Certified dermatologists (diplomates) may apply through May 16 for the American Board of Dermatology’s 2025 Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (MDS) Subspecialty Certification Examination. The exam will be administered Monday, Sept. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 4.
The 2025 MDS Exam provides the final opportunity for eligibility through the Practice Pathway. Starting with the 2026 exam, all MDS Exam candidates must complete an ACGME-accredited MSDO fellowship (micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology).
MDS Subspecialty Certification FAQs contain important exam details and eligibility criteria. An MDS Exam Study Guide is available to help candidates prepare for the exam.
All diplomates who become certified in MDS must participate in continuing certification activities to maintain this subspecialty certification. You will not have additional requirements – you will still answer 13 new CertLink questions per quarter. However, when you design your assessment in January, you will include MDS content.
To apply for the exam, follow these instructions:
- Go www.abderm.org.
- Enter your ABD username and password.
- Click Diplomates at the top of the page.
- Select Exams from the right margin.
- Select MDS Exam Registration.
- Click Register for 2025 MDS Exam in the center of the page.
- Review and complete each section of the application.
- Click SUBMIT at the bottom of the page.
- Enter your payment details (credit card or check) on the Application Status screen.
If you have additional questions about the MDS Exam, please contact Kara Fuller (617-910-6400 x 4 / kara@abderm.org) or Meredith Beauchesne (617-910-6400 x 3 / meredith@abderm.org) in the ABD office.
2025 is the last year for the Practice Pathway. Future MDS applicants must have completed an MSDO fellowship.
