The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) will pursue implementation of an Alternate Pathway to achieve OB GYN Specialty Certification for physicians who have completed training in OB GYN residency programs accredited by organizations other than the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and who have achieved OB GYN certification in another country or by another certification organization.

 

The certification requirements for eligible candidates for OB GYN specialty certification will include passing the Qualifying Examination (QE) and then the Certifying Examination (CE).  

 

Applications for the 2026 QE will become available in January 2026. However, interested physicians must first complete and submit this webform to initiate the Alternate Pathway process with ABOG. After review of a physician’s submission, ABOG will determine approval of the physician’s ability to move to the next step toward certification by applying to take the QE.

 

All QE applicants must meet requirements as detailed in the Qualifying Examination Bulletin for the year they plan to take the exam.

 

View the Alternate Pathway to Certification policy for the complete list of standards for eligibility. FAQs are also available. Additionally, interested physicians can watch this brief video for an overview of this initiative.

 

The Alternate Pathway to OB GYN certification only applies to graduates from OB GYN residency programs that are accredited by one of the following:

 

• A recognized international health or government authority or organization
• A recognized osteopathic organization
• The ACGME-International with Advanced Specialty Accreditation

 

Questions about ABOG’s Alternate Pathway to Certification can be emailed to applications@abog.org. Please allow up to 48 hours for response.