The American Board of Pathology (ABPath)

What The American Board of Pathology (ABPath) does

The American Board of Pathology (ABPath) is a non-profit professional certification organization founded in 1936 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and serves as the primary certifying body for pathologists in the United States. ABPath administers primary certification examinations in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, and combined AP/CP, as well as subspecialty certifications across ten disciplines including Cytopathology, Hematopathology, Dermatopathology, Forensic Pathology, Molecular Genetic Pathology, and Neuropathology. The organization also co-sponsors subspecialty certificates with the American Board of Dermatology (Dermatopathology) and the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (Molecular Genetic Pathology). Beyond initial certification, ABPath runs the Continuing Certification (CC) Program, which requires diplomates to participate in quarterly assessments through its proprietary ABPath CertLink (ABPCL) longitudinal assessment platform — a model that replaced the legacy high-stakes 10-year recertification examination in January 2022.

ABPath's technology stack centers on three platforms: PATHway, the online portal for managing applications, reporting forms, and certification status; ABPath CertLink, the longitudinal quarterly assessment platform that is now the sole mechanism for satisfying CC Program assessment requirements; and Virtual Microscopy (VM) technology, which enables candidates to view digital microscopic slides during certification exams. Supporting products include the Histology Primer (a free online learning platform launched in February 2024 for medical students and pathology residents), the Virtual Microscopy Sample Exam, and curated Guidelines and Key Manuscripts across subspecialties. The organization operates 14 Test Development and Advisory Committees (TDACs) and collaborates with 13 Cooperating Societies — including the College of American Pathologists, ASCP, and ASC — to develop and continuously update exam content. Certification examinations are delivered through Pearson VUE test centers worldwide.

ABPath's revenue model is fee-based and diversified across five streams: certification examination fees (one-time per exam attempt), an annual $150 Continuing Certification Program fee (recurring subscription-like revenue tied to the active diplomate base), $35 per-physician primary source verification fees (transactional, paid by employers and credentialers), $100 replacement certificate fees, and $500 reinstatement fees for lapsed diplomates. The organization also monetizes indirectly through cooperative arrangements with major pathology professional societies. ABPath has approximately 11–50 employees, is led by CEO Gary W. Procop, MD, MS, MEd, and is governed by a Board of Trustees comprising 12 board-certified pathologists and one public member. There is no outside equity ownership; the organization operates as an independent 501(c) entity within the ABMS umbrella.

Name

The American Board of Pathology (ABPath)

Legal name

The American Board of Pathology

Website

https://abpath.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1936

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The American Board of Pathology is a non-profit certifying body, founded in 1936, that administers primary and subspecialty board certification and continuing certification assessments for U.S. pathologists through its PATHway portal and ABPath CertLink platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Medical Specialty Certification

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Healthcare & Clinical Professional Certifications (EDAAANAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF), Professional Development / CPD Requirement Administration for Licensure (EDADAJAL), Standards, Metrology & Accreditation Bodies (BPAIAOAC)

Keywords

• Physician board certification
• Pathology subspecialty certification
• Continuing certification programs
• Longitudinal assessment platform
• Medical specialty certification

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Certification Examination Fees: Fees charged to candidates for primary and subspecialty certification examinations. Application deadlines and fees are published for each exam cycle.
2. Continuing Certification Program Fees: Annual $150 CC Program fee for participation in the continuing certification program, covering administration of reporting forms and ABPath CertLink participation.
3. Certification Verification Fees: $35 fee per physician for primary source verification of certification status, requested by employers, credentialers, or medical boards. Processing time is 5-7 business days.
4. Replacement Certificate Fees: $100 per certificate for replacement certificates, due to extensive engraving process. Processing time is up to 30 days.
5. CC Program Reinstatement Fees: $500 fee for reinstatement into the Continuing Certification Program for diplomates whose certifications have expired due to non-participation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The American Board of Pathology sets certification standards and administers initial primary, subspecialty, and continuing certification examinations for pathologists in the United States. It operates the ABPath CertLink longitudinal assessment platform for ongoing competency and the PATHway portal for certification management, including primary source verification of diplomate credentials for employers and medical boards.

