Eligibility Requirements for Psychiatry Board Certification Through the ABPS

Psychiatry Board CertificationIn addition to the stringent, base-line eligibility requirements shared by all Member Boards of the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), psychiatry board certification through the Board of Certification in Psychiatry carries its own set of distinct eligibility requirements.

The base-line requirements for psychiatry board certification and other specialties include conforming with the ABPS Code of Ethics, submitting the proper application paper work, and holding a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories or in Canada. Medical school experiences and documentation of licenses, etc., also are required. The details and highlights of eligibility requirements specifically in place for potential candidates for psychiatry board certification include:

  • Applicants must complete an ACGME, AOA or RCPSC accredited residency in psychiatry
  • Applicants must submit 10 psychiatry cases in which the applicant played a lead role as manager
  • Case reports must be no older than 12 months from the date the application is received by the ABPS
  • Case reports should include only information on the care and services provided by the applicant

In addition, U.S.-based physicians who wish to apply for psychiatry board certification must perform a self-query of the National Practitioner Data Bank and submit a sealed copy of the report in an unopened envelope as a part of the application process.

To learn more about the eligibility requirements for the Board of Certification in Psychiatry, contact the ABPS today. 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