The ABD has created an International Pathway for Certification for international medical graduates who are full-time faculty members in a department/division of dermatology for at least five consecutive years at the same institution in the U.S. or Canada, with the academic rank of Assistant Professor or higher.
Candidates accepted into the International Pathway must pass all four CORE exam modules and the APPLIED exam to achieve certification in general dermatology. Candidates have five years to pass the exams in the Certification Pathway. The fee to take the CORE Exams is $200 and the APPLIED Exam fee is $2,250.
Once certified, diplomates will be enrolled in the Continuing Certification Program with an annual fee of $150.
Applications will be accepted annually in the spring. The application process consists of an initial Declaration of Intent to ensure applicants meet all the necessary criteria, followed by a formal application process and review. Applications will be evaluated by the ABD Executive Committee which will recommend candidates to the full Board of Directors for approval.
Declaration of Intent Attestation Criteria
A valid medical license, free from adverse actions, to practice medicine in the United States, its territories, or Canada
Appointment at a Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or Canadian-accredited medical school and a department/division that sponsors an ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited dermatology residency training program
Full-time faculty appointment in an academic department of dermatology for a minimum of five consecutive years (immediately prior to application) at the same institution
Academic rank of Assistant Professor or higher
Active supervision of and teaching trainees (students, residents, or fellows) in clinical settings
Currently providing direct patient care
Completion of an international graduate medical education training program in dermatology (of at least 3 years duration)
ECFMG certification
Formal Application Process
If a candidate’s initial attestation is approved, they will be invited to submit a formal application with a non-refundable fee ($500). The Formal Application includes following components:
1. Document Uploads
Candidate’s ECFMG certificate
Documentation of completion of an international graduate medical education training program in dermatology. If original documents are in a language other than English, a notarized English translation must accompany them.
A valid medical license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada.
Proof of unrestricted clinical privileges at a licensed medical center certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
2. Names and contact information for 3 references
One reference from the Chair of the Department/Division of Dermatology where the candidate holds a current full-time faculty appointment, attesting to the candidate’s contribution to the field of dermatology through scholarship, education, and clinical care.
Two references from one or more of the following (all must be ABD-certified):
Dermatology Residency Program Director at the sponsoring institution attesting to the candidate’s contribution to resident and medical student education.
Departmental peer at the sponsoring institution attesting to the candidate’s departmental contribution to scholarship, education, or clinical care.
Referring dermatologist outside the department where the candidate holds a current full-time faculty appointment attesting to the candidate’s clinical care (one maximum).
3. A Curriculum Vitae
Using a CV template from the ABD: custom CV formats not permitted.
Timeline for 2025
Submit Declaration of Intent: April 7-11
Submit Application & References: April 15 - May 4
Application Approvals: End of July
