How to Check If a Doctor Is Board Certified

What board certification means

A doctor must hold a state medical license to practice. Board certification is a separate, voluntary credential from a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) for MDs or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) for DOs. Certification requires extra training, exams, and ongoing continuing education.

Free ways to verify

1. ABMS Certification Matters (certificationmatters.org) — free for MDs.
2. AOA Certification (certification.osteopathic.org) — for DOs.
3. The doctor's specialty board (e.g. American Board of Internal Medicine).
4. Your state medical board for license status and discipline history.

What to do if a doctor isn't certified

A licensed but non-board-certified doctor can still provide excellent care. Ask why — some doctors let certification lapse after long careers. For most patients, board certification plus an active state license is the baseline to look for.