All applications for certification are evaluated by the Credentials Committee of the ABP. The evaluation process requires consideration of the following requirements:
An applicant must have graduated from a medical school in the United States or Canada accredited by the Liaison
Committee on Medical Education, graduated from an osteopathic college of medicine accredited by the Bureau of
Professional Education of the American Osteopathic Association, or graduated from a medical school outside the United
States or Canada acceptable to the ABP.
A graduate of a medical school outside the United States or Canada must submit with the application a notarized copy
of the medical school diploma, along with an English translation, showing the medical degree and the date that it was
awarded. A certificate showing that the applicant has passed a final examination is not acceptable.
An applicant for primary or subspecialty certification must hold a currently valid, full, and unrestricted license
to practice medicine or osteopathy in a state or jurisdiction of the United States or Canada. If the applicant is in
the process of applying for a license to practice medicine or osteopathy, a copy of the application for licensure and
evidence of successful completion of USMLE Step 3 or other examination required by the licensing authority must be
submitted with the completed application. Results of the certification examinations will not be released until a
notarized copy of a currently valid, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or osteopathy is received by
the ABP.
A candidate or diplomate must notify the ABP in writing within 60 days of: (a) any revocation, suspension, or
limitation of his/her license or right to practice by any licensing agency in the United States or Canada;
(b) voluntary surrender of such a license or right in connection with any disciplinary action or consent decree; or
(c) entry into a rehabilitation or diversionary program for chemical dependency. The candidate or diplomate must also
provide the ABP all relevant documentation relating to such action, including any administrative complaints or
decisions, consent decrees, or settlement agreements. Failure to report such an action may result in the denial of
qualification to sit for a certifying examination or the revocation of any and all certificates issued by the ABP, as
applicable. (See Revocation of Certificate.) Entry into and successful participation in a rehabilitation or
diversionary program for chemical dependency authorized by the applicable licensing agency will not, by itself,
disqualify an applicant from taking a certification examination.
To acknowledge the diverse activities in the practice of pathology and to accommodate the interests of individuals
wanting to enter the field, the ABP offers primary certification through the following three routes: combined
anatomic pathology and clinical pathology, anatomic pathology only, and clinical pathology only. A variety of
subspecialty certificates is offered. Primary certification in anatomic pathology or clinical pathology may be
combined with some of the subspecialty certifications.
For primary certification, only pathology training taken in the United States or, in certain circumstances, in
Canada is acceptable toward meeting the ABP requirements. The training must be in programs that have been
inspected and accredited by the ACGME or the RCPSC. For subspecialty certification, credit is not given for
pathology training taken outside of the United States, nor is credit given for subspecialty training that was part of
the training program for primary certification in AP and/or CP. For both primary and subspecialty certification,
training should have been successfully completed during the 5-year period immediately preceding the final filing
date for submission of the application. Applicants who completed training 5-9 years
prior to application will be required to meet additional criteria related to CME.
No applicant will be allowed to sit for a primary or subspecialty examination if
the interval since completion of training equals or exceeds 10 years. Verification of the applicant’s qualifications by the pathology training
program director is required. Program directors have the opportunity to observe the applicants over the course of
training and the responsibility to evaluate the individual’s overall educational advancement and competency.
Therefore, the individual’s most recent pathology training program director is asked to complete an evaluation form
to verify to the ABP that the training has been appropriate and successfully completed and that the individual is
ready to take the certifying examinations. In addition, each pathology training program director who had
responsibility for any portion of the individual’s training is asked to complete a form verifying successful
completion of the training in that program. The ABP may also solicit written evaluations of the individual’s
performance from other persons acceptable to the ABP for such evaluation. This evaluation is a critical factor
considered by the ABP in determining the individual’s qualification for examination and certification.
Each institution sponsoring a pathology training program should develop individual sick, vacation, parental, and
other leave policies for the resident. However, 1 year of approved training
credit toward ABP certification requirements must be 52 weeks in duration, and
the resident must document an average of 48 weeks per year of full-time
pathology training over the course of the training program. Any additional leave must be made up.
Unused vacation and other leave time may not be accumulated to reduce the overall duration of training.
