Physician Board Certification in Anesthesiology Through the ABPS

Anesthesiology Board CertificationPhysician board certification in Anesthesiology through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) gives successful candidates the chance to present themselves to the public as qualified medical specialists in anesthesiology. It also reveals a professional commitment to abide by the ABPS medical code of ethics, adherence to which is required for all recertification candidates.

The Board of Certification in Anesthesiology (BCA)

Anesthesiology board certification through the ABPS is governed by the Board of Certification in Anesthesiology (BCA), and the exams consist of written and oral case study portions. The written portion covers the following subject matter:

  • Pharmacology
  • Anesthetic management
  • Anesthetic preparation
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Disease
  • Anesthesia subspecialties
  • Perioperative complications

The oral examination for physician board certification in Anesthesiology consists of case studies that cover discovery of patient history, physical examination, requested laboratory tests and diagnostic methods, patient management, and disposition/pathophysiology. Candidates must pass the written exam in order to take the oral component. For information about dates and fees for the application and the written exam, click here.

Eligibility Requirements for BCA Certification

To be eligible to apply for initial board certification in anesthesiology, 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 BCA has its own eligibility requirements that include:

  • Completing a PGY-1 program or accredited internship and an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in anesthesiology, or an anesthesiology residency accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
  • Submitting 10 anesthesia case reports that include the redacted anesthesia record sheet from the chart and are no older than twelve months from the date the candidate’s application for certification is received by ABPS
  • Submitting a current curriculum vitae that includes medical school, degrees earned, and work experience, in chronological order

The ABPS Is a Nationally Recognized Physician Certification Board

The standards and requirements for physician board certification as set forth by the ABPS are as rigorous as you’ll find with any multi-specialty board certification body in the nation. The exam questions are written and validated by Diplomates of the BCA under the direction of the ABPS and psychometric consultants. To learn more about the exam formulation or candidate requirements for anesthesiology board certification, contact the ABPS today. The ABPS is the official certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialties, Inc.

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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