American Board of Emergency Medicine

What American Board of Emergency Medicine does

ABEM (American Board of Emergency Medicine) is a private, nonprofit medical specialty certification board headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, with a second operational site at the AIME Center in Raleigh, NC. Founded in 1976 and operating as a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), ABEM is the first medical specialty board accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The organization evaluates emergency medicine physicians seeking initial certification and maintains certification for the 49,000+ emergency physicians currently credentialed under its framework, serving ACGME- and RCPSC-accredited residency programs, practicing emergency physicians, subspecialty physicians (across 11 areas including Medical Toxicology, EMS, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and the newly launched Disaster Medicine certification), and Focused Practice Designation holders (AEMUS, EBH).

ABEM's product surface spans high-stakes assessments (a computer-based Qualifying Examination delivered through Pearson VUE's 200+ U.S. and Canada centers; an in-person Certifying Examination administered at the AIME Center), continuing certification modules (MyEMCert, MyEMSCert, MyToxCert, MySonoCert, LLSA), free learning modules (SUD/OUD), practice improvement activities, and digital credentials issued through Accredible. The technology stack is anchored by the MyABEM self-service portal, the proprietary EM Model (refreshed every three years) and the joint ACGME Emergency Medicine Milestones/KSAs competency framework that underlie all exam blueprints. Content is co-developed with ACGME, and exam validity is supported by a dedicated research team that publishes peer-reviewed work on physician performance and workforce trends.

ABEM monetizes through a mix of one-time and recurring fees: a $420-$840 application fee, $960-$1,260 Qualifying Exam fee, $1,255-$1,565 Certifying Exam fee, a $330 annual certification fee (replacing episodic activity fees in 2026) covering all modules in the 5-year cycle, $412.50 per module for non-cycle physicians, and $165 per resident for the In-Training Exam. Distribution is primarily direct-to-physician via MyABEM, supplemented by program-level relationships with residency directors, a coalition of 10 EM professional organizations under COBCEP, and external verification integrations (CertificationMatters.org, DocInfo). Revenue is structurally resilient because ABEM certification is the de facto prerequisite for U.S. emergency department credentialing.

Name

American Board of Emergency Medicine

Legal name

American Board of Emergency Medicine

Website

https://abem.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ABEM is a nonprofit ABMS member board that certifies and recertifies U.S. emergency physicians through standardized exams, continuing certification modules, and 11 subspecialty credentials, serving 49,000+ physicians and EM residency programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Physician Board Certification Services

NAICS

Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)

akta.pro primary industry

Healthcare & Clinical Professional Certifications (EDAAANAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Programmatic Accreditors (Discipline/Profession-Specific) (EDADACAC), Psychometric Standards, Test Development & Validation Authorities (EDADAFAG)

Keywords

• Physician board certification
• Emergency medicine certification
• Continuing medical education
• Medical specialty examination
• Subspecialty certification programs

Headquarters

HQ city

East Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Qualifying Exam Fees: Physicians pay fees to take the Qualifying Examination, a computer-based test administered at Pearson VUE centers
2. Application Fees: Initial application fee of $420 (regular) or $840 (late) for certification process
3. Certifying Exam Fees: Registration fee of $1,255 or late fee of $1,565 for the in-person Certifying Exam at AIME Center
4. Annual Certification Fee: Ongoing annual fee of $330 for primary certification and $240 for second certification through ABEM, replacing episodic activity fees
5. Module Fees: Activity fee of $412.50 per MyEMCert module for those not yet on annual fee cycle; CME options available for additional cost
6. In-Training Exam Fees: Residency programs pay $165 per resident for the ITE administration

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) certifies emergency physicians through initial certification examinations (Qualifying and Certifying Exams), continuing certification modules, and subspecialty certifications. The organization administers exams at Pearson VUE computer-based centers and the AIME Center in Raleigh, NC, and provides an online continuing certification program including MyEMCert modules for active diplomates. ABEM also issues digital credentials through Accredible and supports residency program assessment via the In-Training Examination.

