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Credentials and costs

Board certification

Also known as: board certified

A credential awarded by a named certifying board after its requirements in a specialty or area of practice are met.

Source-checked educational compilation · Not independently clinically reviewed

What this means in a clinic conversation

Identify the issuer, specialty and current status. ABMS explains its member-board system, but one lookup does not cover every profession or issuer; certification is distinct from a license.

A question to bring

Which board issued the certification, in what specialty, and where can I confirm its current status?

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Related and commonly confused terms

Use the term in context

Sources and editorial context

This definition was compiled from the sources below and has not received independent clinical review. It supports understanding and consultation preparation.

  1. What is ABMS Board Certification? · American Board of Medical SpecialtiesReference checked 2026-10-02
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