ABOM ANNOUNCES
new CME pathway application requirements for 2028 exam cycle
Beginning with the 2028 American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) certification exam application cycle, ABOM is making changes to the type of credits that will be required through the CME application pathway and the timeline for earning those credits. The changes are intended to enhance the education provided to candidates and elevate the CME pathway that supports physicians not only in passing the certification exam, but in their endeavors to confidently practice obesity medicine. ABOM is announcing these changes now so physicians expecting to take the exam in 2028 or beyond may have time to understand the changes and design a course of study that will fulfill the new requirements. Note: Physicians planning to apply for the 2026 or 2027 obesity medicine certification exam are not subject to any changes.
For physicians applying for the 2028 exam and beyond, ABOM will require:
- A minimum of 60 CME credits on the topic of obesity [No change from current requirements]
- At least 45 of these credits must be ABOM-designated “Core Obesity Medicine” credits, which will be specific credits offered by ABOM’s Primary Educational Partner (PEP) organizations. All Core Obesity Medicine credits are directly mapped to tasks identified in the ABOM Content Outline, which reflects the body of knowledge for the field of obesity medicine. These credits will be submitted by each PEP organization and approved by ABOM. Note: Initial PEP organizations and Core credit options will be announced by July 1, 2026 and listed on the ABOM website.
- There will be no cap on the number of Core Obesity Medicine credits that can be used toward the requirement. All 60 credits may be Core Obesity Medicine credits.
- A candidate may choose to go outside the Core Obesity Medicine credits offered by the Primary Educational Partner organizations for up to 15 of the required 60 total CME credits. These Supplemental (non-Core Obesity Medicine CME) credits can be: Credits earned through the PEP organizations that are not designated as Core Obesity Medicine credits or Credits earned through non-PEP organizations that offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, AOA category 1-A, or Mainpro-M1 credit and have the word “obesity” in the activity title. Credits from medical reference tools, such as UptoDate, will not be accepted.
- Beginning with the 2028 exam cycle, only credits earned in the 24 months prior to the application deadline will be accepted toward the CME requirement. This reduction from the previous 36-month allowable window is being implemented to ensure candidates can focus their education on the most current information related to obesity treatment in a field that is rapidly changing. For the 2028 exam, ABOM will accept CME credits earned after July 1, 2026.
During the upcoming period of transition for candidates applying to take the certification exam in 2026 and 2027, please be aware of the following guidelines:
- For the 2026 exam, current CME requirements remain in place and there are NO changes.
- Candidates must earn a total of 60 CME credits, with at least 30 GROUP ONE credits. Up to 30 GROUP TWO credits will be accepted toward the total of 60. GROUP TWO credits are not required if a candidate completes 60 GROUP ONE credits. ABOM will accept credits earned in the 36 months preceding the application deadline (i.e., credits must be earned after July 1, 2023).
- For the 2027 exam, there are NO required changes. ABOM will continue to require a total of 60 CME credits. At minimum, 30 of the credits will need to be either GROUP ONE credits (current standard) or Core Obesity Medicine credits. The remaining 30 credits may be additional GROUP ONE credits, additional Core Obesity Medicine credits, GROUP TWO credits, or Supplemental credits as described above. For the 2027 exam, ABOM will continue to accept credits earned in the 36 months preceding the application deadline (i.e., credits must be earned after July 1, 2024).
For additional information, please review the informational graphics and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below.
Note: PEP organizations and initial Core credit offerings will be announced by July 1, 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
What is changing about the ABOM CME exam application pathway?
Beginning with the 2028 exam cycle, ABOM is updating the type of CME credits that will count toward fulfillment of the required 60 total CME credits. Instead of requiring 30 GROUP ONE credits, ABOM will now require 45 Core Obesity Medicine CME credits (Core credits) from designated Primary Educational Partner (PEP) organizations. The remaining 15 required credits can be either additional Core credits or Supplemental credits, which are non-Core credits offered by PEP organizations or AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits from other organizations that have the word “obesity” in the activity title. In addition, ABOM will only accept credits earned in the 24 months prior to the application deadline, instead of the previously allowable window of 36 months.