Product overview

ABEM offers a comprehensive certification ecosystem for emergency physicians consisting of initial certification (Qualifying Exam and Certifying Exam), multiple subspecialty certifications (11 areas), Focused Practice Designations, and a module-based continuing certification system. The continuing certification program includes MyEMCert, MyEMSCert, MyToxCert, and MySonoCert modules along with traditional LLSA tests, all designed to maintain competency through a 5-year cycle. Additional offerings include In-Training Exams for residency programs, free learning modules, digital credentials through Accredible, and practice improvement activities. The portfolio spans initial board certification through lifelong learning, with both in-person assessments (Certifying Exam at AIME Center) and online modules.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Qualifying Examination Computer-based multiple-choice examination measuring medical knowledge and diagnostic reasoning in emergency medicine, administered one week each fall at over 200 Pearson VUE centers in the US and Canada. Contains approximately 305 single-best-answer questions based on the EM Model. Required step in ABEM initial certification for emergency physicians completing residency.
• Certifying Examination Final step in ABEM certification process. In-person exam at AIME Center in Raleigh, NC. Physicians complete 10 cases during a half-day session. Launched in March 2026, replacing the former Oral Exam with new case types assessing communication, professional, and technical skills.
• In-Training Examination (ITE) Annual 225-question multiple-choice examination for Emergency Medicine residency programs that estimates resident likelihood of passing the Qualifying Examination. Sold to residency programs at $165 per resident rather than individual physicians.
• MyEMCert Online module-based continuing certification program for Emergency Medicine. Includes topic-specific modules with real-life scenarios, Key Advances sections, and immediate feedback. Physicians must pass 4 modules every 5 years.
• MyEMSCert Online continuing certification modules for the Emergency Medical Services subspecialty, covering topics such as Cardiac Arrest and Shock, Pulmonary Emergencies, and Trauma.
• MyToxCert Online continuing certification modules for the Medical Toxicology subspecialty, covering Principles of Toxicology, Toxicants and Toxins, Clinical Assessment, Therapeutics, and Analytical/Forensic Toxicology.
• MySonoCert Continuing certification modules for the Advanced Emergency Medicine Ultrasonography (AEMUS) Focused Practice Designation, based on a reading list and completable online anywhere, anytime.
• LLSA (Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment) Traditional continuing certification assessment requiring passage of 4 LLSA tests within a 5-year period. Each test is based on a reading list, open book, unproctored, and requires 85% passing score. Articles available through ACEP.
• Subspecialty Certifications ABEM offers subspecialty certifications in 11 areas including Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medical Services, Medical Toxicology, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Sports Medicine, and the newly approved Disaster Medicine subspecialty for physicians from 14 different specialties.
• Focused Practice Designations (FPD) Recognition designations for physicians concentrating in specific practice areas. Currently offered in Advanced Emergency Medicine Ultrasonography (AEMUS) and Emergency Behavioral Health (EBH).
• Free Learning Modules Free learning modules including Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) modules, available at no additional cost for ABEM-certified physicians meeting annual fee requirements, with optional CME credits.
• Improvement in Medical Practice (IMP) Practice-based learning and improvement requirement. Physicians must attest to completion of one Patient Care Practice Improvement activity during each 5-year certification cycle, including approved external PI activities such as ACEP CEDR and AAP PACC programs.
• Digital Certificates and Badges Digital credentialing service through Accredible platform that allows physicians to share verified certifications and badges with employers, colleagues, or recruiters via LinkedIn and email signatures.
• Physician Certification Verification Public verification service allowing employers and patients to verify physician ABEM certification status through the ABEM Directory, CertificationMatters.org, DocInfo.org, or direct inquiry.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 49,000 physicians currently hold ABEM certification
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• American Board of Preventive MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2026Collaboration to develop and offer the new Disaster Medicine subspecialty certification, approved by ABMS in March 2026. The certification will be offered to physicians from 14 different specialties and aims to formally recognize physicians with specialized expertise in managing disasters.
• American Board of SurgerycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2026Collaboration with ABEM and American Board of Preventive Medicine to develop the Disaster Medicine subspecialty certification, announced March 2, 2026.
• Coalition of Board-Certified Emergency Physicians (COBCEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCOBCEP is a coalition of 10 emergency medicine organizations including AACEM, AAEM, RSA, ABEM, ACEP, ACOEP, CORD, EMRA, AOBEM, and SAEM. Mission is to advocate for board-certified emergency physicians and reduce burden from redundant CME requirements.
• AccrediblecoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital credential platform partner providing physicians with verifiable digital versions of their certifications and badges that can be shared on LinkedIn, email signatures, and with employers.
• Pearson VUEcoreTechnology or IntegrationTesting center network for administering the computer-based Qualifying Examination at over 200 centers in the US and Canada.
• American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)GTM or Marketing PartnerACEP provides LLSA article access and CME credits for ABEM activities. Also partner in COBCEP coalition and provides educational content for modules.
• American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in COBCEP coalition. AAEM/RSA nominates candidates for the Resident Ambassador Panel.
• Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors (CORD)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCORD nominates candidates for the Resident Ambassador Panel and collaborates on program pass rate guidance.
• Emergency Medicine Residents' Association (EMRA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEMRA nominates candidates for the Resident Ambassador Panel.
• American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) - CEDRcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerACEP's Clinical Emergency Data Registry is an approved externally developed PI Activity that counts as one ABEM PI Activity for continuing certification.
• American Academy of Pediatrics - PACC Quality NetworkminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAAP's BARCK QI Collaborative and Influenza Vaccines programs are approved PI activities providing one ABEM PI Activity and CME credits.
• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACGME oversees EM residency program accreditation. ABEM collaborates with ACGME on Emergency Medicine Milestones development and requires ACGME accreditation for board eligibility.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine: The osteopathic counterpart to ABEM, AOBEM provides the parallel board certification pathway for Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine training in emergency medicine. It is both a COBCEP coalition partner and ABEM's most direct competitor for the EM certification market.
• American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM): One of the largest ABMS member boards, ABIM certifies internists and subspecialists through a similar combination of qualifying/certifying exams, MOC modules, and annual fees. ABEM mirrors ABIM's structure, governance, and continuing certification model at smaller scale.
• American Board of Surgery (ABS): ABMS member board that certifies general surgeons and surgical subspecialists. ABS is ABEM's explicit co-development partner on the new Disaster Medicine subspecialty and operates a parallel certification and MOC franchise.
• American Board of Pediatrics (ABP): ABMS member board certifying pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. ABP shares ABEM's structure of qualifying/certifying exams, online continuing certification modules, and annual fee model, with subspecialty expansion including pediatric emergency medicine.
• American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM): ABMS member board certifying family physicians. ABFM is a key competitor for emergency medicine talent (family medicine physicians also practice EM) and operates a similar continuous certification platform with annual fees and modular assessments.
• American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM): ABMS member board certifying preventive medicine physicians. ABPM is ABEM's strategic partner on the new Disaster Medicine subspecialty and shares a comparable subspecialty-driven franchise structure.
• American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA): ABMS member board certifying anesthesiologists, with which ABEM jointly offers the Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine subspecialty. ABA mirrors ABEM's staged Qualifying/Certifying exam model and MOCA continuing certification program.

Broad incumbents

• National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME): The umbrella assessment organization that develops the USMLE and provides examination services used across medical specialty boards. NBME is a broader incumbent in physician testing infrastructure rather than a direct competitor, but its content and psychometrics capabilities are adjacent to ABEM's.
• Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME): The accreditor of U.S. residency programs, including the EM residencies whose graduates feed ABEM's candidate pipeline. ACGME is not a competitor but a structural upstream partner — ABEM co-developed the Emergency Medicine Milestones with ACGME and relies on ACGME accreditation for board eligibility.

Regional players

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC): Canada's national specialty certification body, whose RCPSC-accredited EM programs are eligible for ABEM's In-Training Exam. RCPSC is the regional peer for EM certification north of the U.S. and a potential reciprocity partner for cross-border credentialing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/playlist?list=PLHsh8KzxviprDazQkeztpEKL0h5SVrXhB
• Facebookfacebook.com/americanboardofemergencymedicine
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/abem

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about American Board of Emergency Medicine