Medical specialty certification in the United States from its inception has
been a voluntary process. Since the establishment of the first nationally
recognized medical specialty board in 1917, some physicians have elected to seek
formal recognition of their qualifications in their chosen specialty fields by
presenting themselves for examination before specialty boards comprised of their
professional peers.
The definitions of each of the specialties and of the educational and other
requirements leading to eligibility for board certification have been developed
by consensus within the medical profession and, to date, the certification of a
medical specialist has remained separate and distinct from licensure. Physicians
wishing to practice medicine legally must be licensed from the state or
territory in which they intend to practice. Licensure is not specialty specific,
but sets the minimum competence requirements to diagnose and treat patients.
Board certification granted by an ABMS Member Board indicates a physician's
expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice.
Certification by an ABMS Member Board is widely recognized by physicians,
healthcare institutions, insurers and patients themselves as an essential tool
to judge that a physician has the knowledge, experience and skills for providing
quality healthcare within a given specialty. It is considered the gold standard
because of its unique physician-directed approach for assessing qualifications.
The process for initial certification, whether in a specialty or
subspecialty, involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is
designed and administered by specialists in that specific area of medicine.
Successful candidates are awarded certification.