Doctor Selection · Board Certification
What Is Board Certification?
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Haute MD Editorial Team
Board certification is a voluntary credential that confirms a physician has completed an accredited residency training program in their specialty and passed rigorous written and practical examinations administered by a recognized specialty board — a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). It is the most important external verification of physician competency and the baseline standard to verify before any medical procedure. The ABMS comprises 24 recognized medical specialty boards.
Why board certification matters
Any licensed physician can practice medicine and perform procedures outside their specialty training in most states — there is no legal requirement to stay within one's training. Board certification is the primary mechanism ensuring that a physician has met standardized training and competency requirements in the specialty in which they are practicing.
How board certification works
Completing an accredited residency program in the specialty. Passing ABMS written examinations. For surgical specialties: passing oral examinations and submitting surgical case documentation. Ongoing maintenance of certification through continuing medical education and periodic recertification.
What the ABMS is
The American Board of Medical Specialties is the umbrella organization overseeing 24 recognized medical specialty boards. ABMS-recognized boards are the gold standard — non-ABMS boards may have less rigorous requirements. When in doubt, verify directly at certificationmatters.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a doctor's board certification?
Visit certificationmatters.org — the official ABMS physician certification verification database. Search by the physician's name and specialty. Results are immediate and definitive.
Are all medical specialty boards equally rigorous?
No. ABMS-recognized boards require accredited residency training and comprehensive examinations. Non-ABMS boards may have less rigorous requirements. For plastic surgery, only ABPS is ABMS-recognized. "Cosmetic surgery" boards not recognized by ABMS are a red flag.
Does board certification expire?
Physicians must maintain certification through ongoing education and periodic recertification. The certificationmatters.org database shows whether a certification is current.
Is a board-certified physician always better than a non-certified one?
Board certification is a meaningful quality indicator and verified training standard — but it does not guarantee excellent results. Results depend also on the physician's specific experience, volume, and skill with your particular procedure. Verification of certification is the necessary first step, not the only evaluation criterion.
Featured Haute MD Physicians
Dr. Darrick Antell · Dr. Dhaval Bhanusali · Dr. Sam Rizk
Browse Haute MD physiciansRelated Guides
Doctor Selection
How Do I Verify a Doctor Is Board Certified?
Verify board certification in 60 seconds at certificationmatters.org. Learn the exact steps to confirm your doctor's credentials before any procedure.
Read GuideDoctor Selection
What Is the Difference Between Board Certified and Board Eligible?
Board eligible means a physician has completed residency but has not yet passed board examinations. Learn the critical difference between board certified and board eligible.
Read GuideDoctor Selection
Does Board Certification Guarantee Good Results?
Board certification is a necessary baseline credential but does not guarantee excellent outcomes. Learn what it does and does not tell you about your surgeon.
Read Guide