Patients Can Confirm Certification of a Doctor With the American Board of Physician Specialties®

If you need to verify that a physician is board certified in a medical specialty, you can do so through the online verification system here at the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS).  As a prominent, nationally recognized multispecialty certification body, we have partnered with Aperture, one of the nation’s largest credentials verification companies.

Our verification system, which is administered by Aperture, allows patients to obtain confirmation of ABPS board certification in a matter of minutes, free of charge. To use the system, click here. Under Public Inquiries, click the “Look up a Provider” link. Enter the physician’s last and first names into the appropriate fields. If the first name is not available, or if you’re unsure of the spelling, typing in a partial name will give you a list of matching physicians. Clicking on a physician’s name will reveal that physician’s current ABPS board certifications.

Patients should note that our certification boards share stringent eligibility requirements and have requirements specific to each board. Once deemed eligible, a physician must pass a comprehensive written examination and, for some specialties, an oral exam as well. Only then can a physician achieve ABPS certification. Every ABPS-certified physician has:

  • Completed an accredited residency
  • Earned a medical license for any state in which they practice
  • Taken the minimum required continuing medical education hours each year
  • Completed medical ethics training

In fact, the ABPS is the only physician certification body that requires ethics training for certification.

For Hospitals & Managed Care Organizations, Too

Our online system also provides verification of board certification to medical staff professionals. Medical boards across the country have recognized the ABPS as a certifying board that meets the higher standards of certification they require. Additionally, federal and state organizations, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Veterans’ Health Administration, and the United States Armed Forces under the GI Bill, recognize ABPS physicians as qualified medical specialists.

For more information about our online verification database, including help with using it, contact the ABPS. Our goal is to ensure higher certification standards for better patient care.

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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.

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