How to Verify Board Certification
Board certification is a voluntary credential that indicates a physician has completed additional training and passed rigorous exams in their specialty.
What Is Board Certification?
Board certification means a physician has:
- Completed an accredited residency program in their specialty
- Passed a comprehensive examination administered by an ABMS member board
- Demonstrated competence in their area of practice
- Committed to ongoing education and periodic re-examination
How to Check Board Certification
There are several ways to verify a physician's board certification:
- DoctorLicensePro — Search for your doctor on our site. Board certification status is displayed on the profile page when available.
- ABMS CertificationMatters — The official verification tool from the American Board of Medical Specialties at certificationmatters.org.
- Your State Medical Board — Some state boards include board certification in their license verification tools.
- Ask Your Doctor — Physicians are generally happy to share their certification status.
ABMS Member Boards
There are 24 ABMS member boards covering all major medical specialties, including:
- American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM)
- American Board of Surgery (ABS)
- American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM)
- American Board of Pediatrics (ABP)
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG)
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Does Board Certification Matter?
Board certification is not required to practice medicine — a valid medical license is sufficient. However:
- Most hospitals require board certification for staff privileges
- Many insurance plans prefer or require board-certified physicians
- It demonstrates a commitment to staying current in the specialty
- Studies suggest board-certified physicians have better patient outcomes on average
What If My Doctor Is Not Board Certified?
Not being board certified does not mean a physician is incompetent. Some experienced physicians choose not to pursue certification, and some newer physicians are still completing the process. However, if board certification is important to you, it's a valid factor in choosing a provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is board certification the same as a medical license?
- No. A medical license is required to practice medicine and is issued by the state. Board certification is a voluntary credential issued by a specialty board (ABMS) that demonstrates additional expertise.
- Can a doctor lose board certification?
- Yes. Board certification must be renewed periodically (every 6-10 years depending on the specialty). If a physician doesn't complete the renewal requirements, their certification lapses.
- What percentage of doctors are board certified?
- Approximately 85-90% of practicing physicians in the US are board certified in at least one specialty.