Why is ABOM making these changes?
The goal is to ensure applicants receive high-quality, focused education designed specifically for practicing obesity medicine confidently and acquiring the knowledge and skills required to demonstrate competency in obesity care.
Is the total number of CME credits required changing?
No. Candidates will continue to need a total of 60 CME credits on the topic of obesity.
When is the change going into effect?
The changes are going into effect for the 2028 certification exam. This means physicians planning to apply for the 2028 certification exam can start earning Core credits from PEP organizations beginning July 1, 2026.
When will Primary Educational Partner (PEP) organizations be announced?
PEP organizations will be announced and listed on the ABOM website with links to their Core credit offerings by July 1, 2026
When can physicians start earning Core credit?
Physicians can start earning Core credit in July 2026.
Is anything changing for 2026?
No. Nothing is changing for physicians applying for the 2026 certification exam.
Is anything changing for 2027?
No. There are no required changes for physicians applying to take the 2027 certification exam.
Why is ABOM announcing these changes now?
We understand some physicians plan many months in advance to acquire CME credits and apply for the exam. ABOM is making this announcement now so candidates can understand the full timeline and make any necessary changes to their current plan. For example, any credits earned before July 1, 2026 will not be accepted for the 2028 exam. Applicants attending spring 2026 meetings and livestream events (before July 1, 2026) need to be aware that the credits they earn for these activities will be accepted for the 2026 and 2027 exam, but will not be accepted for the 2028 exam or any test administered after 2028.
What are "Core Obesity Medicine" CME credits?
Core Obesity Medicine CME credits (Core credits) are CME activities offered by ABOM-approved Primary Educational Partner (PEP) organizations that are directly mapped to the ABOM Content Outline, which represent the body of knowledge for the field of obesity medicine. These credits will be submitted by each PEP organization and approved by ABOM.
How many Core credits are required?
Beginning with the 2028 exam cycle, applicants must complete at least 45 Core credits as part of their 60-credit total.
Is there a cap on the number of Core credits that can be used toward the requirement?
No. Candidates may complete all 60 credits through Core credits if they choose.
Where can I find a list of PEP organizations offering Core Obesity Medicine CME credits?
You will find a list of PEP organizations offering Core credits on the ABOM website by July 1, 2026. In addition, each PEP organization will maintain its own web page that lists the Core credit it offers.
How are PEP organizations selected?
Organizations looking to be designated as a PEP and offer Core credits submit a thorough application that is reviewed by ABOM. Detailed information about each Core credit activity is provided as part of the application process to ensure the education offered through the activity aligns with the obesity medicine body of knowledge. The minimum 45 credits offered by each PEP will cover the full obesity medicine body of knowledge.
Are PEP organizations the same as GROUP ONE partners?
No, although ABOM expects most GROUP ONE partners will apply and achieve PEP status.
Can physicians still complete credits outside the PEP organizations?
Yes. Up to 15 of the required 60 credits can be Supplemental credits. Supplemental credits are any non-Core credits offered by PEP organizations or any credits from other providers that are designated as AMA PRA Category 1, AOA Category 1-A, or Mainpro-M1 and have the word “obesity” in the activity title. The exception is that ABOM does not accept credits from medical reference tools such as UptoDate.
What activities qualify for Supplemental credits?
Supplemental credits may include non-Core CME activities from PEP organizations, or AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ activities that include the word “obesity” in the activity title from other providers.
How far back can CME credits be earned for the 2028 exam?
For the 2028 exam and beyond, only credits earned within 24 months of the application deadline will be accepted. For the 2028 exam specifically, ABOM will accept credits earned after July 1, 2026.
Why is the acceptable credit window changing from 36 months to 24 months?
The shorter window helps ensure candidates’ education reflects the most current information in a rapidly evolving field.
Acceptable credit timeline
Note: PEP organizations and initial Core credit offerings will be announced by July 1, 2026.