Top 11 Physician Certifications

Certifications are an important part of a physician's job market because they demonstrate a physician's commitment to their profession and the quality of care that they can provide. Certification indicates that the physician has passed rigorous examinations, is knowledgeable about the field, and is up-to-date with the latest medical standards and practices. Certifications also showcase a physician's dedication to patient safety, as well as their ability to practice medicine in an ethical manner. In addition, certifications can help a physician stand out from other applicants competing for jobs in the same field. Lastly, certifications can give employers confidence that they are hiring someone who is qualified and trustworthy.

This article reviews some of the most beneficial certifications for Physicians and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Physician Certifications?

Physician certification is a process by which a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional certifies that a patient has an illness or condition that requires medical care. This certification is necessary for patients to access certain benefits, such as insurance coverage for treatments, medications and procedures. By providing this certification, the physician can help ensure that their patient receives the necessary care and support to manage their condition in a timely manner. Physician certification helps to reduce delays in treatment and allows patients to receive the care they need in a more efficient way. Additionally, physician certification can assist with obtaining additional resources and support from outside organizations, such as disability programs or government-funded healthcare programs. Ultimately, physician certification is an important step in helping patients get the care they need when they need it most.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date on any changes to the physician certification process. Many states and organizations have their own specific requirements for physician certification, so it is important to be aware of any new developments that could impact your ability to certify patients.

Related: What does a Physician do?

Top 11 Physician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Physicians today.

1. American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) is a non-profit, independent organization that certifies physicians who specialize in internal medicine and its subspecialties. The ABIM certification process ensures that physicians have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality patient care in the field of internal medicine.

It takes approximately two to three years to complete the ABIM certification process. To become certified by the ABIM, physicians must first pass an initial qualifying exam. This exam covers topics such as medical knowledge, clinical skills, and professionalism. After passing this exam, physicians must then complete a practice performance assessment every two years and take a recertification exam every ten years.

To get started on the path to becoming certified by the ABIM, physicians must first register for their initial qualifying exam with the ABIM website. The cost of registering for this exam is $1,100 USD. Once registered, physicians will be required to attend an orientation session before taking their qualifying exam.

In addition to registering for their initial qualifying exam, physicians must also pay an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD each year they are certified by the ABIM. This fee helps cover administrative costs associated with maintaining board certification status and providing continuing education opportunities for certified physicians.

Overall, getting certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine requires time and financial commitment from those wishing to pursue it; however, it is an important step towards becoming a qualified specialist in internal medicine or one of its subspecialties.

2. American Board of Pediatrics (ABP)

The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) is a non-profit organization that provides board certification for pediatricians. The ABP's mission is to ensure that all certified pediatricians meet the highest standards of practice and provide quality health care to children.

It takes approximately two years to complete the process of board certification with the ABP. To become board certified, pediatricians must first complete an accredited residency program in pediatrics and then pass a series of examinations administered by the ABP. These exams are designed to test knowledge and skills in areas such as medical ethics, clinical judgment, patient management, and professional development.

In order to get board certification through the ABP, applicants must apply online and submit their credentials including medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation from faculty members or supervisors, and any other relevant documents. Applicants must also pay a fee which varies depending on the type of exam they are taking. The fees range from $2,000 - $3,000 for initial certification exams and $1,500 - $2,000 for recertification exams.

Once all requirements have been met and the application has been approved by the ABP, applicants will be notified via email when they can take their examination. Upon successful completion of the examination process, applicants will receive their official board certification from the American Board of Pediatrics.

3. American Board of Surgery (ABS)

The American Board of Surgery (ABS) is a non-profit, independent certification organization that provides board certification to qualified surgeons. The ABS certifies surgeons in the specialty areas of general surgery and its subspecialties, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, surgical critical care, and complex general surgical oncology.

It takes approximately 7 years to become certified by the ABS. This includes completing an accredited residency program in general surgery or one of its subspecialties, passing the qualifying exam administered by the ABS, and then passing the certifying exam administered by the ABS.

In order to get certified by the ABS, you must first complete an accredited residency program in either general surgery or one of its subspecialties. After completing your residency program, you must pass a qualifying exam administered by the ABS in order to be eligible for certification. Once you have passed this exam, you will be eligible to take the certifying exam administered by the ABS.

The cost for taking both exams varies depending on which specialty you are applying for certification in. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500-$2,000 for both exams combined.

4. American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM)

The American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine (AOBIM) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides certification in the specialty of internal medicine. The AOBIM is recognized by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and is responsible for certifying osteopathic physicians who specialize in internal medicine.

To become certified by the AOBIM, a physician must first complete an accredited residency program in internal medicine. After completing the residency program, they can apply to take the AOBIM examination. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and an oral component. The written component focuses on topics such as diagnosis and management of medical conditions, while the oral component tests clinical skills and judgment.

