Updated Standards for Initial Certification Serve as a Framework for Member Boards’ Programs
CHICAGO – November 11, 2026 – The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Board of Directors (BOD) has approved the revised Standards for Initial Certification (Standards) at its October meeting. The Standards represent the culmination of 18 months of comprehensive review to clarify and update the established requirements, strengthen alignment with the ABMS Standards for Continuing Certification, and reinforce a cohesive framework for certification across a physician and medical specialist’s professional career.
The updated Standards streamline and clarify the requirements related to professionalism and professional conduct, assessment, program evaluation, training, and eligibility, as well as provide ABMS Member Boards with greater flexibility regarding required years of training. They reflect a process of extensive review by key audiences including patient and public members, early career and practicing physicians, and experts in health policy and health system leadership, through groups such as the ABMS Stakeholder Council, Public Member Caucus, and Health Policy and Strategy Committee. The Standards also reflect a 60-day public comment period that drew input from practicing physicians, professional credentialers, patients and consumers, and other organizations.
The revised Standards will take effect on Jan. 1, 2028.