Anesthesiology Board Certification Eligibility Requirements
The Member Boards of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) share several base-line eligibility requirements. These include owning an unrestricted medical license for every state in which the physician is licensed, annual attestation to the currency of those unrestricted medical licenses, adherence to the ABPS Code of Ethics, and a certain amount of experience within the physician’s chosen field.
The eligibility requirements specifically for candidates who seek board certification through the Board of Certification in Anesthesiology (BCA) include (but are not limited to):
- Completion of an ACGME-accredited PGY-1 program or an AOA-accredited internship accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
- Completion of ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in Anesthesiology
- 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 two letters of recommendation from Diplomates of an ABPS, ABMS, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC board of certification
- Verification of active practice by means of a letter on facility letterhead detailing active privileges, the period of service, and signed by of the Chief of Department, Chief of Staff, or Chair of Credentialing Committee.
- Documented completion of at least 30 hours of CME in anesthesia during the preceding two years (waived for those within two years of completion of residency)
To achieve certification in anesthesiology, eligible candidates must pass both a written and an oral examination. The written test, comprising 200 multiple-choice questions, spans four hours. Candidates must successfully pass this written component before they can proceed to the oral examination. You can find details on application dates and examination fees here.
The standards and eligibility requirements 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.
Benefits of Physician Board Certification With the BCA
Achieving certification from the BCA offers physicians numerous advantages. Firstly, it welcomes them into a prestigious community of professionals dedicated to the highest standards of patient care. As the demand for board-certified physicians increases, holding certification from an ABPS Member Board significantly enhances a physician’s appeal to potential employers. Moreover, the ABPS is committed to fostering strong relationships with healthcare organizations, hospital groups, legislators, and other influential stakeholders to ensure that our physicians are influential voices in the medical community and that patient care remains the foremost priority over the business aspects of healthcare.
ABPS Encourages Qualified Physicians to Apply for Anesthesiology Certification
To learn more about the exam formulation or candidate requirements for anesthesiology board certification, contact the ABPS today. BCA-certified physicians are recognized throughout the medical industry as committed professionals who enhance the reputation of their organizations and colleagues, assuring patients of the highest quality healthcare.