Recent Modifications to the Eligibility Requirements for Anesthesiology Board Certification

Anesthesiology Certification RequirementsThe eligibility requirements for physicians who wish to apply to become board certified through the Board of Certification in Anesthesiology (BCA) have recently been modified. Here is an overview of the recent modifications made to the eligibility requirements for Anesthesiology Board Certification through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS):

  • Applicants who have completed their anesthesia residency no longer are required to have completed at least two years of post-residency practice before they can apply for certification. Cases completed during the residency are sufficient to meet the case report requirement.
  • Applicants no longer must submit age/system/technique forms, which are made redundant by the case reports.
  • Applicants who completed a residency more than two years before the application is submitted require documentation of a minimum of 30 hours of continuing medical education (CME) in Anesthesia. The CME must have been completed during the two years preceding the application submission. Applicants who have completed their residencies within the past two years are not required to undergo CME.

These changes regarding Anesthesiology Board Certification are not intended to supersede the general eligibility requirements of the ABPS, which include the following:

  • Conformity with the ABPS Code of Ethics
  • Graduation from a recognized college of medicine holding an M.D. or D.O. degree. In the case of foreign medical schools, an English transcription of the document is also required. Graduates of foreign medical schools must also include a copy of their Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certificate
  • Possession and annual maintenance of a valid and unrestricted license(s) to practice medicine in the United States, its territories or Canada as an ongoing requirement to retain board certification
  • Submission of a current curriculum vitae, which includes medical school experiences and degrees earned, in chronological order

Contact the ABPS to learn more about the modifications to the eligibility requirements for Anesthesiology Board Certification. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

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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