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.
Eligibility Requirements for ABPS Physician Board Certification
While eligibility requirements for board certification vary depending on your specialty, our physicians must at minimum:
- Be in conformity with the Code of Ethics of the ABPS, be known in the community as an ethical member of the profession, and be an active practitioner in the specialty for which you’re seeking certification
- Have graduated from a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine. International graduates must also hold a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certificate.
- Hold a valid and unrestricted license(s) to practice medicine in the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada.
ABPS Certifies Physicians in a Diverse Range of Specialties
The ABPS is a nationally recognized option for physician board certification, dedicated to promoting exceptional healthcare. We champion the philosophy that physicians should prioritize patient care above all. Accordingly, we provide board certification across a broad range of specialties, from essential primary care areas like family medicine and internal medicine to innovative fields such as interventional pain management and family medicine obstetrics.
National Distinction Through Rigorous Certification
Our certification process is rigorous. Candidates must meet specific eligibility criteria, undergo a comprehensive application process, and pass demanding standardized exams. It explains why board certification signifies that a physician is a cut above the rest. Hospitals and credentialing bodies recognize ABPS-certified physicians—motivated and dedicated enough to pursue this additional qualification—as highly desirable and supremely competent. It’s little wonder that ABPS physicians are standout candidates in the healthcare job market.
Get More Information About the ABPS
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.