As of December 2011, 3,072 osteopathic internal medical physicians held active certification with the AOBIM.

[2] Initial certification is available to osteopathic internal medicine physicians who have successfully completed an AOA-approved residency in internal medicine, two years of practice, successful completion of written and oral exams, and chart review.

Before this time, the initial board certification was permanent and recertification was not required.

Since March 1997, if a physician does not recertify every eight years, their board certification status expires.

Osteopathic internal medicine physicians may receive Certification of Special Qualifications in the following areas:[3] Osteopathic internal medicine physicians may also receive Certification of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in the following areas:[3] The Certification of Added Qualifications must be maintained through the process of recertification every 10 years.