Family Medicine Board Certification

Originally established by American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), the Family Medicine Certification process is intended to create a framework for physicians to follow, to establish standards, and to maintain accountability in the field of medicine. The process encompasses initial certification as well as recertification under the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM).

Continuing your education is vital to building your knowledge, maintaining your professional standing, and providing the best possible care for your patients.

ABFM Initial Certification: Requirements

In order to become board certified for the first time, within three calendar years of finishing your residency, you must take and pass the initial ABFM certification exam. Use the table below to determine review the requirements for your initial ABFM certification:

• Earn at least 50 Family Medicine Certification points (acquired by completion of activities included below):
  • Minimum of 1 Knowledge Self-Assessment (KSA) activity (10 points each)
  • Minimum of 1 Performance Improvement (PI) activity with patient population data (20 points each)
  • Additional approved Knowledge Self-Assessment (KSA), Clinical Self-Assessment (CSA, 5 points each), or Performance Improvement (PI) activities to reach a minimum of 50 points
  • Includes the submission of your Entry Process Fee and your application and accompanying full examination fee.
  • Includes securing an active, valid, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada

  The Family Medicine Board Certification Process: 4 Components

  Family medicine board certification involves not only an exam every 7 or 10 years (depending on your certification cycle), but regularly completing a defined set of activities. The ABFM developed the Family Medicine Certification Process to help physicians become lifelong learners and to practice medicine at the highest level. The ABFM defines four key elements that need to be completed to maintain certification:

  Professionalism

  • You are required to retain an active, full, valid, and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada
  • You must be in continuous compliance with the ABFM Guidelines for Professionalism, Licensure, and Personal Conduct

  Self-Assessment and Lifelong Learning

  • You must complete the required number of Knowledge Self-Assessment (KSA) activities during the Certification stage
  • You must complete the required number of Division I and Division II Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits

  Cognitive Expertise

  • You must complete and pass the Family Medicine Certification examination during the required time period

  Performance in Practice

  • You must complete the required number of Performance Improvement (PI) activities during the Certification stage

  In the Family Medicine Certification process, you must successfully complete a series of activities in separate 3-year windows, or “stages,” in accordance with set deadlines, in order to maintain your certification .

  Maintaining Your Family Medicine Board Certification: We Can Help

  As a family physician, your days are full: caring for patients, building your practice, living your life. Developed by the publishers of the New England Journal of Medicine, NEJM Knowledge+ Family Medicine Board Review’s adaptive learning program is geared to you: It adapts to your strengths and weaknesses, is relevant to your practice of family medicine, and fits seamlessly into your schedule. The question bank, which reflects the ABFM blueprint, can prepare you for the Family Medicine Certification exam and enable you to earn your required AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and AAFP Prescribed credits. Most important, this easy-to-use program is a solution for lifelong learning that will help you as you strive to provide the optimal care for your patients.

  Maximize your time ­with NEJM Knowledge+ ­Family Medicine Board Review

  • Question bank of 5,000+ questions guided by the ABFM and NCCPA blueprints
  • Adaptive learning technology for a personalized experience
  • Two, timed practice exams
  • Earn CME, AAFP Prescribed credits
  • Convenient, mobile access