American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology continuing certification overview

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) administers continuing certification for board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists. The program is intended to support lifelong learning, clinical knowledge, and professional accountability. Requirements can depend on the physician's certification pathway, subspecialty certification, and the rules associated with the physician's status. ABOG's published policies and individual diplomate account govern; a general summary cannot establish that a particular physician has met the requirements.

Program components

ABOG continuing certification combines ongoing professional learning with periodic assessment and administrative requirements. Diplomates are expected to maintain an active, unrestricted medical license and to complete continuing medical education accepted by the board. ABOG specifies the number and type of CME credits, documentation methods, and any self-assessment expectations. Physicians should confirm that an activity qualifies under the current policy before counting it. CME required by a state licensing board is a separate obligation and may use different categories or topic mandates.

The program uses continuing assessment activities to help diplomates demonstrate current knowledge. Depending on the pathway and board policy, assessment may include online learning, question-based work, practice improvement or another component. Diplomates should follow the instructions for their cohort and certification status; component names, formats and completion rules can change. For a practice owner, that means confirming each clinician's assigned work before using a shared calendar or checklist.

Focused practice and subspecialty status

Obstetrics and gynecology includes diverse areas of practice. Some diplomates hold subspecialty certification, and additional expectations may apply to those credentials. ABOG materials explain which activities apply to general certification and which apply to a subspecialty. A physician should not assume that completion of one pathway automatically fulfills another. The board account is the best place to review assigned requirements and recorded progress.

Continuing certification also requires attention to professional standing and accurate reporting. Diplomates should keep records of course completion, assessment participation, and any attestations, and should review their account for missing or rejected documentation. If an interruption in practice, license status, or program participation occurs, the diplomate should consult ABOG promptly about available policies. The board determines eligibility, acceptable evidence, and how a deficiency affects certification.

Planning participation

A practical plan is to check the ABOG portal at the start of each applicable cycle, list the assigned components, and schedule learning and assessment activities throughout the period. Clinicians can use CME and practice-related learning to address gaps relevant to their patient population while also ensuring that required board activities are completed. Maintaining copies of certificates and confirmations can help resolve reporting discrepancies.

ABOG continuing certification, state licensure, hospital credentialing and specialty society membership each have their own requirements. Completion in one program does not automatically satisfy another. Rules may differ for physicians certified under earlier arrangements or for those seeking to regain a status. This overview cannot determine eligibility or compliance. Check ABOG's official continuing certification materials, then contact the board about an individual's requirements, deadlines and status.

Official source: American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Informational only; confirm requirements with the board.