Definition
Voluntary certification by a medical specialty board confirming that a physician has met training, examination, and continuing-education standards. Verified through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).
In Depth
Board certification is a voluntary process by which physicians demonstrate mastery of a medical specialty. After completing residency, a physician sits for written and oral examinations administered by one of the 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or, for osteopathic physicians, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
Certifications must typically be maintained through continuing medical education (CME) and periodic re-examination — the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) process.
Related Terms
ABMS
American Board of Medical Specialties — the umbrella organization governing 24 specialty member boards that certify allopathic (MD) physicians in specific specialties and subspecialties.
NPI
National Provider Identifier — a unique 10-digit number assigned by CMS to U.S. healthcare providers. NPIs are public and verifiable through the NPPES Registry.
Physician Licensure
State-level legal authorization to practice medicine, granted by a state medical board after verification of education, training, examinations (USMLE/COMLEX), and background.
Sources
Definition is editorial and educational; not a substitute for medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer.