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NEW! 5-Year Cycle
May 14, 2026
To meet the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Assessment Standards for Continuing Certification effective January 1, 2024, ABFM is transitioning to the new Continuous Certification 5-Year Cycle (5-Year Cycle).
Professionalism Guidelines
May 14, 2026
Version 2022-2 Adopted Effective September 12, 2022 1. Introduction. Professionalism is at the foundation of medicine’s social contract with society. For the privilege of self-regulation, autonomy and financial reward, society expects physicians...
Sports Medicine Longitudinal Assessment
May 14, 2026
ABFM is excited to offer the Sports Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment (Sports-LA). This new alternative to the one-day exam will be available to physicians seeking recertification in Sports Medicine beginning in 2027.
Trademark Use
May 14, 2026
This Policy is intended to set forth the permitted uses of certain ABFM marks as well as the expectations for such use.
3-Year Stages
May 14, 2026
To maintain board certification, ABFM Diplomates participate in the Continuous Certification Process, which consists of ongoing 3-year stages. Beginning in 2025, Diplomates will transition to the 5-Year Cycle in the year their...
Certified Outside of the U.S.
May 14, 2026
ABFM offers a pathway to initial certification for physicians who have been trained outside of the U.S.
Longitudinal Assessment
May 14, 2026
The Family Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment (longitudinal assessment) is a flexible alternative to the 300 question one-day exam. Answer 25 questions each quarter over three to four years, when and where it's convenient for you.
5-Year Cycle Residency Program FAQs
May 14, 2026
ABFM recently announced Certification 2025, the new Continuous Certification 5-Year Cycle (5-Year Cycle) to align with the new standards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. To help explain this transition to...
Self-Assessment
May 14, 2026
For each completed ABFM-developed Self-Assessment activity, you will earn certification points and Continuing Medical Education (CME), which contributes to your certification requirements. Once you have fulfilled your Self-Assessment activity requirement, you may...
Certification Activities
May 14, 2026
To maintain your certification, you are required to earn certification points by completing Self-Assessment and Performance Improvement activities.
Postponed Certification
May 14, 2026
If you wish to obtain initial certification within your seven-year board eligibility period, and it has been three or more years since you completed residency training, you are required to complete the Certification Entry Process.
Strategic Plan
May 14, 2026
ABFM is dedicated to improving Family Medicine Certification by engaging our Diplomates and serving our specialty, the profession, and the public. As we realize the components of this strategic plan, we commit...