Certification for Addiction Medicine SpecialistsFormal Recognition and CertificationIn October 2015, the American Board of Medical Specialties officially acknowledged addiction medicine as a multi-specialty subspecialty under the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM). Later, in July 2019, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) House of Delegates authorized the creation of a clinical practice pathway to facilitate subspecialty certification in addiction medicine. Currently, board certification exams in addiction medicine are administered by both ABPM and AOA. Certification PathwaysABPM CertificationACGME-Accredited Fellowship Pathway – Beginning June 2025, physicians must complete an ACGME-accredited fellowship in addiction medicine to qualify for the certification exam; the previous practice pathway is now closed. Candidates must also hold active ABMS board certification. Learn More – ABPM ExamAOA CertificationClinical Practice Pathway – Until 2026, applicants can qualify for the addiction medicine subspecialty exam by meeting minimum clinical experience requirements, completing a non-ACGME/AOA-accredited fellowship, or holding an active American Board of Addiction Medicine certification. An active primary certification in an AOA or ABMS specialty is also required. AOA or ACGME Fellowship Pathway – After 2026, eligibility for the exam will require completion of an AOA- or ACGME-accredited addiction medicine fellowship, as well as an active primary certification in an AOA or ABMS specialty. Learn More – AOA ExamExam PreparationTo help candidates prepare for the addiction medicine certification exam, board review resources are available, including the Addiction e-Practice Test (ADePT), Question Bank, and Didactic Series Recordings. Learn More – Board Review & Self-Study ResourcesMaintaining CertificationAfter achieving board certification, ongoing maintenance—including possible reexamination—is required. Physicians must adhere to the guidelines set by their primary certifying board and either ABPM or AOA for continued certification in addiction medicine. How ACAAM Can HelpACAAM offers valuable Addiction Medicine resources, developed and reviewed by fellowship directors and academic faculty experts. These materials provide high-quality, evidence-based content, free from industry bias. Access High Quality, Evidence-Based Addiction Medicine Resources Today!About the Subspecialty |