ABVO® Credentials

ABVO® CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE INFORMATION
APPLYING TO BECOME A RESIDENT AND APPLYING TO TAKE EXAM
(Updated 11.2023)
Please note that the Credentials Policies & Procedures document is now located on the "ABVO Information" page, under "Organizational Documents & Credentialing Reports". Consult the P&P index to guide you to the appropriate section.

For more information, contact the Credentials Chairperson.

The Certification Process Flow Chart will provide guidance regarding forms and payments required of Supervising Diplomates and Residents. Please also refer to the form lists and links below.

Stage 1: Applying to Become an ABVO-Approved Resident Stage 2: Applying to take the ABVO Certifying Examination
WHO must apply? ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS BEEN ACCEPTED INTO AN ABVO-APPROVED RESIDENCY

Time spent in a residency program will not count toward the 36 months required until the Provisional Resident Application has been approved by the ABVO Credentials Committee.		 ANYONE ELECTING TO TAKE ANY PORTION OF THE ABVO CERTIFYING EXAMINATION, each and every time they wish to do so.

The Supervising Diplomate Form must be completed by each supervising diplomate the first year an applicant applies to take the exam, but not in subsequent years (i.e., the Supervising Diplomate Form needs to be submitted only once).

When a diplomate terminates their supervisory role prior to completion of the training program, the Supervising Diplomate Form must be submitted within 30 days of the serverance occurring.
WHAT form is needed? Provisional Resident Application:

Form to be filled out and submitted through the ABVO portal.
Complete RTP Applications from institutions that are currently training one or more Residents must be submitted by AUGUST 15TH for consideration prior to the ACVO meeting or FEBRUARY 15TH for consideration in the spring. Programs will not be considered on a rolling basis. Individual requests (last minute funding, etc.) may be considered on a case to case basis as long as existing programs are submitted 90 days before the start of the program and new programs are submitted 120 days before the start of the program.		 Certifying Examination Application:

Form to be filled out and submitted through the ABVO portal. An email copy of the application PDF confirming submission will be sent and should be kept for your records.

Supervising Diplomate Form:

To be filled out and submitted by each supervising diplomate through the ABVO portal. An email copy of the application PDF confirming submission will be sent and should be kept for your records.
WHEN is the application due? 30 DAYS PRIOR to starting an ABVO-approved residency. Applications should NOT be submitted before a Residency Training Program Application has been submitted by the Supervising Diplomate, and approved by the ABVO Residency Committee. Applications will be reviewed within 30 days. JANUARY 15, midnight Mountain Standard Time in the year in which the exam will be taken. Applications will be reviewed by January 20th.

Application forms for 2025 Credentials are now open in the ABVO portal.
WHERE must applications be submitted? Through the ABVO Portal
HOW are application fees paid? Fees are $150 for each Provisional Resident Application. Pay by credit card using this secure online form. Fees are $100 for each Certifying Examination Application.

Payment application form is open annually November 15th through January 15th. Once the form is submitted, an email confirming payment receipt will be sent within a few minutes of submission and should be kept for your records. Contact the ABVO office if you do not receive the receipt to ensure your payment was processed correctly. The payment application form for 2025 is now open through January 15th.
HOW are applicants notified of decisions? BY EMAIL from the Credentials Committee or via the ABVO Office.