Recertification Details

Updated July 2020

ABPS accepts Diplomates certified by the Boards that are part of The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS) for recertification with ABPS in any specialty in which ABPS currently certifies physicians. In order for candidates to become recertified through ABPS, they must provide documentation of their ABMS or AOABOS certification, which must be current or no more than two years past the expiration date. See the specific recertification requirements for your specialty. (The requirement that a portion of the CME hours be from AAPS-sponsored CME hours is waived for the first recertification in each specialty with ABPS.)

A candidate may begin the recertification application process as early as two years before his or her current certification expires. To be recertified, candidates must successfully complete all requirements, including passing the recertification examination, no later than December 31, three years after their current certification expires.

Upon verification that the physician has met the eligibility requirements, the candidate will be eligible to take the written examination. After passing the written examination, a certificate, suitable for framing, attesting to the recertification, will be issued, showing the initial certification date as the earliest verifiable date from which the physician has uninterrupted valid certification in the specialty. Recertification is currently valid through December 31, eight years from the date of expiration of the physician’s prior certification, provided the physician meets the annual requirements for recertification through ABPS in their specialty.

If interested in pursuing recertification with ABPS, contact Certification staff at certification@abpsus.org or 813/433-2277.

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House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
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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.

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
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