Application for Certification

Get started on the application process for certifying in your specialty.

Recertification Requirements

Learn how to apply to the ABPS for recertification in your specialty.

Recertification for ABMS/AOA diplomates

Get recertified if you are an AMBS or AOA diplomate.

ABPS has been providing board certifications for more than 50 years.

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Board of Certification in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

The Board of Certification in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery offers Recertification in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, which requires documentation of the required number of Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours, completion of the recertification application, and successful completion of self-assessment examinations.

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 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. A candidate may begin the recertification application process as early as two years before his or her current certification expires.

Please click here for further details regarding recertification in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery.

Note: 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.

Initial Certification in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery is not offered at this time.

ABPS Featured Articles

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Emergency Physician Shortages Worsening in Rural America

The number of emergency medicine physicians in the United States has increased in the past few years. But for rural areas, the reality is quite the opposite. Rural communities have experienced ER staffing shortages for several years now, and the problem is expected to worsen as a generation of rural doctors retires.

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The Clinical Observations of ABPS Diplomate Frank Nocilla, MD, During DMAT Deployments for COVID-19

DMAT Teams (Disaster Medical Assistance Teams) have been called to respond to smaller hospitals along the U.S.-Mexico border that have been overwhelmed by the volume of patients infected by the COVID-19 virus and the degree of illness progression.

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BCIM Is a Competitive Board Certification Choice for Internists

If you are an internal medicine physician researching board certification options, you should know that the Board of Certification in Internal Medicine (BCIM) offers qualified and experienced internists certification in the specialty.

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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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House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting

Innovation & Overcoming Challenges

June 10-15, 2022

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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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