In addition to accredited pathology training, applicants for primary certification who began pathology training prior to 2002 must meet the 1-full-year credentialing requirement as defined in Section IV, The Credentialing Year. Residents who began pathology training in 2002 or later do not have a credentialing year requirement.
1.Training. The applicant must satisfactorily complete pathology training in a program accredited by the ACGME or the RCPSC as follows:
a. Combined Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) Certification
Four full years of full-time, approved training in an accredited APCP-4 program that includes at least 18 months of structured training in anatomic pathology and 18 months of structured training in clinical pathology, plus a "flexible year that may be either an additional 12 months of full-time, continued training in anatomic pathology and/or clinical pathology or 12 months of full-time, approved training in other areas of pathology as part of the defined 4-year accredited AP/CP training program. Residents must perform a minimum of 50 autopsies, and a list of completed autopsies performed by the resident must be provided at the time of application.
b. Anatomic Pathology (AP) Certification(1) Three full years of full-time, approved training in anatomic pathology in an accredited APCP-4 or AP-3 program that includes at least 24 months of structured training in anatomic pathology, plus a "flexible year" that may be either an additional 12 months of full-time, continued training in anatomic pathology or 12 months of full-time, approved training in other areas of pathology as part of the defined accredited training program. Residents must perform a minimum of 50 autopsies, and a list of completed autopsies performed by the resident must be provided at the time of application.
(2) Primary certification in clinical pathology and two full years of full-time, approved training in anatomic pathology in an accredited APCP-4 or AP-3 program, with at least 18 months of structured training in anatomic pathology. Six months may be full-time, approved training in a subspecialty area of anatomic pathology as part of the defined accredited training program. Residents must perform a minimum of 50 autopsies, and a list of completed autopsies performed by the resident must be provided at the time of application.c. Clinical Pathology (CP) Certification
(1) Three full years of full-time, approved training in clinical pathology in an accredited APCP-4 program that includes at least 24 months of structured training in clinical pathology, plus a "flexible year" that may be either an additional 12 months of full-time, continued training in clinical pathology or 12 months of full-time, approved training in other areas of pathology as part of the defined accredited training program.
(2) Primary certification in anatomic pathology and 2 full years of full-time, approved training in clinical pathology in an accredited APCP-4 program, with at least 18 months of structured training in clinical pathology. Six months may be full-time, approved training in a subspecialty area of clinical pathology as part of the defined accredited training program.2. Advanced Pathology Training Credit Mechanisms. Advanced credit will not be granted to applicants who began pathology training on or after July 1, 2003. For applicants who began pathology residency training before this date, advanced credit may be given, under special circumstances, by the mechanisms described hereafter.
Advanced credit is any medically relevant, post-baccalaureate, 12-month experience that is not approved by the ACGME for training in pathology and is relevant to the education of pathologists as determined by the ABP. Such training may be applied to satisfy the flexible year in pathology. The acceptance of advanced credits as substitutes for accredited pathology training toward primary certification is not automatic and is evaluated on an individual basis. Advanced credit is given only for activities that have occurred in either the United States or Canada. The total combined period of advanced pathology training credit allowed for in paragraphs a and b in this section (III A 2) may not exceed 12 months and can be applied only to the "flexible year" of required pathology training necessary for certification in AP/CP, AP, or CP.
Advanced credit cannot be applied to combined primary and subspecialty certification requirements. (See Section III C, Combined Primary and Subspecialty Certification.) To avoid any misunderstanding, potential applicants should complete at least 1 full year of training before communicating with the ABP to ascertain whether credit may be acceptable. In order to determine the amount of advanced credit for which the applicant may be eligible, the applicant should submit a letter to the ABP requesting credit. The letter must describe the experience for which credit is sought and its application to pathology. Publications resulting from this experience should be listed but not included. The applicant should request a letter from the supervisor of the experience, describing the applicant’s role in the experience and the nature of his/her performance. A letter of support must also be submitted from the applicant’s pathology training program director. This letter should include a recommendation as to the amount of credit that the director believes the individual should receive. This recommendation should be made only after the pathology training program director has observed the performance of the applicant. After review of the application, the ABP will notify the applicant and the director of the pathology training program whether or not a recommendation for credit will be made to the Credentials Committee. Before the applicant is determined qualified for examination, the director of the final year of training must certify that the individual is fully qualified to sit for the examination.
a. For residents who entered pathology training programs on or after July 1, 2003, credit for a Ph.D. degree will not be granted.
