS. These include being a graduate of a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine and holding a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada.

The BCFMO has its own eligibility requirements for the two pathways, which include:

  • Completing an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in family medicine, or a family medicine residency accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).
  • Current board certification in family medicine granted by a Member Board of the ABPS, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the AOA, the RCPSC, or the CFPC.
  • The Family Medicine Obstetrics (non-surgical) certification requires a log of non-surgical deliveries and successful completion of the written certification exam.

The Family Medicine Obstetrics with Surgical Qualification certification requires completion of a 12-month, full-time BCFMO-approved fellowship in family medicine obstetrics, or five years ongoing clinical practice delivering obstetrical care, an additional log of cesarean deliveries, and successful completion of the written and oral exam.

To learn more about the BCFMO examination, or for information about eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS. The ABPS is the official multi-specialty board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®

 

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

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Internal Medicine
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Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

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Administrative Medicine
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