FAQs

How many physicians are certified by ABPM?

ABPM has certified just under 2,000 physicians as of January, 2026.

How often is the examination administered?

The Certification examination is administered once annually, in April.

When and where is the next Certification exam?

The Certification examination will be administered April 1-30, 2026 at authorized Kryterion Testing Centers and via online proctored home testing.  

When is information available for the next Certification exam?

The application portal is currently closed.  It is anticipated to open in summer, 2026, for the spring, 2027 administration.

What are the requirements to sit for the Certification exam?

The requirements are published in the 2026 Bulletin of Information, which is available for informational purposes: www.abpm.org/ce

How much is the Certification exam?

The Certification Exam cost is $2,040 if received by the early filing deadline and $2,340 if received by the final filing deadline. 

The deadlines for the 2026 Certification Examination is outlined below.

Early Filing      Application Deadline:	11:59 PM Central time on September 9, 2025        The final filing fee will go into effect starting 12:00 AM Central time on September 10, 2025.
FINAL Filing Application Deadline:	12:00 AM* on November 1, 2025  (*need to apply by 11:59PM Central time October 31, 2025).

What is the pass rate for the Certification exam?

The pass rate in 2025 was 90% for the Certification Examination.

When does a Diplomate's certification expire?

All Diplomates who certified after 1998 hold an initial time-limited certificate that lasts for 10 years. Beyond that, Diplomates must participate in the Continuing Certification in Pain Medicine (CCPM) program on an ongoing basis to maintain their certification.

Diplomates whose board certification has recently expired may be eligible to apply for the Continuing Certification in Pain Medicine program to re-stablish their certification, provided they apply for CCPM, provided their application – along with payment of reinstatement fee - is submitted within three years of their certification expiring.

Former Diplomates whose certification expired more than three years ago are not eligible to participate in the CCPM program and must pass the initial Certification Examination to regain their status as a Diplomate.

Diplomates who successfully participate in the CCPM program will have their certification renewed for one year

Ongoing Requirements of Diplomates include:

Diplomates are required to annually attest and pay the $200 participation fee to maintain their certification. They are also responsible for notifying the ABPM of change of address, email, telephone number and ability to practice with an unencumbered license.

Is there a list of references available for the Certification Examination?

The Bulletin of Information has a list of references that can be helpful in preparing for the exam. The list is also available on the website: click here.

If you have any other questions or would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact ABPM at (847) 981-8905 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .