BoardCertified

Board certification is a professional credential awarded by a recognized certifying board to physicians and other professionals who have demonstrated a recognized level of expertise in a specific medical specialty or subspecialty. In many countries, it signals that the holder has completed required training, passed standardized examinations, and met ongoing professional standards beyond basic licensure.

In the United States, board certification for physicians is typically offered by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or by equivalent international bodies. The process generally involves completing a medical degree and a primary specialty residency, becoming eligible to take a specialty examination, and passing a written and/or oral exam. After initial certification, physicians participate in ongoing maintenance of certification (MOC) or continuous certification programs, which may include periodic exams, continuing medical education, and assessments of practice performance.

Board certification is distinct from licensure, which is a legal requirement to practice medicine in a jurisdiction. Certification is usually voluntary and used by hospitals, insurers, and patients as a quality signal, though some positions or privileges may require it. Not all specialties require board certification, and some physicians may maintain certification while others do not. In Canada and other regions, equivalent credentials may be offered by national certification bodies such as the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, or by other specialty certifiers.

Critics have noted that maintenance of certification programs can be costly and time-consuming, and opinions on their impact vary. Proponents argue that ongoing credentialing helps ensure updated knowledge and patient safety.