The Path to Board Certification Through The American Board of Physician Specialties
At the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), we are proud to serve as one of the leading certifying bodies in the United States. ABPS Diplomates practice in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. And one of the defining elements of our organization is a commitment to helping physicians deliver the best possible care to their patients. This starts with our stringent board certification process, which ensures that each physician has a base of knowledge, professional skill, and commitment to getting better at their craft. What ABPS does not do is establish arbitrary time constraints for certification.
America, like the rest of the world, has a clear shortage of health care professionals, including board certified physicians. And as the global population continues to grow, and the American healthcare system is further extended by the aging population, the need for qualified, experienced physicians becomes even more essential. At ABPS, we know how important it is for board eligible physicians to have a clear path toward certification or recertification, and we want to help qualified professionals receive the accreditation they’ve earned.
While eligibility requirements for board certification vary depending on your specialty, our physicians must at minimum:
- Have three (and in some cases five) years of advanced specialty training or residency
- Have an active, unrestricted medical license
- Obtain recertification after eight years
- Take 50 hours a year of Continuing Medical Education (CME) in order to be eligible for recertification
- Complete a non-remedial medical ethics course as part of the recertification process
We don’t believe in creating needless barriers toward certification and we want to provide options to board eligible physicians who are looking to become board certified. If you have extensive experience in your field but are not board certified, make the investment in yourself to receive this vital designation. To learn more about the specific eligibility requirements for your specialty or subspecialty, contact the ABPS today. Even if you’re more than a few years removed from your residency.