Physicians in hospice and palliative medicine can pursue multiple certification pathways to demonstrate expertise, advance their careers, and meet national standards for high quality care.
Explore Certification Options
Three primary certification pathways are available:
- American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
- American Osteopathic Association (AOA)
- Hospice Medical Director Certification Board (HMDCB)
Each pathway supports different training backgrounds, career goals, and areas of practice.
Initial Certification
There are multiple pathways to achieve certification in hospice and palliative medicine, depending on your primary board and training.
ABMS Certification
For allopathic physicians, the Hospice and Palliative Medicine certification exam is administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
- Exam typically offered in the fall of even numbered years
- Eligibility and registration are managed through your primary specialty board
You may apply for certification through:
- American Board of Anesthesiology
- American Board of Emergency Medicine
- American Board of Family Medicine
- American Board of Pediatrics
If your primary board aligns with ABIM, apply directly through ABIM:
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
- American Board of Radiology
- American Board of Surgery
AOA Certification
Osteopathic physicians may pursue certification through the American Osteopathic Association.
- Leads to a Certificate of Added Qualification in hospice and palliative medicine
- Exam offered annually
- Requires completion of an ACGME or AOA approved fellowship and active certification in an AOA primary specialty
Continuing Board Certification
Maintaining certification is an ongoing commitment to professional excellence.
Certification requirements are defined by your issuing board:
Physicians should work directly with their primary board to stay current on requirements, deadlines, and assessment options.
Special Practice Certification
HMDCB Certification
The Hospice Medical Director Certification Board offers a credential focused specifically on hospice practice.
This certification complements ABMS and AOA certification and validates expertise in:
- Regulatory and Medicare requirements
- Administrative and leadership responsibilities
- Ethical and legal considerations
- Clinical care for hospice patients
Maintain and Strengthen Your Certification
Continuing education plays a key role in maintaining certification and advancing clinical expertise.
AAHPM offers a range of resources to support ongoing learning and certification requirements.
Important Note
This page provides general guidance on hospice and palliative medicine certification pathways.
For specific eligibility criteria, application requirements, and timelines, contact your primary certification board directly.