2018 Testing Information

ABPS 2018 Testing InformationAll written examinations that are administered by American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) are computer based. Exams are offered across a network of testing centers in the United States and Canada. Depending on the specialty, candidates may sit for testing during one of two three-week-long testing windows: May 1–21, 2018 or October 1–21, 2018. When registering, each candidate is encouraged to choose a day, time, and testing location that best fits into his or her schedule. Evening and/or weekend hours are available at select testing locations. Please refer to the applicable Member Board under the “Board Certifications” link above for more specific information about the exam process, application deadlines, test dates, and our newly introducing tired pricing schedules.

A physician seeking to become an ABPS Diplomate must timely submit a fully completed application accompanied by the appropriate application fee. We advise that all required documents be sent by certified mail or other traceable means to ensure application deadline compliance. Depending on the number of applications being processed, confirmation of application receipt may take anywhere from two to four weeks. An application will be deemed complete when it is verified to include all the documentation required by the applicable specialty’s Application Checklist. Submitting an incomplete application may prevent you from taking an exam in your preferred testing administration window.

Some ABPS Member Boards administer oral exams as part of the testing process. Candidates seeking initial certification through these Member Boards must first successfully pass the applicable written examination before being allowed to sit for the oral component. Please be advised that oral exams are administered once a year in Tampa, Florida. Registration paperwork will be mailed to all candidates permitted to take an oral exam approximately three months before the exam is administered. You are advised to refer to the specific Member Board for information pertaining to its oral exam requirements, if any, including the 2018 oral examination dates.

Checks and money orders should be made payable to the ABPS. The ABPS also accepts application and exam fees via MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. Travel expenses – including flights and hotel accommodations – are the responsibility of each candidate. The ABPS will not be held responsible for any non-exam-related expenses, including but not limited to travel expenses and lost wages.

To learn more, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
Patient Care Is Our Priority

Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

On October 18, 2007, President George W. Bush released Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), calling on our nation, among other initiatives, to “collectively support and facilitate the establishment of a discipline of disaster health”. It is a great testament to the wisdom and foresight of the American Board of Physician Specialties that it immediately set to work and created, within the short span of only one year, an educational blueprint and set of certification examinations, both written and oral, for a new subspecialty of disaster medicine—and it is why I chose to be part this vital initiative and this wonderful organization. This is but one of the many innovative programs initiated by the American Board of Physician Specialties over the years, and why I am proud to support its work on behalf of our nation’s public health.

Art Cooper, MD
Disaster Medicine
When the American Board of Physician Specialties offered to host the American Board of Integrative Medicine, ABPS became a landmark organization working to move medicine into the twenty first century. Certifying physicians who have completed rigorous academic training in Integrative Medicine ensures that the field of Integrative Medicine will continue to develop academically, clinically, and professionally. The leadership of ABPS continues to impress me - they are diligent in constantly innovating to provide certifications for physicians who want to advance their careers and their areas of expertise. I am honored to be a part of this organization.

Ann Marie Chiasson, MD
Integrative Medicine
There are many ways board certification advances a physician career. ABPS Board examination verifies your accuracy, precision, and reflects your mastery of your residency training verifying your expertise. ABPS Board certification demonstrates your level of expertise beyond your practice experience, primary education degrees, and training which are necessary for insurance reimbursement and practice privilege requirements. Attaining your ABPS Board Certification will clarify your purpose, secure your practice growth, and expand into leadership positions. Board certification can serve as an indication of a physician’s commitment to medicine, beyond the minimal standards and competency of training, their measurement to quality of care, and attaining an award for excellence.

Chris Kunis MD
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine
When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine