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What Is BCEM?

BCEMThe Board of Certification in Emergency Medicine (BCEM) offers qualified emergency department physicians the chance to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in emergency medicine through board certification and re-certification in the specialty. The BCEM is a Member Board of the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS), one of three nationally distinguished physician board certifying bodies.

BCEM Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to apply for initial certification, candidates must 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 BCEM has its own eligibility requirements for three certification pathways that include:

  • Completion of an ACGME, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC-accredited residency in emergency medicine
  • Completion of an ACGME, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC residency in one of the following primary care specialties—family practice, internal medicine, pediatric medicine, or general surgery—and at least five years of full-time emergency medicine experience
  • Completion of a 12- or 24-month emergency medicine fellowship approved by the BCEM

For a list of BCEM-approved fellowships, click here. The ABPS invites qualified physicians who have completed a BCEM-approved fellowship to apply for certification in emergency medicine. With more hospitals than ever relying on physician board certification as a way to identify qualified job candidates, BCEM certification serves to broaden career opportunities. BCEM Diplomates have access to a dedicated career portal that advertises a variety of job openings throughout the country.

To earn BCEM certification, candidates in all three pathways must pass both a written and oral examination. The computer-based written exam consists of 325 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must pass the written exam to take the oral component.

Once granted, all BCEM certification is good for eight years, expiring on December 31st of the eighth year.

Recertification in emergency medicine requires documentation of the required number of Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours, completion of the recertification application, and successful completion of the written recertification examination.

If you would like more information about becoming certified with the BCEM, contact the ABPS. We would be happy to give you details about our eligibility requirements as well as helpful tips on how to prepare for the certification exam.

 

 

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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.

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
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
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