For residents who entered pathology training programs before this date, the following remains in effect: Applicants holding a Ph.D. degree in a special discipline of pathology or a basic science related to pathology may, under certain circumstances, obtain pathology training credit. The evaluation and granting of the amount of training credit will depend on an assessment by the ABP regarding relevance of the field of study to anatomic pathology or clinical pathology.
b. For residents who entered pathology training programs on or after July 1, 2003, the ABP will grant up to 6 months of research credit for primary certification. The research must be done during the pathology training program and with the approval of the pathology training program director.
For residents who entered pathology training programs before July 1, 2003, the following remains in effect: Research with a direct application to the practice of anatomic pathology or clinical pathology and not leading to an advanced degree may be considered for credit not to exceed 12 months in combination with other advanced credits. The research must be full-time, and the applicant must be able to demonstrate active participation in the generation of the hypothesis and development of the protocol. No credit is given for research employment as a technician or technologist.3. Post-Pathology-Course Fellowship and Student Fellowship Training During Medical School. For students who entered post-pathology-course fellowships on or after July 1, 2003, credit for successful completion of such programs will not be granted.
For those who began post-pathology-course fellowships prior to July 1, 2003, the following remains in effect: Under certain circumstances, applicants may receive advanced pathology training credit toward the primary certification requirements for post-pathology-course fellowship training or research in pathology. Such credit is NOT given toward the requirements for subspecialty certification or combined primary/subspecialty certification. Credit is assessed on an individual basis and may be applied only to the "flexible year" of required primary training. Credit may not be applied to the required 18 months of structured anatomic pathology training or the required 18 months of structured clinical pathology training necessary to qualify for combined anatomic and clinical pathology certification.
Advanced credit toward single certification in anatomic pathology or single certification in clinical pathology will be applied to the "flexible year" of required pathology training only and not to the 24 months of required structured training.
A separate application for advanced credit for post-sophomore fellowship training is not necessary, provided the following guidelines are met:a. The fellowship program must be approved by the ABP.
b. The fellow fully and satisfactorily completed the medical school year in which the pathology course was taught prior to enrolling in the program.
c. The fellow did not receive credit (elective or required) toward the requirements for graduation from medical school for the pathology fellowship activities.
d. Training was full-time in a department of pathology with a fully accredited pathology training program.
e. Training has been validated by the director of the student fellowship program and is approved as an acceptable experience by the director of the accredited pathology training program in which the applicant is registered.
f. Training was under the direction of the director of the pathology training program or the chair of the department of pathology.
g. A description of proposed activities, responsibilities, and assignments for anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, and research was available and on file with the ABP prior to the beginning of the fellowship. If a formal institutional program exists, a copy should be filed with the ABP.
h. A validation and evaluation report was submitted to the ABP on completion of the fellowship by the pathology training program director or chair of the department of pathology.4. Interval of Training. Applicants for primary certification should apply for examination within 5 years after completion of the required pathology training. If an applicant completed training 5-9 years prior to application for examination, he/she should contact the ABP regarding additional requirements. Applicants who completed training 10 or more years prior to application must have successfully completed 1 year of additional pathology training in the area(s) in which certification is desired (i.e., 1 year in AP and 1 year in CP for APCP certification) before the application will be considered. Such training must occur in an approved residency position in a pathology training program accredited by the ACGME or RCPSC.
Applicants may seek certification in only one subspecialty at a time. All applicants for subspecialty certification must hold a
primary certificate from the ABP or, where indicated, from another member medical specialty board of the American Board of Medical
Specialties (ABMS). With the exception of pediatric pathology (see III B 10), credit is not given for pathology training taken
outside of the United States nor is credit given for subspecialty training that was part of the training program for the primary
examination in AP and/or CP. No advanced credit will be given toward the requirements for subspecialty certification.
A resident must have completed at least 2 full years of training in APCP, AP, or CP
before beginning subspecialty training. In the case of
dermatopathology and pediatric pathology, training must take place after the applicant has met the full training requirements
for primary certification.
