ABPS Physician Certification Examinations for 2021

To earn board certification with the American Board of Physician Specialties^® (ABPS), candidates must pass a written exam. Our standardized psychometrically validated exam tests core concepts of a specialty area and measures how physician candidates have mastered the subject matter.

Depending on the specialty, candidates can sit for exams in May, August, or October at select testing centers in the United States and Canada. Some ABPS specialty boards also require an oral exam, which is held once a year in Tampa, FL. Candidates for initial certification in those specialties must pass the written exam before they are permitted to take the oral component.

To be eligible for an ABPS board certification or re-certification exam, you must apply before the published deadline. To view the application and exam schedule for each specialty area in 2021 as well as a list of specialties that offer an oral exam, click here.

Physicians currently board certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Orthopedic Association (AOA) are eligible to recertify through the ABPS.

Please note, that candidates are responsible for arranging and financing all travel necessary to sit for their exams, and the ABPS is not responsible for providing lodging, reimbursing travel expenses, or compensating for any lost wages.

For more information about the ABPS 2021 exam schedule, and the eligibility requirements for board certification through one of our Member Boards, contact us today.

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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.

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

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

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