Certification from the American Board of Pathology: getting it and keeping it

In the last 5 years, there have been significant changes in the process of obtaining (and maintaining) certification in anatomic and/or clinical pathology and in pathology subspecialties. These changes include the elimination of the requirement for a "credentialing year" with its attendant "double class" of residents; the implementation of a mandatory maintenance-of-certification program for all persons certified by the American Board of Pathology, Tampa, Fla, on or after January 1, 2006; and the alterations in format and manner of grading for the certifying examinations. This article updates the pathology community regarding these changes and provides references where candidates and diplomates can find the most recent information regarding all aspects of certification and maintenance of certification.