Applicants for subspecialty certification should apply for examination within 5
years after completion of the required pathology training. If an applicant
completed training 5-9 years prior to application for examination, he/she should
contact the ABP regarding additional requirements. Applicants who completed
training 10 or more years prior to application must have successfully completed
1 year of additional pathology training in the area(s) in which certification is
desired before the application will be considered. Such training must occur in
an approved residency position in a pathology training program accredited by the
ACGME or RCPSC.
Each applicant applying for certification must hold a currently valid, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or
osteopathy in a state or jurisdiction of the United States or Canada.
Modified training (part-time training) for subspecialty certification is acceptable if the part-time training is approved by
the ABP prior to the beginning of the training, if it occurs in a program accredited by the ACGME, and if it is in an approved
training position. The proposal sent to the ABP
for approval must include a training plan and must indicate the duration
of training, which may not exceed twice that required for qualification.
1. Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine
a. For applicants who are certified in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology or clinical pathology only, or who have a primary certificate plus a subspecialty certificate in hematology from another member medical specialty board of the ABMS: 1 full year of additional training in blood banking/transfusion medicine in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
b. For diplomates of the American Board of Anesthesiology: 1 full year of additional training in blood banking/transfusion medicine in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
c. For applicants, other than those described in 1 a or 1 b, who are certified by another member medical specialty board of the ABMS: 2 years, full time, in blood banking/transfusion medicine including 1 year as a trainee in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 1 additional year in blood banking/transfusion medicine acceptable to the ABP. ABP approval for the additional year should be obtained before the individual begins the additional year.
d. For applicants seeking combined certification in clinical pathology and blood banking/transfusion medicine, see Section III C, Combined Primary and Subspecialty Certification.a. For applicants who are certified in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology or clinical pathology only: 1 full year of additional training in chemical pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
b. For applicants, other than those described in 2 a, who are certified by another member medical specialty board of the ABMS: 2 full years of full-time training in chemical pathology including 1 year as a trainee in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 1 additional year in chemical pathology acceptable to the ABP. ABP approval for the additional year should be obtained before the individual begins the additional year.
c. For applicants seeking combined certification in clinical pathology and chemical pathology, see Section III C, Combined Primary and Subspecialty Certification.a. For applicants who are certified in anatomic pathology or combined anatomic and clinical pathology: 1 full year of full-time training in cytopathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
b. For applicants seeking combined certification in anatomic pathology and cytopathology, see Section III C, Combined Primary and Subspecialty Certification.4. Dermatopathology
Certification in dermatopathology is a joint and equal function of the ABP and The American Board of Dermatology (ABD). Such function relates to qualifications of applicants, standards of examinations, and the form of the certificate.a. Prerequisites
The ABD and the ABP will qualify applicants for examination for certification in dermatopathology who:(1) Are certified by the ABP and the ABD.
(2) Are certified by the ABP (anatomic pathology or combined anatomic pathology and clinical pathology) or the ABD and have completed at least 1 year of training in dermatopathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME. This additional training must be taken after the applicant has met the full training requirements for certification in pathology or dermatology.b. Training
Training programs in dermatopathology are a joint and equal function of departments of pathology and dermatology. The pathologist applicant must spend a portion of the required training time (as determined by the RRC for Dermatopathology) in clinical dermatology.a. For applicants who are certified in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology or anatomic pathology only: 1 full year of additional supervised training in forensic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
b. For applicants seeking combined certification in anatomic pathology and forensic pathology, see Section III C, Combined Primary and Subspecialty Certification.a. For applicants who hold any primary certificate in pathology or have a primary certificate plus a subspecialty certificate in hematology from another member medical specialty board of the ABMS: 1 full year of additional training in hematology (pathology) in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
b. For applicants, other than those described in 6a, who are certified by another member medical specialty board of the ABMS: 2 years of full time training in hematology (pathology) including 1 year as a trainee in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and one additional year in hematology acceptable to the ABP. ABP approval for the additional year should be obtained before the individual begins the additional year.
c. For applicants seeking combined certification in clinical or anatomic pathology and hematology, see Section III C, Combined Primary and Subspecialty Certification.a. For applicants who have any primary certificate in pathology or have a primary certificate plus a subspecialty certificate in infectious disease from another member medical specialty board of the ABMS: 1 full year of additional training in medical microbiology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
b. For applicants, other than those described in 7a, who are certified by another member medical specialty board of the ABMS: 2 full years of full-time training in medical microbiology including 1 year as a trainee in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 1 additional year in medical microbiology acceptable to the ABP. ABP approval for the additional year should be obtained before the individual begins the additional year.