Product overview

ABPath offers a certification ecosystem for pathologists comprising three core products: Primary Certification (Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, or combined AP/CP), Subspecialty Certification (11 subspecialties including Cytopathology, Hematopathology, Dermatopathology, etc.), and Continuing Certification via the ABPath CertLink platform. These are supported by the PATHway online portal for certification management and reporting, exam preparation tools including Virtual Microscopy practice exams and a Histology Primer, and verification/replacement certificate services. The ABPath CertLink quarterly assessment platform is the sole mechanism for ongoing CC Program requirements, having replaced the former 10-year examination.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PATHway Online Portal ABPath's online portal used by candidates and diplomates to manage certification, submit Continuing Certification reporting forms, access board correspondence, and pay annual Continuing Certification Program fees; program directors also use it to approve exam applications for residents and fellows.
• ABPath CertLink The online longitudinal assessment platform that constitutes ABPath's Continuing Certification Program. Diplomates answer quarterly questions to maintain certification, with an expected performance standard of 60% correct cumulative over four years; beginning in 2024, participants earn 1 CME credit per quarter of participation.
• Primary Certification Initial board certification in Anatomic Pathology, Clinical Pathology, or combined AP/CP, including examination descriptions, blueprints, content specifications, exam dates, and application information for physicians completing pathology residency.
• Subspecialty Certification Subspecialty board certification examinations covering Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine, Chemical Pathology, Cytopathology, Dermatopathology, Forensic Pathology, Hematopathology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Genetic Pathology, Neuropathology, Pediatric Pathology, and Clinical Informatics.
• Virtual Microscopy Sample Exam Free online practice tool containing 5 sample Virtual Microscopy questions similar to actual exam content, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the digital slide viewing used in ABPath certification exams.
• ABPath Practice Tutorial Approximately 30-minute online tutorial provided through Pearson VUE that familiarizes candidates with ABPath exam functions and features; can be revisited multiple times.
• Histology Primer Free online learning platform exploring the basics of histology for pathology residents and medical students, featuring learning modules divided into basic tissue components and tissue types by body systems, with written text, mini-lectures with slides, quizzes, and Virtual Microscopy familiarity.
• Guidelines and Key Manuscripts Curated collection of essential references and guidelines across pathology subspecialties, assembled by ABPath with input from Test Development and Advisory Committees and Cooperating Societies to support professional development for trainees and practicing pathologists.
• ABPath Candidate Resource Guide Comprehensive publication supporting candidates preparing for ABPath certification examinations, bringing together exam preparation resources, planning information, and important policies in one document.
• Verification of Certification Primary source verification service for diplomate certification status, available at no charge through the ABMS Certification Matters website and through ABPath's online request system for $35 per physician (maximum 5 physicians per request), with 5-7 business day processing for direct requests from employers, credentialers, and medical boards.
• Replacement Certificate Request Online request system for replacement board certificates at a fee of $100 per certificate; processing may take up to 30 days due to the engraving process.
• ABPath Secure Payment Site Secure online payment portal for processing credit card payments for verification requests, replacement certificate fees, and Continuing Certification Program fees.

