The Value of Physician Board Certification Through the ABPS
The value of physician board certification becomes evident to most medical students early on in the educational journey. Even the earliest undergraduate student with a desire to become an accomplished physician understands that certification is a voluntary process that is intended to demonstrate the mastery of the core body of knowledge and skills necessary for a specific specialty or specialties. In addition, board certification is useful for distinguishing one physician or a group of physicians from others.
What some medical students (and even established physicians) might not know is that they have a choice when it comes to physician board certification and recertification. In addition to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the American Osteopathic Association-Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOA-BOS), board certification is available through the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS).
In fact, there are many reasons to consider the value of physician board certification through the ABPS. There are many physician certifying bodies in North America, but not all of them are governed by the kind of stringent and rigorous standards under which the ABPS operates. It might come as a surprise to some that the standards adhered to by the ABPS are equivalent to or exceed those of other prominent certifying bodies.
Eligibility Requirements for ABPS Certification
To qualify for ABPS certification, candidates must satisfy general requirements as well as specific criteria set by our specialty boards. These standards, which vary by specialty, are intended to demonstrate a candidate’s expertise in core competencies of the specialty. All ABPS Member Boards share an emphasis on psychometrically evaluated testing, advanced training, moral character, and professional experience.
Each specialty certification requires passing a written examination with multiple-choice questions. For some specialties, an oral exam is also necessary, allowing candidates to showcase their diagnostic and treatment skills. All ABPS certifications assess the essential technical knowledge, skills, and abilities that are critical to the practice of the certified physician’s medical specialty.
Recertification standards are specific to each specialty board, but all ABPS Member Boards require the following common criteria:
- Adherence to the ABPS Code of Ethics, exemplifying ethical conduct within the profession and active involvement in the specialty for which certification is sought.
- Graduation from an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school in the U.S., Canada, or internationally.
- Having a valid and unrestricted medical license to practice in the United States, its territories, or Canada.
Nationally Recognized Certification to Help Physicians Achieve Success
The historical credibility of the ABPS Member Boards is only one of many examples of the value of physician board certification through the ABPS. Other benefits include:
- Unlimited board certification attestation for active ABPS Diplomates
- Opportunities to participate in Member Board development and governance
- Emeritus Certification for retired Diplomates
- Use of the ABPS Certification mark
- Opportunities for dual-boarded certification and recertification
- Complimentary membership on one specialty academy of medicine
- Career networking opportunities, along with opportunities to serve as a respected advocate for a chosen specialty
To learn more about the value of physician board certification, and to request information about Member Board eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS today.