The entire process typically takes about two years to complete from start to finish. During this time, applicants must also fulfill certain requirements such as taking continuing medical education courses and maintaining active licensure in their state of practice.

The cost for taking the AOBIM examination varies depending on where you are taking it and when you are taking it. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 for both parts of the exam combined.

5. American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP)

The American Osteopathic Board of Pediatrics (AOBP) is an organization that certifies physicians who specialize in pediatrics. The AOBP is a member board of the American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists and is one of 18 specialty boards recognized by the AOA.

The AOBP certification process involves passing both written and oral examinations, as well as completing a minimum number of years in residency training. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have completed an accredited pediatric residency program, hold an unrestricted license to practice medicine in at least one state or province, and possess excellent professional qualifications.

The application process for AOBP certification typically takes six to nine months from submission to completion. Applicants must submit their application along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once the application is approved, applicants will be notified by mail when they can register for the written examination. After passing the written exam, applicants will then be eligible to take the oral exam which usually takes place within a year after passing the written exam.

The cost of obtaining AOBP certification varies depending on the type of examination taken and other factors such as travel expenses. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 to obtain AOBP certification including fees for registration, examination materials, travel expenses and any additional fees associated with taking the exams.

6. American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS)

The American Osteopathic Board of Surgery (AOBS) is an organization that certifies and evaluates the qualifications of osteopathic surgeons in the United States. AOBS certification is a voluntary process that demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to excellence in the field of osteopathic surgery.

It typically takes three years to complete the certification process. The first year involves completing a written examination and submitting documentation of training, experience, and education. The second year involves passing an oral examination and submitting additional documentation of training, experience, and education. The third year involves passing a comprehensive clinical evaluation and completing an approved residency program.

To get certified by AOBS, you must be an osteopathic physician who has completed a residency in general or specialty surgery approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). You must also have successfully passed all three parts of the AOBS examinations. Additionally, you must have completed at least five years of practice as an osteopathic surgeon after your residency program ended before you can apply for certification.

The cost for the AOBS certification process varies depending on which examinations you need to take and what type of documentation you are required to submit. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $1,000-$2,000 per year for all fees associated with taking the exams and submitting documents.

7. American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)

The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) is a non-profit, independent medical specialty board that certifies physicians who have met specific educational, training, and professional requirements in the field of anesthesiology. The ABA offers certification in both general anesthesiology and subspecialties such as critical care medicine, pain medicine, pediatric anesthesiology, and obstetric anesthesiology.

In order to become certified by the ABA, physicians must first complete a residency program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). After completing the residency program, physicians must pass both written and oral examinations administered by the ABA. Once they have passed these exams they will be granted certification from the ABA.

It typically takes four years to complete a residency program leading up to certification from the ABA. During this time, physicians should expect to complete clinical rotations in various settings including operating rooms and intensive care units.

To get certified by the ABA, physicians must first complete their residency program and then apply for certification through the ABA website. The application process includes submitting documentation such as academic transcripts and letters of recommendation as well as passing both written and oral examinations administered by the ABA.

The cost of becoming certified by the ABA varies depending on factors such as geographic location and whether or not you are applying for subspecialty certification. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 USD to become certified by the ABA.

8. American College of Surgeons Certification in Thoracic Surgery (ACS-CTS)

The American College of Surgeons Certification in Thoracic Surgery (ACS-CTS) is a certification program offered by the American College of Surgeons (ACS). The ACS-CTS program is designed to recognize thoracic surgeons who have achieved a level of knowledge and skill that meets or exceeds the standards established by the ACS. This certification is voluntary and is awarded to those who demonstrate excellence in thoracic surgery.

In order to obtain the ACS-CTS, an applicant must meet certain requirements. These include: completion of an accredited residency program in thoracic surgery, successful completion of written and oral examinations, and successful completion of a minimum number of cases in thoracic surgery. Additionally, applicants must be board certified by either the American Board of Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery.

The process for obtaining the ACS-CTS typically takes between two and three years. During this time, applicants must complete all required components including examinations, case logs, and other documentation as outlined by the ACS. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification from the ACS.

The cost for obtaining the ACS-CTS varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges between $2,000 - $3,000 USD. This includes application fees, examination fees, and any other associated costs associated with obtaining certification.

9. American Board of Pathology (ABPath)

The American Board of Pathology (ABPath) is a non-profit organization that provides board certification in pathology for physicians. The ABPath certifies pathologists in anatomic, clinical, and/or laboratory specialties through a rigorous process of examination and assessment.

It takes approximately two years to complete the entire process of becoming board certified by the ABPath. First, candidates must complete an accredited residency program in pathology or a related specialty such as medical genetics, cytopathology, or hematopathology. After completing the residency program, candidates must then successfully pass both written and oral examinations administered by the ABPath.

To apply for board certification with the ABPath, candidates must submit an application fee of $1,100 and provide documentation of their educational background and training. Once all documents have been received and approved by the ABPath Board of Directors, applicants will be invited to take the written examination which costs $1,500. If successful on the written exam, applicants are then invited to take the oral examination which costs an additional $2,000.

