How long after training am I eligible to take the Dermatopathology Subspecialty Certification Exam?
Candidates are eligible for certification by the ABD in Dermatopathology for five years after completion of their fellowship as long as they continue to hold primary certification or are board eligible for primary certification by the ABD. Physicians who complete an approved Dermatopathology fellowship will not be permitted to take the subspecialty certifying exam later than five years following the completion of their training. See the Five-year Eligibility Policy for more information. A dermatologist who has not become board certified within the 5-year eligibility period may not claim to be “board eligible” unless the American Board of Dermatology determines that that physician has been prevented from taking the exam within the applicable five-year period by military deployment or by catastrophic illness. If either of these situations exists, a dermatologist wishing to claim to be “board eligible” or wishing to take the exam after the expiration of the five-year period may be granted a one- or two-year deferral by submitting a request to the Board. The decision to grant or deny a deferral will be at the sole discretion of the Board.
