Diplomate Categories and Fees

Fees are based on a calendar year and vary for each Diplomate category.

Diplomates requesting changes in their Diplomate status for the ensuing year must submit to ABPS a written and signed request for a status change no later than December 31.

Diplomate ($895) Primary – Certification Management Fee (CMF)
($595) Non-Primary CMF

Diplomates are physicians who achieve and maintain board certification by an ABPS member board and are in good standing with ABPS.

Military Diplomate ($350)

Military Diplomates shall be Diplomates on active duty in the armed forces of the United States. To qualify for and retain Military Diplomate status, each year Military Diplomates must attest to their active duty military status and upon request furnish written confirmation of such status.

Retired Diplomate ($25)

Retired Diplomates shall be completely retired diplomates who have no active practice hours in any month during the billing year and who, at the time of their retirement, were ABPS Diplomates in good standing. To qualify for and retain Retired Diplomate status, Retired Diplomates must attest that they are not engaged in the practice of medicine and have no expectation of actively practicing medicine in the future Retired Diplomates do not retain their active board certification status and are not eligible for recertification. ABPS does not provide verification of board certification for Retired Diplomates.

Retired Application – Download

Emeritus Diplomate ($495)

Emeritus Definition and Application – Download

Save the Date

House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting

Innovation & Overcoming Challenges

June 10-15, 2022

Plan Your Visit. Meeting Information

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.

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

Meet Our Staff Read All Reviews