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Board of Certification in Anesthesiology (BCA)

Anesthesiology Board Certification The anesthesiology board certification exam offered by the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) allows successful candidates to present themselves to the public as qualified medical specialists in anesthesiology. Successfully completing the exam indicates mastery of anesthesiology skills and knowledge, as well as a professional commitment to adhere to the ABPS Medical Code of Ethics.

To be eligible to apply for initial board certification in anesthesiology, an applicant must first satisfy the general requirements of the ABPS. These include being a graduate of a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine, and holding a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada.

The Board of Certification in Anesthesiology (BCA) has its own eligibility requirements that include:

  • Completing a PGY-1 program or accredited internship and an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency in anesthesiology, or an anesthesiology residency accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC)
  • Submitting 25 anesthesia case reports that include the redacted anesthesia record sheet from the chart and are no older than twelve months from the date the candidate’s application for certification is received by ABPS
  • Submitting a current curriculum vitae that includes medical school, degrees earned, and work experience, in chronological order
  • Submitting two letters of recommendation from Diplomates of an ABPS, ABMS, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC board of certification

In order to earn certification in anesthesiology, applicants who are deemed eligible must successfully complete a written and an oral exam. The written exam consists of 200 multiple-choice items and is administered over a four-hour session. Candidates must pass the written exam in order to take the oral component. For information about dates and fees for the application and the written exam, click here.

Once granted, all ABPS certificates are good for a period of eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year.

The ABPS invites qualified applicants to apply for certification in anesthesiology. Throughout the medical industry, BCA-certified physicians are valued as dedicated professionals who boost the reputation of both their organizations and their fellow staffers, giving their patients peace of mind that they will receive the best health care possible.

To learn more about certification in anesthesiology through the BCA, contact the ABPS today.

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We're Committed to Matching Physician Recruiters to ABPS Board Certified Physicians

Medical recruiters can submit job openings to the ABPS Career Center free of charge. Openings are distributed digitally through the ABPS Career Bulletin, a trusted resource for ABPS board-certified physicians and other practitioners considering a career change. Physicians will be able to browse job openings by specialty. The ABPS performs this valuable service as part of our mission to help improve patient care throughout the country.

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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
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