Quantifiable outcome

• ABPath CertLink provides 1 CME credit per quarter for participating diplomates
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• Society for Cardiovascular Pathology (SCVP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 December 2024SCVP is devoted to the advancement of the study of cardiovascular disorders. Founded in 1985, SCVP brings together physicians and scientists committed to establishing cardiovascular pathology as a critical and dynamic medical specialty. SCVP was approved as an ABPath Cooperating Society.
• Association for Pathology Informatics (API)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 August 2024API is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to advance pathology informatics. Founded in 2000, API has successfully carved its reputation among laboratory medicine and pathology informatics specialists. API was approved as an ABPath Cooperating Society at the Summer 2024 Board of Trustees meeting.
• American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 April 2023ABMGG co-sponsors the Molecular Genetic Pathology subspecialty certificate with ABPath. Physicians certified by ABMGG are eligible to apply for the Molecular Genetic Pathology certificate through ABPath.
• American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2023ASDP was approved as an ABPath Cooperating Society. The society's mission is to improve patient care, support member needs, and advance the field of Dermatopathology through education, advocacy, and innovation. ASDP provides appointees to the Dermatopathology Test Development and Advisory Committee.
• American Association of Neuropathologists (AANP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 December 2022AANP was approved as an ABPath Cooperating Society. AANP is a professional society of neuropathologists whose mission is to advance the study of diseases that affect the nervous system and minimize suffering through discovery, education, and patient-centered clinical care.
• Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 March 2022AABB is an international, not-for-profit organization representing individuals and institutions involved in transfusion medicine and biotherapies. AABB was approved as an ABPath Cooperating Society, serving in an advisory capacity to ABPath regarding training, education, and certification in Pathology.
• American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerABPath is a member board of ABMS, which establishes standards for physician certification in the United States. ABMS officially recognizes ABPath certifications and includes them in the Certification Matters verification system. ABMS comprises 24 member boards certifying physicians in 40 specialties and 89 subspecialties.
• College of American Pathologists (CAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the largest ABPath Cooperating Societies, CAP serves in an advisory capacity to ABPath regarding issues pertaining to training, education, and certification in Pathology. CAP nominates candidates for Trustee positions.
• American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASCP is an ABPath Cooperating Society that provides education and certification support. ASCP accepts CME credit reporting for ABPath diplomates and provides opportunities for continuing education aligned with pathology practice.
• American Board of DermatologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe American Board of Dermatology co-sponsors the Dermatopathology subspecialty certificate with ABPath and provides appointees to the Dermatopathology Test Development and Advisory Committee.
• ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABPath collaborates with ACCME to allow CME providers to report learner completion records directly to ABPath through ACCME PARS. This enables automatic reporting of AMA Category I CME credits for diplomates.
• ABMS Portfolio ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABPath participates in the ABMS Portfolio Program for reporting Quality Assurance/Performance Improvement (QA/PI) activities for Improvement in Health and Health Care (IHHC) requirements.
• Pearson VUEcoreTechnology or IntegrationPearson VUE administers ABPath certification examinations at testing centers worldwide. The partnership provides the technical infrastructure for secure, standardized computer-based testing.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS): ABMS is the umbrella organization of which ABPath is a member board; ABMS sets shared standards and operates the Certification Matters verification platform that ABPath leverages.

Direct peers

• American Board of Surgery (ABS): ABS is an ABMS member board that administers primary and subspecialty certification in surgery with a comparable longitudinal assessment program (ABS Continuous Certification Program), paralleling ABPath's CertLink model.
• American Board of Pediatrics (ABP): ABP is an ABMS member board that issues primary and subspecialty pediatric certifications and runs a continuing certification program, operating under the same governance and revenue mechanics as ABPath.
• American Board of Radiology (ABR): ABR certifies diagnostic radiologists and radiation oncologists via an ABMS-aligned structure with Online Longitudinal Assessment (OLA), the closest analog to ABPath CertLink in design and intent.
• American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM): ABIM is a fellow ABMS member board certifying internists and internal medicine subspecialists under the same regulatory framework and Continuing Certification (MOC) model as ABPath, making it the most structurally analogous peer.
• American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM): ABFM is the largest ABMS member board by diplomate count, with a self-assessment and continuous certification model directly comparable in scope, governance, and revenue structure to ABPath.
• American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG): ABMGG is a smaller ABMS member board that co-sponsors the Molecular Genetic Pathology subspecialty certificate with ABPath and shares the same assessment and CC mechanics.
• American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM): ABEM is an ABMS member board that certifies emergency physicians and operates MyEMCert, a longitudinal assessment platform functionally similar to ABPath CertLink.
• American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA): ABA is an ABMS member board that pioneered longitudinal assessment with MOCA Minute, the template ABPath CertLink was modeled after, and shares the same physician-board economics.

Broad incumbents

• National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME): NBME is a non-profit that develops the USMLE and provides examination services and item banking used by ABMS member boards including ABPath, making it an upstream infrastructure peer rather than a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/abpath

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The American Board of Pathology (ABPath)