Recertification Fees

About the Recertification Fees

Updated July 2022

ABPS recently moved to an online application submission system – simply log in to your diplomate account to start the recertification application process. The recertification fee varies based on the date the application is submitted by the diplomate.

Recertification applications received by the deadline but deemed incomplete due to missing documentation may be assessed the additional $250 late fee.

All deadlines are as of 11:59 p.m. ET (Eastern Time) on the dates listed below.

The following application deadline/fee schedule applies to specialty recertification exams administered in May:

Specialty  Received by October 31* Received Nov 1- December 1
Anesthesiology $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Diagnostic Radiology $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Emergency Medicine $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Family Medicine Obstetrics $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Integrative Medicine $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Orthopedic Surgery $1,499.00 $1,749.00

The following application deadline/fee schedule applies to specialty recertification exams administered in October:

Specialty  Received by March 31* Received April 1- May 1
Dermatology $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Disaster Medicine $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Emergency Medicine $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Family Medicine $1,499.00 $1,749.00
Internal Medicine $1,499.00 $1,749.00

ABPS Recertification fees are a combined fee covering both a non-refundable application fee and one examination attempt. Applicants for recertification who withdraw the application prior to an exam attempt would be entitled to a $600 refund.

IMPORTANT! Candidates for ABPS examinations are responsible for arranging and direct remittance of all related travel and hotel accommodations and expenses. ABPS will not be held responsible for expenses incurred beyond the cost of the exam, including but not limited to travel expenses and lost wages on the day of the exam.

Payment Methods

Payment of the recertification application fee is made via credit card at the time of application submission. ABPS accepts American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover.

Retake Fees

Candidates are permitted to take the recertification as many as three times in order to pass.

There is a $600 Retake fee for each additional attempt of the written recertification examinations.

Certification Management Fee (CMF)

Once certified, all ABPS Diplomates are required to remit the Certification Management Fee (CMF).  The CMF is an annual fee that supports the management and governance of the ABPS certification and recertification programs. The fee also supports day-to-day operations of each specialty board, including maintenance of certification standards, board administration, advocacy and brand awareness. Additionally, the CMF defrays the cost to advise and attest to a physician’s board certification status with hospitals and managed care organizations.

ABPS Diplomates must be current with Certification Management Fees and other financial obligations before applying for recertification.

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