The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABD was incorporated in 1932 to elevate and maintain the standards of this specialty. The mission of the ABD is to serve the public by setting high standards for dermatologists to earn and maintain Board certification. The American Board of Dermatology is a voluntary, non-profit, private, autonomous organization formed for the primary purpose of protecting the public interest by establishing and maintaining high standards of training, education and qualifications of physicians rendering care in dermatology. The objective of all of its activities is to provide assurance that a diplomate of the Board possesses and maintains the knowledge and skills essential for the provision of superior, specialized care to patients with cutaneous diseases.
CORE Examination (for Dermatology Residents)
Late Winter delivery dates: Thursday February 10 through Saturday, February 19
Summer delivery dates: Thursday July 14 through Saturday, July 23
Fall delivery dates: Thursday November 3 through Saturday, November 12
Candidates take the exam via Pearson VUE’s OnVUE online proctored in a private, secure location, using a webcam-equipped computer. More information »
For candidates without access to a properly equipped computer, a limited number of appointments are available at Pearson VUE Professional Center.
MOC/Recertification Examination (for Diplomates of the ABD)
Spring delivery dates: April 1 - May 31
Fall delivery dates: September 1 - October 31
Candidates take the exam one of two ways:
- At a Pearson VUE Professional Center.
~or~
- In a private, secure location, using a webcam-equipped computer, via OnVUE online proctored (aka Remote Proctor). More information »
APPLIED Exam (for graduated Dermatology Residents who passed the 4 CORE Exam modules)
Delivery date: Friday, July 22
Candidates take the exam at a Pearson VUE Professional Center.
Certification Exam (for graduated Dermatology Residents (prior to 2021) on the traditional certification pathway)
Delivery date: Wednesday, July 13
Candidates take the exam at a Pearson VUE Professional Center.
MDS Exam (for Diplomates of the ABD, seeking subspecialty certification)
Delivery date: Thursday, September 22
Candidates take the exam at a Pearson VUE Professional Center
Pediatric Dermatology Subspecialty Examination (for Diplomates of the ABD, seeking subspecialty certification)
Delivery date: Thursday, October 13
Candidates take the exam at a Pearson VUE Professional Center