How to Get Board Certified (Again) as a Physician

As a physician, you know how important it is to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field. However, if you have let your board certification lapse, you may need to take some steps to get certified again. Board certification is an important marker of your expertise and competence, and it can help you demonstrate your qualifications to potential employers and patients. And, as a locum tenens provider, you will need to have an active board certification. In this blog post, we will outline the steps to getting board certified again as a physician.

Step 1: Review the eligibility requirements

The first step in getting board certified again as a physician is to review the eligibility requirements for the board in your specialty. The specific requirements can vary depending on the board, but generally, you will need to have completed a residency and hold a valid medical license in your state. You may also need to meet specific requirements related to your education, training, and experience.

If a physician wants to become board certified again, there are general steps that they can take to find the eligibility requirements. Here are some steps:

1. Identify the relevant board: The first step is to identify which board the physician wants to become certified by. This may depend on their specialty or the area of medicine they wish to practice. For example, if they are a psychiatrist, they may want to become certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN).
2. Review the board’s website: Once the physician has identified the relevant board, they should review the board’s website for information on eligibility requirements for certification. The website may provide information on the qualifications required for certification, the application process, and the fees associated with certification.
3. Contact the board: If the information on the website is unclear or if the physician has specific questions about the certification process, they can contact the board directly. The board may be able to provide more detailed information about the specific requirements for certification and answer any questions that the physician may have.
4. Check with professional organizations: Professional organizations, such as the American Medical Association or specialty-specific organizations, may also have information about board certification requirements. These organizations may have resources or publications that provide guidance on the certification process and requirements.

Step 2: Obtain the necessary CME credits

Many boards require physicians to complete a certain number of continuing medical education (CME) credits in order to be eligible for certification. This is particularly important if you have been out of practice for a period of time, as you may need to catch up on any developments in the field that you may have missed. The specific number of CME credits required can vary depending on the board, so it is important to check the requirements for your specialty.

Physicians can earn CME credits by attending conferences and seminars, participating in online CME programs, reading medical journals, or engaging in self-directed learning. It is important to check with the state medical board for specific CME requirements, and to keep track of CME credits earned to ensure that license renewal requirements are met. 

Step 3: Schedule and pass the board certification exam

Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you will need to schedule and pass the board certification exam. The exam may be administered by computer or in person, and may consist of both written and practical components. The specific format of the exam can vary depending on the board, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the exam format and content beforehand.

Step 4: Provide documentation and pay fees

In order to complete the certification process, you will need to provide documentation of your education, training, and experience, as well as pay any necessary fees. This documentation may include transcripts from your psychiatry residency, documentation of your medical license, and other relevant documents. The specific requirements for documentation can vary depending on the board, so it is important to review the requirements carefully.

Step 5: Maintain certification

Once you have been certified, you will need to maintain your certification by completing the necessary CME credits and passing any required recertification exams. The specific requirements for maintaining certification can vary depending on the board, so it is important to review the requirements and stay up-to-date with any changes or updates.

In summary, getting board certified again as a physician involves reviewing the eligibility requirements, obtaining the necessary CME credits, scheduling and passing the board certification exam, providing documentation and paying fees, and maintaining certification. While the specific steps and requirements can vary depending on your specialty and situation, following these general guidelines can help you navigate the certification process and demonstrate your expertise in the field of medicine.

There is a shortage of healthcare professionals in the US, especially physicians. If you are looking to make a career change, and are interested in locum tenens jobs, visit our locum job board or fill out the form to get started.