ABPN Certification in the Subspecialty of Forensic Psychiatry

History

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. (ABPN), first recognized forensic psychiatry as an area of subspecialization in 1992 with the establishment of a Committee on Certification of Added Qualifications in Forensic Psychiatry.

The first examination for Added Qualifications in Forensic Psychiatry was given in 1994. Prior to that time, certification in forensic psychiatry was provided by other organizations, such as the American Board of Forensic Psychiatry, which were unrelated to the American Board of Medical Specialties. With the commencement of the ABPN Added Qualifications, the American Board of Forensic Psychiatry ceased conducting examinations. From the beginning, it was understood that an ABPN Certificate for Added Qualifications in forensic psychiatry would be valid for ten years, and that no one would receive Added Qualifications through a grandfathering mechanism.

In February, 1997, the name of the certification was changed from "Added Qualifications in Forensic Psychiatry" to "Certification in the Subspecialty of Forensic Psychiatry."

The 1999 examination was the last one which did not require that the applicant had completed a fellowship in forensic psychiatry. Beginning in 2001, completion of an accredited fellowship was required. The first recertification examination was given in 2004.

Maintenance of Certification (MOC)

Maintenance of Certification is now a requirement for continued certification in forensic psychiatry.  Requirements for MOC vary depending on the date the original exam was taken.  Requirements for MOC may be accessed at the ABPN Web site.

AAPL had developed several products to assist in meeting MOC requirements.  Members may access the materials here.

Nonmembers may purchase copies of the materials by downloading and completing this form.

Now available: 
Evaluee feedback form – Free Download 
Performance in Practice (PIP) Assessment Tool: Disability Evaluations
Performance in Practice (PIP) Assessment Tool: Competence to Stand Trial Evaluations

Coming soon:
Self-assessment in forensic psychiatry

If you are an AAPL member, click here to access these materials free or at substantial discounts.

Prerequisites to taking the examination

• ABPN Board certification in psychiatry
• Completion of a fellowship in forensic psychiatry which has been accredited by the ACGME.

DISCLAIMER: The following information has been placed here as a service to AAPL members. It has NOT been reviewed by the ABPN, and may not be fully correct or up to date. The ABPN now has its own ABPN Web site.