ABPN
The ABPN, in concurrence with the ABMS, established a Committee on Certification of Added Qualifications in Addiction Psychiatry in October 1991. This was done to officially establish the field of addiction psychiatry as a definite area of subspecialization in psychiatry and to provide a means of identifying properly trained and experienced addiction psychiatrists. The first examination was administered in 1993.
Candidates in the subspecialty of addiction psychiatry are those in the field of psychiatry, who are seeking ABPN Board Certification. Addiction psychiatry is a subspecialty that involves focusing on evaluation and treatment of individuals with alcohol, drug, or other substance-related disorders, and of individuals with dual diagnosis of substance-related and other psychiatric disorders. The actual mechanics of certification of qualified candidates have been delegated by the Board to the Committee, which operates under the supervision of and in accordance with the policies of the Board.
In February 1997, the Board, in agreement with the ABMS, discontinued using the term “Added Qualifications” for this certificate. The names of both the certificate and the Committee were changed at that time to “Certification in the Subspecialty of Addiction Psychiatry.”
Currently, there is no limit on the number of times an applicant may apply to take the initial certification in the subspecialty of addiction psychiatry examination. For Board Eligibility requirements please visit: Board Eligibility (abpn.org)
