American Society of Addiction Medicine

The Addiction Medicine Certification Hub

Background

In 2016, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) announced the recognition of addiction medicine as a new subspecialty under the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM). ABPM administers the board exam for Addiction Medicine (ADM). For more information about the transition to board certification, please visit ABPM.

The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) administers its board exam for addiction medicine certification. As of May 26, 2021, MD's may also take the AOA addiction medicine certification exam, in addition to DO’s. For more information, visit the AOA addiction medicine certification page.

ADM Certification through ABPM: Three General Requirements for Certification

1. Medical License – An unrestricted and currently valid license(s) to practice medicine
2. Medical Degree – Graduation from an accredited medical school in the United States or Canada
3. ABMS Member Board Certification – Primary board certification is a core requirement

Starting with the 2021 application period, physicians trained in Canada who possess primary board certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) may be eligible for the subspecialty certification examination.

Pathways to Achieve Addiction Medicine Certification

• ABAM Diplomate Pathway – Applicants holding certification by ABAM must meet the medical licensure and ABMS certification requirements to be considered for the addiction medicine subspecialty examination. This pathway ends in 2021.
• Practice Pathway – Until 2025, applicants who complete minimum time in practice or a non-ACGME-accredited fellowship training will be considered for the addiction medicine subspecialty exam.
• ACGME- Accredited Fellowship Pathway – After 2025, it will be mandatory that physicians complete an ACGME accredited addiction medicine fellowship in order to be eligible to apply to take the exam.

Special ASAM FASAM & DFASAM Credentials

• ASAM is the only organization offering the credential of Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (FASAM).
• The FASAM designation can only be used by certified addiction specialists who have been members of ASAM for two or more continuous years.
• Eligible addiction specialists are those certified by ABPM, ABAM, AOA or ABPN.

• Once the FASAM credential has been conferred, it may only be used by members who maintain their ASAM membership.

• ASAM members with the FASAM designation may have the opportunity to be selected for the elite designation of Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (DFASAM).

• For more information about FASAM and DFASAM designations click here.

ABPM/ADM Transitional Maintenance of Certification (TMOC)

• ABPM’s TMOC is the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) board certification process for assessment of continuing competencies of physicians and encompasses recertification. All Member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties must provide MOC programs for their diplomates.
• Detailed information about the requirements and annual fees are available from the ABPM here.

ABPM’s TMOC Requirements

In December 2019, the ABPM announced the requirements for its Diplomates to maintain ABPM certification during the transitional period from the current Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to a new and innovative Continuing Certification Program (CCP). The transitional period began February 1, 2020 and will continue through December 31, 2022.

Who's Who in Licensure

Note: ASAM is not a certifying board, and members are encouraged to contact their respective boards for the most up-to date information on individual MOC requirements, ie, your ABPM physician portal.

How Can ASAM Help?

ASAM is the leading provider of quality information and resources to assist members in better understanding and taking the necessary steps toward meeting various CME, Self-Assessment, and Improvement in Medical Practice.

Announcements

February 24, 2021 - The American Board of Preventive Medicine expanded eligibility for subspecialty certification examinations to physicians trained in Canada and who possess primary board certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) or the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC).  Continue Reading

November 30, 2020 - The American Board of Preventive Medicine and ASAM Announce a Four-Year Extension of the Practice Pathway for Addiction Medicine. Continue Reading

August 5, 2020 - Eligible DOs can obtain the certification after spending 1,000 practice hours on Addiction Medicine over a two-year period. Continue Reading

June 30, 2020 - In response to the possibility of a resurgence of the COVID-19 virus during administration of the 2020 Initial Certification Examinations, the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) announced today that it will offer a live, remotely proctored testing option for the 2020 Initial Certification Exam Cycle. Continue Reading

June 19, 2020 - The American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine is pleased to announce that the AOA Conjoint Addiction Medicine Examination Committee has posted the requirements for Subspecialty Certification Eligibility and Clinical Practice Pathway on their website. Continue Reading

April 10, 2020 - Effective as of April 1, 2020 and continuing through December 31, 2022, Diplomates who meet the qualifications below will not be required to complete the Transitional MOC Part 2 (CME),  Part 4 (Improvement in Medical Practice) or the Patient Safety Course (PSC) requirements. ABPM will recognize these qualified Diplomates as fully participating in MOC through the remainder of the ABPM’s Transitional MOC Period. Continue Reading