c. For applicants seeking combined certification in anatomic pathology or clinical pathology and medical microbiology, see Section III C, Combined Primary and Subspecialty Certification.8. Molecular Genetic Pathology
Certification in molecular genetic pathology is a joint and equal function of the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) and the ABP. Such function relates to qualifications of applicants, standards of examination, and the form of the certificate. Each individual applying for certification must be a physician and hold a currently valid, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or osteopathy in the United States or Canada.a. Prerequisites
The ABMG and the ABP will qualify applicants for examination for certification in molecular genetic pathology who:(1) Are certified by the ABP and the ABMG
(2) Are certified by the ABP (anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, or combined anatomic pathology and clinical pathology) or the ABMGand
Document molecular genetic pathology practice of at least 25% full-time experience within each of the immediately preceding five years or 100% experience over the immediately preceding 2 years to the satisfaction of the ABMG and the ABP
and
Submit a completed application that includes a logbook of 150 cases from the time period used for certification plus a completed supplemental information form.
The by-experience pathway ended in December 31, 2006. Applications for certification in molecular genetic pathology via the by-experience pathway, based on experience through 2006, will be accepted for the 2007 examination.
(3) Are certified by the ABP (anatomic pathology, clinical pathology, or combined anatomic pathology and clinical pathology) or the ABMG and have completed at least 1 year of training in molecular genetic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.b. Training
Training programs in molecular genetic pathology are a joint and equal function of departments of pathology and medical genetics. The pathologist applicant must gain an understanding of the principles involved in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of genetic disorders and of counseling the patient and the family.a. For applicants who are certified in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology or anatomic pathology only: 2 full years of additional training in neuropathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
b. For applicants who are certified in clinical pathology or are certified by another member medical specialty board of the ABMS:(1) 1 full year of approved training in anatomic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and
(2) 2 full years of additional training in neuropathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.c. For applicants seeking combined certification in anatomic pathology and neuropathology, see Section III C, Combined Primary and Subspecialty Certification.
a. For applicants who are certified by the ABP in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology or anatomic pathology only or in anatomic pathology or general pathology from the RCPSC: one full year of additional supervised training in pediatric pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
b. The pediatric pathology training should occur after the completion of the full training requirements necessary to qualify for certification in AP/CP or AP.
C. COMBINED PRIMARY AND SUBSPECIALTY CERTIFICATION
Under certain circumstances, subspecialty training may be combined with the primary training requirements, permitting an applicant to
qualify for a combined certificate. Applicants for combined certification who began training prior to 2002 must also meet the
additional credentialing year requirement. (See Section IV, The Credentialing Year.) Residents
who began pathology training in 2002 or
later do not have a credentialing year requirement.
All applicants for AP/subspecialty certification must meet the autopsy requirement described under section A, Primary Certification.
Advanced credit will NOT be given toward the requirements for combined certification. The acceptable combinations of
certification and required training are:
1. Anatomic Pathology and Cytopathology—3 full years of approved training in anatomic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 1 full year of approved training in cytopathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
2. Anatomic Pathology and Forensic Pathology—2 full years of approved training in anatomic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME, 1 full year of approved training in forensic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME, and 1 additional year of approved training in another area of pathology such as neuropathology, toxicology, or chemical pathology. ABP approval for the additional year should be obtained before the individual begins the additional year.
3. Anatomic Pathology and Hematology—2 full years of approved training in anatomic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 2 years, full time, in hematology including 1 year as a trainee in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 1 additional year in hematology acceptable to the ABP. ABP approval for the additional year should be obtained before the individual begins the additional year.
4. Anatomic Pathology and Medical Microbiology—2 full years of approved training in anatomic pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 2 full years of approved training in medical microbiology including 1 year as a trainee in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 1 additional year in medical microbiology acceptable to the ABP. ABP approval for the additional year should be obtained before the individual begins the additional year.
5. Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology—2 full years of approved training in anatomic pathology and 2 full years of approved training in neuropathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME.
