Board Certification

Application for certification as a Diplomate of the ABIHM is for MD or DO physicians who choose to incorporate integrative holistic principles into their practices, and to demonstrate to their colleagues and patients that they have undergone the only comprehensive, peer-reviewed, psychometrically validated examination process in integrative holistic medicine.  The certification enables physicians to obtain a credential that attests to their knowledge in the field and affords them the recognition of having met a recognized standard of achievement.

The certifying process includes the following:

1. You must first register online and pay applicable fees. Click Here to Register for Initial Certification.

2. Upload both of the following documents in the “Certification Process” area of the registration page: scanned copy or verification of active, unrestricted license to practice medicine within the USA or Canada AND copy or verification of board certification letter or diploma–current or expired–(or residency certificate if board eligible). Candidates may sit for the exam if board eligible and have completed or are with two months of completing residency, but ABIHM Diplomate status cannot become activated until certification is obtained through an ACGME approved specialty.

3. You must also upload a 600-1,000 word paper (1-3 pages) describing your “journey” as a physician and any education or interest in integrative/holistic medicine, including your reflection of any one of the 10 Core Principles of Integrative Holistic Medicine.

4. Achievement of a passing score on the certification exam. Please come to the examination prepared to show government issued ID (valid driver’s license or passport).

Registration Is Now Open for 3 Exams:

1. November 2nd, 2012, Pencil and Paper Exam, San Diego

2. January 28th-February 9th, 2013, Computer Based Exam

3. May 13th-25th, 2013, Computer Based Exam

We are delighted to announce that our January/February 2013 and our May 2013 exams are available as computer based exams in 200 cities within the USA and Canada. Please see the Pearson Vue Exam Page to locate a testing site in your area.

To be able to schedule your four hour exam time and date with Pearson Vue within the two week windows above, you must have provided payment to the ABIHM and uploaded all of your documents. Once your documents have been verified, we will than assign a unique Pearson ID to you (allow 7 days from verification to receipt of unique ID#). Once you have received your Pearson ID #, plan to allow up to 14 days before attempting to schedule an exam time with Pearson Vue.

Application components must be uploaded onto your account area and should not be mailed, emailed, or faxed to the ABIHM office. Do not include CV’s or DEA registrations in your exam registration.

Deadline for submission of all application materials: at least 21 days before your scheduled exam date.

Note: though you may register for the computer based exams anytime, registration with Pearson Vue to schedule a date and time for the January/February 2013 exam will not open until November 1st, 2012. We anticipate that Pearson scheduling for the May 2013 exam will begin in February, 2013.

Please read our policies carefully before registering for the exam, which include our cancellation and rescheduling regulations.

You are required to choose one of the following exam venues within the drop-down menu of the registration page. Once you have chosen one of the following options, your choice is NOT modifiable, so pay careful attention to the options and ensure that you are adequately prepared.

1. November 2nd, 2012, Pencil and Paper Exam, at the conclusion of our Annual Review Course, The Science and Clinical Application of Integrative Holistic Medicine, held October 28th-November 1st, 2012 in San Diego–OR–

2. January 28th-February 9th, 2013, Computer Based Exam (choose one 4 hour seating)–OR–

3. May 13th-25th, 2013, Computer Based Exam (choose one 4 hour seating)

Please see Certification FAQ’s for more details.

Registering and Paying for the Exam

Exam fee for Jan/Feb and May 2013 Computer Based Exam: $975

Early bird exam fee for November 2012 seating in San Diego: $800 through 9/30/12; $850 through 10/20/12; $900 after 10/20/12. Registration closes on 11/1/12 at noon.

In order to be charged the lower fee to undergo the Paper and Pencil Exam, you must use the exam coupon code provided on the registration page. Do not use this code if you are registering for either Computer Based Exam, or your registration will be subject to cancellation.

If you have purchased the Study Guide prior to exam registration, please call this to our attention with an email to admin@abihm.org when you register for the exam so that your Study Guide fee can be refunded.