About the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS)
The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc. (AAPS). As the third largest nationally recognized physician multi-specialty certifying body in the United States, ABPS is known across all 50 states and Puerto Rico for offering a path toward board certification and recertification for qualified allopathic and osteopathic physicians in 20 different specialties.
Eligibility Requirements of the ABPS
In order to be eligible for board certification or recertification through the ABPS, licensed physicians must meet the stringent eligibility requirements that have been defined by the specialty boards. While these minimum standards vary depending on the specialty, ABPS places an emphasis on not only psychometrically evaluated testing and advanced training but also moral character and experience. Some general requirements that apply to all ABPS Member Boards include:
- Adherence to the ABPS Code of Ethics, known as an ethical member of the profession, and active practice in the desired specialty for certification.
- Graduation from a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic medical college.
- Holding a valid and unrestricted medical license(s) to practice in the United States, U.S. territories, or Canada.
Furthermore, ABPS has a clear path toward recertification for qualified physicians. Our standards for recertification vary depending on the specialty board, but typically include a commitment to continuing medical education, successful completion of a recertification examination, participation in a non-remedial medical ethics program, and other similar requirements.
The ABPS Offers Board Certification in Emerging Medical Specialties
The ABPS is also well known for working with physicians to provide unique opportunities for board certification in their specialty. For instance, physicians who have extensive experience working in emergency departments, but completed their residencies in a primary care field, have the opportunity to earn board certification in Emergency Medicine with the ABPS without needing to complete an additional residency. It’s just one example of how we address the individual needs of healthcare professionals.
Another defining characteristic of the ABPS is our commitment to emerging public health issues. This is why we’ve developed innovative new boards in Disaster Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Hospital Medicine, Family Medicine Obstetrics, and Urgent Care Medicine – among others. In the case of Disaster Medicine, we’re the only board certifying organization to offer this essential and increasingly relevant board certification.
ABPS Mission: High Certification Standards That Meet Public’s Healthcare Needs
The ABPS was founded to recognize licensed physicians who have mastered their respective fields of medicine. Increasingly, hospitals and medical staff placement agencies are prioritizing hiring board-certified physicians, and we feel it is important to offer qualified professionals a choice when researching board-certifying bodies. The AAPS was founded by a group of surgeons in 1950, and over the last several decades our team of professionals has worked tirelessly to improve the certification process in order to ensure that our Diplomates are recognized for their achievements in the medical profession. We engage with legislators, healthcare organizations, hospital groups, and other key stakeholders in the healthcare industry. This proactive approach positions our Diplomates to play significant roles in the medical community, contributing best practices, success stories, and insights that enhance patient care.
ABPS Board Certification: A Rigorous Process With Substantial Benefits
The path to board certification through the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS) is demanding, requiring candidates to meet stringent eligibility criteria and pass a detailed specialty examination. Once certified, physicians are required to fulfill ongoing requirements for continuing medical education each year. This rigorous process ensures that only the most committed and skilled physicians are awarded ABPS certification, establishing them as leaders within their medical specialties. Certification from an ABPS Member Board offers several career advantages:
- Enhances marketability to prospective employers.
- Opens doors to career advancement opportunities, potentially increasing earning capacity.
- Builds esteem and respect among medical peers.
- Reassures patients that they will receive the highest standard of medical care from qualified physicians.
If you are interested in pursuing board certification in your specialty and you are exploring your options, contact ABPS today. We’ll be happy to explain the eligibility requirements for certification through the ABPS, the advantages that ABPS Diplomates enjoy, and answer any questions you may have.