In 2020, EASOM signed a collaboration and mutual understanding agreement with the Occupational Medicine Section of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS-OM). That same year, this collaboration led to the launch of the first European Occupational Medicine Specialty Examination.

Since then, this Pan-European Occupational Medicine Examination is held annually and cooperation  between both Societies is in the best terms. 
The agreement has been successfully strengthened and renewed along these last years and joint actions dedicated to the promotion of the specialty of Occupational Medicine are being carried out.

European Postgraduate Assessment in Occupational Medicine: Seven Years of European Collaboration

The European Postgraduate Assessment in Occupational Medicine was launched following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between EASOM and UEMS-OM, resulting from the discussions and close collaboration established between both organisations following the 2019 EASOM Summer School.

This agreement provided the basis for the development of a European assessment in Occupational Medicine, conceived as an initiative contributing to the establishment of a common European benchmark for the knowledge and competencies expected from specialists in Occupational Medicine and to the progressive harmonisation of postgraduate specialist training across Europe, while respecting the diversity of national training programmes and regulatory frameworks.

Thanks to the close and sustained cooperation between the Chairs and Boards of Management of EASOM and UEMS-OM, and to the excellent understanding between the two organisations, the first European assessment was held in 2020. Since then, it has taken place every year without interruption, including during the particularly challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The assessment to be held in October 2026 will therefore represent its seventh consecutive edition.

From its inception, EASOM has played a central role, alongside UEMS-OM, in the scientific development and promotion of the European assessment, particularly through its contribution to the development and continuous expansion of the question bank and to the annual scientific preparation of the examination. The continuity and progressive consolidation of the assessment over seven consecutive editions represent a tangible achievement of the close and productive collaboration between the two organisations, their Chairs and their respective Boards of Management.

UEMS-OM and EASOM have also worked together to increase the visibility and international recognition of the Pan-European Assessment in Occupational Medicine. This collaboration and the assessment itself have been presented through dedicated Special Sessions at the two most recent Congresses of the International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH). Both Special Sessions were organised at the initiative of UEMS-OM, with EASOM invited to participate in order to showcase the collaboration between the two organisations and their joint work in the development and promotion of the European assessment. These sessions provided an important international forum in which to share the experience gained through successive editions and to promote the value of a common European assessment in Occupational Medicine.

EASOM has also consistently contributed to the dissemination and promotion of the assessment through its website and scientific and educational activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the assessment was promoted through EASOM webinars and online activities, helping to maintain its visibility and continuity at a time when opportunities for face-to-face scientific exchange were severely restricted. Since then, EASOM has continued to promote the European assessment at different international congresses and scientific meetings to which EASOM has been invited, always highlighting the excellent collaboration with UEMS-OM that has made the development and continuity of this European initiative possible.

Taken together, the scientific work undertaken over these years, the continuous development of the question bank, the annual scientific preparation of the assessment and its sustained international promotion reflect the excellent understanding and fruitful collaboration between EASOM and UEMS-OM, their Chairs and Boards of Management, and their shared commitment to strengthening specialist education and professional standards in Occupational Medicine at European level.

EASOM strongly encourages its member Schools and, more broadly, European Schools of Occupational Medicine to disseminate information about the 2026 assessment and to promote participation among eligible trainees and specialists in Occupational Medicine. Participation in this European assessment offers an opportunity for individual professional recognition through the title of Fellow of the European Board in Occupational Medicine, while also contributing to the broader European objective of strengthening and progressively harmonising standards in specialist education in Occupational Medicine.

Detailed and updated information concerning the application procedure, examination requirements, recommended literature, European Training Requirements, examination guidelines, venue and accommodation, together with the application form and testimonies from previous participants, is available on the UEMS Section of Occupational Medicine website:

https://uems-occupationalmedicine.org/training/#1583660855399-a75519f7-6992

See information in the EASOM Bulletin 25 on the European EXAM (page 13)
and the Report on the 4th European exam