Apply for Certification

Dates and Fees

  • Apply for Certification

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The first step for a physician to become ABEM certified is to apply for initial certification.

The certification application period opens in mid-April. Physicians who will graduate by October 31 of the current application period or who are ABEM board eligible can access the application by signing in to the ABEM Initial Certification Page.

ABEM sends certification application information to residency directors in mid-April for distribution to residents graduating between November 1 and October 31 of the current application period. ABEM does not make the certification application available to physicians who are not eligible to apply.

Applying in the First Available Application Period

Physicians who graduate from EM residency programs between November 1 and October 31 of the current year must apply in the current application period. If they do not apply for certification during the current application period, it will be considered a delay in the certification process and they will have additional certification requirements beginning January 1.

Submitting the Application

Applicants must complete and submit the certification application, including any additional requested materials, before the deadline date to avoid late fees. A complete application includes:
  1. All information requested in the online certification application.
  2. Application fee in U.S. funds.

Applicants are charged the fee in effect at the time they submit their application.

An application will not be complete, and cannot be processed, until ABEM receives the full payment.

The application fee covers the cost of processing the application only. It does not cover the Qualifying Examination. The application fee cannot be refunded under any circumstances.

  3. Information change request form, if needed.

Contact ABEM for questions, clarification, and assistance before submitting the application.

Late Application Submission

Late fees will be assessed for applications submitted after the deadline.

Application Processing

Applications are processed as soon as they are complete. This includes checking medical licensure and independent verification of successful completion of residency training.