The American Board of Integrative Medicine^® (ABOIM^®) Has a New Exam Description

The integrative medicine board certification exam offered by the American Board of Integrative Medicine^® (ABOIM^®), which is governed by the American Board of Physician Specialties^® (ABPS), allows successful candidates to present themselves to the public as qualified integrative medicine specialists. Passing this written, computer-based exam indicates mastery of integrative medicine skills and knowledge, as well as a professional commitment to adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics.

The ABPS is the only multi-specialty certifying board in the United States to offer integrative medicine board certification. Candidates must pass the exam to earn certification with the ABOIM.

What the Integrative Medicine Exam Assesses

Designed to accurately assess the knowledge and skills required for integrative medicine practice in today’s medical environment, the exam focuses on practical, clinical, evidence-based knowledge and includes foundational knowledge pertaining to the philosophy and systems of integrative knowledge.

ABOIM Exam Details

The integrative medicine certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice items and is administered over a four-hour session. The exam for ABOIM recertification consists of 100 multiple-choice items and is administered over a two-hour session. Each question has four potential responses, but only one correct answer. Each response to a question is scored as correct or incorrect. You can find information about the exam’s subject areas here, including the approximate number of items from each area.

The exam for integrative medicine certification is offered at a network of testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada from May 1 through May 21 each year. Registered candidates select the time, date, and testing location that is most convenient for their schedule, which may include evening or weekend hours at select centers.

For information about the ABOIM certification exam dates and fees, click here.

To learn about the ABOIM’s eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS.

Save the Date

House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting

Innovation & Overcoming Challenges

June 10-15, 2022

Plan Your Visit. Meeting Information

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

Meet Our Staff Read All Reviews