Find Your Specialty 813-433-2277

Why Recertify?

Why Recertify?The American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) requires its Diplomates to recertify in their chosen specialties every eight years. The fact that physician board recertification standards are as stringent as certification eligibility requirements should not dissuade physicians from applying as the importance of recertification is undeniable.

Already, physicians who are certified distinguish themselves from other noncertified professionals in their field. Through rigorous testing, they have demonstrated mastery of their specialties, that they have the knowledge and expertise to provide the best medical care possible, and that they are qualified leaders in their specialties. Recertification, then, not only maintains these distinctions, but builds on the physician’s skills through continuing medical education (CME), work experience, and testing.

Recertification also further enhances a doctor’s professional standing and credentials. Physicians who have expanded their base of skills and knowledge through the recertification process convey to organizations that they remain wholly committed to their career development as well as the advancement of the medical profession. Recertification also benefits medical organizations by serving as a positive indicator of qualifications to patients, whose decisions about which medical facility to go to often depend on the credentials of the facility’s doctors.

To become recertified through the ABPS, board certified physicians must participate in a regular schedule of maintenance and enhancement of competency in their specialty. They must also:

  • Complete a non-remedial medical ethics course
  • Complete at least 16 CME hours during the preceding eight years through programs sponsored by the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®
  • Must certify annually that their medical licenses are full and unrestricted in every state in which they practice
  • Pass a 100-question, securely administered written exam in the final year of the eight-year certification cycle

Current Diplomates of ABMS and AOA member boards are also eligible to recertify with ABPS, and we encourage them to consider the ABPS as an option. As a nationally recognized multi-specialty certifying body that has been granting certifications since 1960, the ABPS has Diplomates in all 50 states, as well as in Canada and Puerto Rico. Being recertified with our organization means you will be part of a national network of talented and dedicated physicians who share best practices, advocate for their specialties, and emphasize patient care over the business and politics of medicine.

To learn more about the importance of recertifying, or for more information about recertification with the ABPS, contact us today. We will gladly provide you with complete details about our application process and eligibility requirements.

Save the Date
House of Delegates & Annual Scientific Meeting
Innovation & Overcoming Challenges
June 10-15, 2022
Plan Your Visit. Meeting Information
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
Meet Our Staff Read All Reviews
Boards
Careers
Login
Contact