Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Certificate for?

Licensed healthcare providers who would like to demonstrate their knowledge of evidence-based obesity treatment approaches.

Can RN’s or MD’s apply?

This certificate is offered to licensed healthcare providers who are currently not able to sit for the American Board of Obesity Medicine exam. Candidates do not need to be OMA members.

Is there an official enrollment?

There is no official enrollment required, you may use any continuing education provided through OMA to fulfill the 60 CME/CE credit requirement.

Is there a curriculum?

Applicants must fulfill all of the following education requirements:

• Candidates must earn a minimum of 60 CE credits* through OMA within 36 months of submitting the application. For the 2023-24 year, any ONLINE or IN-PERSON OMA CE credit will qualify for these 60 credits.
• As part of the 60 CE credits, candidates must complete OMA’s Review Course for the ABOM Exam, either at the live conference or online.
  

*OMA does not accept CE credit for multiple versions of the exact same content delivered in different formats. If you have completed a live/virtual course and recordings of the same course, only one set of credits will count toward the 60 CE credit requirement.

If you are new to Obesity Medicine, we recommend starting with the Fundamentals of Obesity Treatment Course which can be taken online or live virtually.

What is the total cost?

The application fee is $100 and does not include the cost of the CME/CE. The total cost will depend on the type of CME/CE you choose to complete the certificate. Some CME/CE have different pricing for OMA Members and Non-Members so that will also impact the total cost.

How much do CME/CE cost?

The costs for the CME/CE vary (some are free for members, e.g. webinars). For more information on the specific prices on CME/CE products please follow this link to our OMA Academy https://academy.obesitymedicin....

What is the cheapest way to get credits?

The most cost-effective way to obtain CME/CE is by attending the Review Course for the ABOM Exam and then attending webinars either live or recorded.

How often do I need to renew / reapply to keep the certificate?

This certificate is an enduring certificate with no expiration date. The certificate will show the date of issuance.

How quickly do I get the Certificate after submitting my application?

It takes about 4 weeks for OMA to process your application and send you the certificate. Certificates are sent out once a month. Submitting an application does not guarantee the issuance of a certificate.

What if I do not fulfill all requirements after submitting my application?

An OMA staff member will reach out to you if you did not fulfill all requirements.

Is it a designation, credential, or certification?

The Certificate of Advanced Education is not a designation, credential, or certification, but approved candidates may say that they have earned a Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine.

Why do I need to take the Review Course when I’m not taking the ABOM Exam?

The Review Course for the ABOM Exam addresses a broad range of clinical topics that are useful for any clinician practicing obesity medicine.

Is there an exam or test that I have to pass?

There is no final test or exam you need to take. Your application will be reviewed by OMA staff to ensure that you have met all requirements for the certificate.

Can I work full-time and work on the certificate?

It is possible to earn the certificate while working full-time; the length of time to complete the requirements will be dependent on your professional/personal schedule. You must complete all the requirements within 36 months of submitting your application.

Why should I get the certificate and what are the benefits of the certificate?

It identifies you, to patients and other medical professionals, as a skilled and knowledgeable obesity medicine focused advanced practitioner. This is provided as an opportunity for clinicians who are currently ineligible for the ABOM exam.

Do I need to apply first and then start earning the CME/CE or vice versa?

We recommend you fulfill all requirements of the certificate prior to sending in your application and fee.

Why do you recommend becoming a member prior to earning CME/CE towards the Certificate?

Members of OMA get a broad variety of member benefits including access to all of our webinars (most of them including CME/CE), Algorithm® e-book as well as Pediatric Algorithm® e-book for free. These products can help you gain more knowledge and credits that can count towards the Certificate. You also get the option to connect with other members online or join our mentorship program. Your credit hours are also offered at a lower cost if you are an OMA member. This is just a sample of OMA member benefits, and you may find the full list HERE.

Which review course do I have to take? Does it need to be the newest one?

You can take any Review Course offered through the OMA, whether it is in-person or recorded. The review course must not be older than 36 months.

You can also fulfill this requirement with purchase of the Prep Bundle which includes the same contents as the Review Course. All CME/CE earned with the Prep Bundle will count towards the Certificate.

Do CME’s from OMA Conferences count towards the certificate?

Yes, any CME/CE earned from OMA conferences count towards the certificate as long as it is within 36 months of your application date.