6. Clinical Pathology and Subspecialty Certification—3 full years of approved training in clinical pathology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 1 full year of approved subspecialty training in blood banking/transfusion medicine, chemical pathology, hematology, or medical microbiology in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME, as defined in Section III B, Subspecialty Certificationor
2 full years of approved training in clinical pathology and 2 years, full time, in blood banking/transfusion medicine, chemical pathology, hematology, or medical microbiology, including 1 year as a trainee in a program accredited for such training by the ACGME and 1 additional year in the subspecialty acceptable to the ABP. ABP approval for the additional year should be obtained before the individual begins the additional year.
Residents who began pathology training in 2002 or later do not have a credentialing year requirement. All other
residents will be expected to satisfy the credentialing year requirement as follows:
The 12-month credentialing year requirement is in addition to the required pathology training and can be satisfied only
after the individual has obtained the medical degree (see B 1).
If the applicant will be applying for primary certification within 12 months, the Advanced Credit/Credentialing Requirement Evaluation
form should not be submitted, as the information requested on this form is also requested on the application for primary
certification.
The requirement may be met by:
A. 1 full year of full-time, approved graduate medical education in a transitional year training program or in a clinical area of medicine such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, or family medicine
or
B. 1 full year of full-time research in pathology or in another clinical discipline, provided the research was done in the United States or Canada and has clearly defined clinical implications. The guidelines for acceptance of research activity are:1. The research activity must have taken place
(a) as part of a combined degree program in which the applicant obtains both a recognized medical degree and a doctoral degree in medical sciences without reference to sequence or
(b) after the applicant has obtained a recognized medical degree.2. The applicant must have had a clearly defined investigator role in the research program.
3. The research must have directly involved patients, materials obtained from patients, or techniques that can be applied directly to the diagnosis of human disease or to the understanding of the basic mechanisms of disease.
4. Credit for research activity completed prior to entering a pathology training program must be approved by the director of the pathology training program and the ABP.or
C. 1 year of training in one of the recognized subspecialty fields of pathology that includes clinical correlation and patient contact. (This year cannot be used to meet the requirements for both the credentialing year and subspecialty certification.)
or
D. The satisfactory completion of 1 full year of a combination of clinical training, clinical research, or subspecialty pathology training in addition to the required pathology training necessary to qualify for certification in anatomic pathology and clinical pathology, anatomic pathology, or clinical pathology. The pathology training program director is responsible for defining and justifying this year to the ABP. The ABP recommends that for applicants meeting the credentialing year requirement by combinations of pathways A, B, and C, the periods of activity be at least 4 months in duration wherever possible.
E. Under certain circumstances, clinical training taken outside the United States and Canada may be acceptable toward meeting the ABP credentialing year requirement of clinical training, provided the following criteria are fully met and validated:1. Clinical training taken after the applicant obtained a medical degree acceptable to the ABP.
2. The applicant satisfactorily completed 1 year of full-time training in clinical medicine in a multidisciplinary training program (internship) or in a training program in internal medicine, pediatrics, general surgery, or obstetrics and gynecology.
3. Documentation is received from the training institution that the program in question has been inspected and accredited for graduate medical education.
4. The ABP has received a letter from the director of the clinical training program stating that the applicant was registered in the program, completed the training satisfactorily, and was the physician of record in the diagnosis and treatment of patients throughout the full 12 months.
5. The pathology training program director submits a letter of support for the applicant’s request.
The acceptability of clinical training toward meeting the ABP requirements is assessed on an individual basis, and it is imperative that an opinion be obtained from the ABP well in advance of the submission of an application for certification. The amount of advanced credit for clinical training outside of the United States and Canada toward the ABP requirements for certification cannot exceed a total of 12 months.It is the responsibility of the person seeking credit to ensure that all validating items for these criteria are submitted to the ABP for consideration. No assessment of possible credit will be given until all validating and reference information has been received.
Candidates must pass an objective, written and practical examination designed to evaluate the candidate’s factual knowledge of pathology and to assess practical problem solving skills, interpretive skills, and diagnostic abilities. Candidates must pass both the written and practical portions of the AP or CP examinations in the same sitting to pass the primary examination. Similarly, written and practical portions of each subspecialty examination must be passed in the same sitting in order for the candidate to pass the subspecialty examination.