Member boards of the ABMS evaluate physicians by examination and certify as diplomats those candidates who qualified. Medical specialty boards determine whether candidates have received adequate preparation in accordance with established educational standards, provide comprehensive examinations designed to assess knowledge, skills, and experience requisite to the provision of high quality patient care in that specialty, and certify those candidates who have satisfied the requirements. Many boards require recertification at periodic intervals. Osteopathic physicians are eligible for certification by one of 18 AOA specialty certifying boards after completing an osteopathic residency training program and satisfying requirements defined by an osteopathic specialty.
Some boards offer certification in subspecialties or certificates of added qualifications.