CERTIFYING PHYSICIANS

in the treatment of obesity

WHY CERTIFY?

Obesity is the most prevalent chronic disease in our society. Yet, many physicians are not trained in how to manage it. The American Board of Obesity Medicine certifies physicians looking to bridge this gap. Apply now to become an ABOM diplomate.

OUR MISSION

The American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) serves the public and the field of obesity medicine by maintaining standards for assessment and credentialing physicians. Certification as an ABOM diplomate signifies specialized knowledge in the practice of obesity medicine and distinguishes a physician as having achieved competency in obesity care.

PLAN TO CERTIFY

Determine if you meet minimum requirements, learn about pathways to certification, begin your plan to certify as an obesity medicine physician.

EXAM INFO

2023 Test Window: October 2-14, 2023
2023 Early Application Deadline: July 10, 2023 ($1,500 fee)
2023 Final Application Deadline: August 7, 2023 ($1,750 fee)

DIPLOMATE STORIES

Explore first-person accounts from diplomates about the personal journeys that led to obesity medicine certification.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Minimum Requirements
  • Proof of an active, unrestricted medical license in the U.S. or Canada. Note: Training licenses are NOT accepted.
  • Proof of completion of a residency in the U.S. or Canada.
  • Active board certification in an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board or osteopathic medicine equivalent.

CME Pathway
  • A minimum of 60 AMA PRA Category 1 CME credits on the topic of obesity.
  • The CME credits must include at least 30 designated GROUP ONE credits earned through ABOM’s Primary Obesity Medicine CME partners.
  • The remaining 30 CME credits may be completed through additional GROUP ONE credits or through GROUP TWO study, which includes at-home CME activities and/or attendance at other live meetings where obesity is the specific educational topic.
  • The 60 credit hours must be completed within the 36 months preceding the final application deadline.

Fellowship Pathway

 

  • Proof of an active, unrestricted medical license in the U.S. or Canada. Note: Training licenses are NOT accepted.
  • Proof of completion of a residency in the U.S. or Canada.
  • Active board certification in an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board or osteopathic medicine equivalent.
  • Successful completion of an on-site clinical fellowship in obesity medicine or a fellowship in another field of medicine with a significant obesity medicine component and submission of the fellowship director attestation form.
  • Click here for a directory of obesity medicine fellowship opportunities.

Exam Details
  • The exam is offered once each year and is administered through Pearson VUE computer-based test centers throughout the US and Canada.
  • The 2023 test administration window is October 2-14, 2023.
  • The 2023 early application deadline is July 10, 2023 ($1,500 fee).
  • The 2023 final application deadline is August 7, 2023 ($1,750 fee).
  • All CME must be earned and documented at the time of application.

Click here to find the Test Content Outline and a complete list of exam resources.

How to Apply
  • All applications must be completed through the ABOM Online Application Portal.
  • You will need PDFs of your proof of active medical license, proof of active ABMS board certification, proof of completion of residency, and CME documentation in order to complete the application.

Click here to access the Online Application Portal.

2023 Certification Quick Start Guide

Follow the steps below to prepare for the 2023 certification exam:

Step 1. Create an account in the ABOM application portal. This is where you will input demographic information and upload your documentation.

Step 2. Locate documentation to support the minimum requirements of active, unrestricted medical license; active certification in an ABMS board; and residency completion in the US or Canada. Save these documents as PDFs and upload them through the application portal at your convenience.

Step 3. Determine how you will earn the required 60 CME credits. Remember: All 60 CME credits may come from GROUP ONE sources. If you decide to go outside these providers, keep in mind that all GROUP TWO CME must be AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and that each activity must include the word “obesity” in the activity title.

Step 4. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the early application deadline of July 10, 2023 ($1,500 fee) and the final application deadline of August 7, 2023 ($1,750 fee).

Step 5. Explore the test content outline and the exam resources section of the ABOM website to become familiar with topics covered on the exam.

Step 6. Get ready to take the certification exam October 2-14, 2023 at Pearson VUE computer-based test centers throughout the US and Canada.

CERTIFICATION EXAM INFORMATION

The certification exam is administered annually. Sign up for more information about application window dates and deadlines.

Please complete the form below to receive more information.

PARTNERS

Primary Obesity CME

  • Columbia/Weill Cornell Obesity Course
  • Harvard Blackburn Course in Obesity Medicine
  • Obesity Medicine Association
  • The Obesity Society
  • Boston Course in Obesity Medicine

Obesity-Related CME

  • American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
  • Cleveland Clinic Obesity Summit
  • Massachusetts General Hospital- Obesity, Metabolism and Nutrition Institute
  • Mayo Clinic: Nutrition & Wellness in Health & Disease
  • Obesity Canada

Medical Specialties

  • American Academy of Family Physicians
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
  • American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
  • American College of Osteopathic Internists
  • American College of Physicians
  • American College of Preventive Medicine
  • American College of Sports Medicine
  • American Gastroenterological Association
  • The Endocrine Society

Public Health

  • American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Foundation
  • Global Obesity Prevention Center
  • Obesity Action Coalition
  • STOP Obesity Alliance
  • Trust for America’s Health

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL

CONTACT

Tel: 303-770-9100
2696 S. Colorado Blvd.
Suite #340
Denver, CO 80222

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