Dermatologists Have a Choice in Board Certification
The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) offers qualified and experienced practitioners a choice in dermatology certification through one of its Member Boards, the Board of Certification in Dermatology (BCD). Successful candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the core concepts and competencies necessary to provide the highest level of care for patients with skin maladies and other dermatological conditions.
To be eligible for board certification in dermatology, physicians must meet baseline requirements common to all ABPS Member Boards, which includes owning an active unrestricted medical license to practice in the U.S., the U.S. territories, or Canada. Physicians applying for dermatology certification must also meet the following requirements of the BCD:
- A current curriculum vitae that lists medical school experiences and degrees earned
- Graduation from a medical school accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), the Liaison Committee for Medical Education, or the Committee for the Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools
- Completion of an ACGME, AOA, or Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons accredited residency in Dermatology
- Submission of two letters of recommendation from Diplomates of a certification board of the ABPS, ABMS, AOA, RCPSC or CFPC
Candidates who are deemed eligible must pass a psychometrically validated examination that evaluates practical knowledge in dermatology. Like all ABPS certification exams, the BCD exam was developed under the most rigorous standards in the industry to ensure that only the finest physicians go on to achieve certification.
If you’re considering becoming board certified in dermatology through the ABPS, you will be pleased to know that we are one of three multi-specialty certifying bodies in the United States recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Handbook. As with any ABPS Member Board, certification with the BCD lasts for eight years. The ABPS has no formal Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process, but physicians are required to complete self-assessment continuing medical education (CME) and ethics training, apply for recertification, and sit for a written recertification exam every eight years.
For more information about the BCD’s eligibility requirements, or to learn more about why the BCD represents an ideal choice in dermatology certification, contact the ABPS today.