Forensic Psychiatry History and Statement of Principles
The ABPN, in concurrence with the ABMS, established a Committee on Certification of Added Qualifications in Forensic Psychiatry in November 1992. This was done to officially establish the field of forensic psychiatry as a definite area of subspecialization in psychiatry and to provide a means of identifying properly trained and experienced forensic psychiatrists. The first examination was administered in 1994.
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 Forensic Psychiatry.
Currently, there is no limit on the number of times an applicant may apply to take the initial certification in the subspecialty of forensic psychiatry examination. For Board eligibility requirements, please visit: Board Eligibility (abpn.org).
ABPN