Once all requirements have been met and examinations passed successfully with a passing score of 70% or higher on each exam component, applicants are awarded board certification from the ABPath. This certification is valid for 10 years before it must be renewed via re-examination or recertification activities such as continuing medical education credits or submitting evidence of professional practice activities.

10. American College of Radiology Certification in Diagnostic Radiology (ACR-DR)

The American College of Radiology Certification in Diagnostic Radiology (ACR-DR) is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize radiologists who have achieved a high level of professional excellence. It is the highest level of certification available in the field of diagnostic radiology and requires rigorous testing and evaluation.

To become certified by the ACR-DR, a radiologist must first complete an accredited residency program in diagnostic radiology. After completing their residency, they must then pass the American Board of Radiology (ABR) Core Exam and then pass the ACR-DR specialty exam. The entire process typically takes four years to complete.

In order to take the ABR Core Exam, applicants must submit an application form with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of medical licensure. They also need to pay an application fee which varies depending on the applicant’s state of residence. The fee for taking the ABR Core Exam is $1,000.

Once applicants have passed the ABR Core Exam, they can then apply for the ACR-DR specialty exam. To do this they must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of medical licensure. They also need to pay an application fee which varies depending on their state of residence but typically ranges from $500-$1,000.

Once applicants have successfully completed both exams they will be awarded with their ACR-DR certification which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed. Renewal involves submitting an updated application form along with proof that you have maintained your medical license and kept up with continuing education requirements over those five years.

Overall, becoming certified by the American College of Radiology Certification in Diagnostic Radiology (ACR-DR) requires significant time and effort but it is well worth it for those looking to demonstrate their expertise in this field and further advance their career prospects within it.

11. American College of Emergency Physicians Certification in Emergency Medicine (ACEP-EM).

The American College of Emergency Physicians Certification in Emergency Medicine (ACEP-EM) is a voluntary certification that recognizes emergency physicians who have demonstrated excellence in the practice of emergency medicine. It is awarded by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM).

To become certified, physicians must complete an approved residency program in emergency medicine and pass a comprehensive written examination administered by ABEM. The certification process typically takes two to three years to complete, depending on the physician’s experience and training.

In order to apply for ACEP-EM certification, physicians must submit an application with supporting documentation such as medical school transcripts and letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors. Once the application has been reviewed and accepted, physicians must then take and pass the written examination administered by ABEM.

The cost of ACEP-EM certification varies depending on the physician’s experience and training. Generally, it costs between $1,000 and $2,000 to apply for the certification, plus additional fees for taking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Physician Certificate?

Whether or not you need a physician certificate depends on the situation and what it is being used for. If a doctor has recommended that you get one, then it is important to follow their advice. A physician certificate can be used as evidence of an illness or injury in order to receive compensation from insurance companies or employers. It may also be required for legal proceedings, such as disability claims, or for medical leave from work.

In some cases, a physician certificate may also be necessary to obtain certain services or benefits. For example, if you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must provide proof of your disability with a physician certificate signed by your doctor. Similarly, if you are applying for long-term care insurance or Medicare Part B coverage, you must provide proof of your medical condition with a physician certificate.

No matter the reason why you need to obtain a physician certificate, it’s important to remember that it should only be used when absolutely necessary and should always be obtained from a qualified medical professional who can accurately assess your condition and provide an accurate diagnosis. If you have any questions about whether or not you need a physician certificate, it is best to speak with your doctor directly.

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FAQs About Physician Certifications

1. What is a physician certification?

Answer: A physician certification is a voluntary, professional credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge and experience within a particular specialty or subspecialty of medicine. Physicians must pass an exam to earn their certification, which shows they are knowledgeable and skilled in their particular field of practice.

2. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified varies depending on the certifying organization and the specialty or subspecialty in which you seek certification. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months up to 2 years or more to complete the requirements for certification.

3. Is a physician certification required?

Answer: Although most states do not require physicians to obtain certification, some employers may require their physicians to be certified in order to receive privileges at that facility or organization. Additionally, many medical organizations recommend that physicians pursue board certification as a way of demonstrating their commitment to excellence in patient care.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified offers several benefits including increased job opportunities, increased potential for salary increases, improved recognition among peers and colleagues, access to new career paths, and greater autonomy in practice management decisions. Additionally, certifying organizations often provide continuing education opportunities for certified physicians which can help them stay up-to-date on advances in their field of practice.

5. Are there any costs associated with obtaining a physician certification?

Answer: Yes, there are costs associated with obtaining a physician certification including application fees and exam fees charged by the certifying organization as well as travel expenses if required for taking an exam at an off-site location. Additionally, some organizations may offer subscription services which allow physicians access to study materials and other resources that could help prepare them for the exam at an additional cost.