Pathway to Certification

Note: It is important for patients, providers and the podiatric community to understand the differences between ABFAS Board Certification and ABPM’s unrecognized CAQ in podiatric surgery. The two are not comparable credentials. Learn more now.

 

ABFAS Pathway to Certification for Board Certified candidates

From Board Certified Candidates to Diplomates: Detailed Pathway to Certification

 

Students
Residents
Board Qualified Candidates
Board Certified Candidates
ABFAS Diplomates

Graduate from a CPME accredited 4-year podiatric college

Focus on gaining a high GPA

Consider extra-curricular activities

Research residency programs to find the best fit for you

Complete a CPME accredited 3-year minimum residency program

Practice with the ABFAS In-training Examination (ITE).  Candidates will be able to use their passing ITE score for qualification purposes upon payment of a qualification fee.  

Log cases in PRR and meet MAV diversity requirements

 

 

Successful Completion of Part I Board Qualification Examinations

  • Foot Surgery Didactic
  • NEW Foot Surgery CBPS
  • RRA Surgery Didactic (if pursuing)
  • NEW RRA Surgery CBPS (if pursuing)

Submit the following to ABFAS:

  • Residency Completion Certificate
  • Active, unrestricted, state podiatric medical license
  • Proof of surgical hospital privileges

Once Qualified, pay the ABFAS Annual Fee

Candidates should log all cases in PLS for which they are the surgeon of record, post-residency until the passing of Case Review.

 

 

Successfully Complete Board Certification Examinations

  • Foot Surgery Case Review
  • RRA Surgery Case Review (if pursuing)

As of September 2020, candidates will need to pass the NEW CBPS exam if they have not yet already passed the old Part II CBPS examination.

Submit the following to ABFAS:

  • Active, unrestricted, state podiatric medical license
  • Proof of surgical hospital privileges

Once Certified, pay the ABFAS Annual Fee

Candidates should log all cases in PLS for which they are the surgeon of record, post-residency until the passing of Case Review.

 

Complete the LEAD program requirements during each ten-year cycle.

    Time-limited Certification Requirements:

  • Participate in LEAD.
  • Meet the MDT p-value standard.
  • Obtain 100 CMEs each five-year period.
  • Be surgically active.
  • Submit proof of surgical hospital privileges.
  • Pay the ABFAS annual fee.
  •  

    Lifetime Certification Requirements:

  • Participate in LEAD.
  • Obtain 100 CMEs each five-year period.
  • Submit proof of surgical hospital privileges.
  • Pay the ABFAS annual fee.