The critical care medicine physician is a specialist with a broad knowledge of all aspects of management of the critically ill patient, whose primary base of operation is the intensive care unit (ICU). Physicians working in Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine provide particular benefits to patients in the perioperative period.
ABEM-certified physicians attain subspecialty certification in Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine by meeting the eligibility criteria, fulfilling specific credential requirements, and passing the Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine Certification Examination.
The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) develops and administers the subspecialty certification examination in Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, while ABEM is responsible for credentialing its candidates and notifying them of their examination results.
Eligibility
Emergency physicians seeking certification in Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine must:
- Be certified by ABEM
- Successfully complete the pre-approved training or training plus practice as specified in the eligibility criteria
- Complete and submit the application to ABEM
- Actively participate in ABEM's continuing certification process
- Fulfill the ABEM Policy on Medical Licensure
- Comply with the ABEM Policy on Board Eligibility for Subspecialty Certification
Exam Process
The Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine Certification Examination is offered once each year.
Apply
To apply, physicians must complete the current-year application form, which is available by contacting ABEM. Complete application submissions include:
- Completed, signed, and notarized current-year Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine certification application form
- Application fee in U.S. funds
The application fee covers the cost of processing the application only and cannot be refunded.
A final review of an application will be completed when all information is received. Applications that are incomplete will be closed in February of the following year. Physicians with closed applications who want to take the exam must submit new applications and meet all requirements in place at the time the new application is submitted.
ABEM mails notification about whether a physician's application has been approved.
Register
Physicians with approved applications will be notified how to register for the examination and schedule an appointment at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Exam Content Specifications
An outline of the Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine Certification Examination content, the examination blueprint, and an exam tutorial are available on the ABA website.
Results
ABEM sends candidates the results of their examination in writing. Results are also posted on each candidate's ABEM Personal Page.