The primary certification conferred on diplomates who meet the requirements in a specified field of medical practice under the jurisdiction of a certifying Board.
General certification represents a distinct and well defined field of osteopathic medical practice.
Subspecialty certification conferred by a certifying Board in a specific subspecialty area of the field to which that Board certifies. It requires prior attainment of general certification. Certification of Special Qualifications indicates the possession of knowledge, skill, training and successful examination in a subspecialty field over and above that required for general certification. Certification of special qualifications designates additional abilities in limited areas of the general specialty field represented by that Board. For example, Cardiology is a limited area within the field of Internal Medicine for which physicians may earn special qualifications.