Board of Certification in Dermatology
The dermatology board certification exam offered by the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) allows successful candidates to present themselves to the public as qualified medical specialists in dermatology. Successfully completing the exam indicates mastery of dermatology skills and knowledge, as well as a professional commitment to adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics.
To be eligible to apply for initial board certification in dermatology, 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 Board of Certification in Dermatology (BCD) has its own eligibility requirements that include:
- Completing an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in dermatology, or a dermatology residency accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
- Providing two letters of recommendation from Diplomates of any ABPS, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC board of certification
- Submitting a current curriculum vitae that includes medical school, degrees earned, and work experience, in chronological order
- Completing a self-query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and submitting the report. Get your self-query report here.
In order to earn certification in dermatology, applicants who are deemed eligible must pass a psychometrically validated exam that evaluates practical knowledge in dermatology. The written exam consists of 200 multiple-choice items and is administered over a four-hour session. For information about dates and fees for the application and the written exam, click here.
Once granted, all ABPS certificates are good for a period of eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.
The ABPS invites qualified applicants to apply for certification in dermatology. BCD-certified physicians are highly dedicated practitioners who share best practices with each other to provide patients dealing with dermatological issues the most comprehensive treatment possible.
For more information about certification in dermatology through the BCD, contact the ABPS today.