Setting the highest certification standards for psychiatrists and neurologists since 1934

Geriatric Psychiatry History and Statement of Principles

The ABPN, in concurrence with the ABMS, established a Committee on Certification of Added Qualifications in Geriatric Psychiatry in November 1989. This was done to officially establish the field of geriatric psychiatry as a definite area of subspecialization in psychiatry and to provide a means of identifying properly trained and experienced geriatric psychiatrists.  The first examination was administered in 1991.

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 Geriatric Psychiatry.”

Currently, there is no limit on the number of times an applicant may apply to take the initial certification in the subspecialty of geriatric psychiatry examination.  For Board eligibility, please visit: Board Eligibility (abpn.org).