Certification for Addiction Medicine SpecialistsIn October 2015, the American Board of Medical Specialties formally recognized addiction medicine as a multi-specialty subspecialty under the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM). In July 2019, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) House of Delegates approved the development of a clinical practice pathway to facilitate subspecialty board certification in addiction medicine. Certification examinations in addiction medicine are now administered by ABPM and AOA. Pathways to Achieve Addiction Medicine CertificationThere are different pathways to become certified in addiction medicine depending upon your primary board or experience. ABPMPractice Pathway – Until 2025, applicants who complete minimum time in practice or a non-ACGME-accredited fellowship training will be considered for the addiction medicine subspecialty exam. Physicians must possess current primary specialty certification through an ABMS Member Board, the AOA, the RCPSC, or CFPC. ACGME-Accredited Fellowship Pathway – After 2025, it will be mandatory that physicians complete an ACGME-accredited addiction medicine fellowship to be eligible to apply to take the exam. Current ABMS board certification is also required. Learn More – ABPM ExamAOAClinical Practice Pathway – Until 2026, applicants who complete minimum time in practice, have completed a non-ACGME/AOA-accredited fellowship, or currently hold an active American Board of Addiction Medicine will be considered for the addiction medicine subspecialty exam. In addition, candidates must hold an active primary certification in an AOA or ABMS specialty. AOA or ACGME Fellowship Pathway – After 2026, it will be mandatory that physicians complete an AOA- or ACGME-accredited addiction medicine fellowship in order to be eligible to apply to take the exam. Candidates must hold an active primary certification in an AOA or ABMS specialty. Learn More – AOA ExamHow to PrepareWe offer board review resources to prepare for the addiction medicine certification examination including the Addiction e-Practice Test (ADePT), Question Bank, and Didactic Series Recordings. Learn More – Board Review & Self-Study ResourcesContinuing Board CertificationOnce certification is obtained, it must be maintained in and in some cases require reexamination. You must follow the guidelines of your primary certifying board, as well as either ABPM or AOA to maintain your certification in addiction medicine. ACAAM Can HelpThe ACAAM Addiction Medicine Education Portal offers an unmatched value with over 200 CME credits included and access to additional educational activities. The ACAAM Self-Assessment Modules (SAMs) offer a comprehensive collection of relevant, evidence-based content, and can be used as a tool to test your knowledge and skills taking the necessary steps toward meeting various CME and self-assessment requirements. About the SubspecialtyAmerican Board of Addiction MedicineFounded in 2007, the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) was the nation's first medical specialty board that certified addiction medicine physicians across a range of medical specialties. The board set standards for physician education, assesses physicians' knowledge, and requires and tracks life-long education. Certification examinations in addiction medicine are now administered by ABPM and AOA. ABAM will remain a resource for its Diplomates and the public through the end of the ABPM Practice Pathway, currently scheduled to conclude in 2025. |