What Is Board Certified?

Not all specialists are board certified. The term "board certified" describes people who have passed a specialized board examination and who are qualified to work in their particular field.

Types

• Fields such as law, medicine, and education use the phrase "board certified." Lawyers in Texas, for example, can pass a board examination in order to qualify themselves as a specialist in a particular area of law. Look for a physicians from credible certification agencies, such as the American Board of Medical Specialties. Educators must follow specific guidelines to get board certification as well.

Facts

• Board certification is not mandatory for medical doctors performing plastic surgery, according to a 2009 WebMD article "What Does Board Certified Really Mean?" although it is considered the "gold standard."

Importance

• Government entities do not necessarily regulate what surgeries a doctor can perform; board certification helps ensure that a doctor is qualified to perform a particular surgery, whether it is cosmetic or elective. Some hospitals might grant a privilege to a doctor to perform a particular surgery even though he is not trained in the procedure.