10 Years Later: Are You Required to Take an American Board Certification?

It’s been a while since you took your medical exams, and you may be wondering if you are still certified. The good news is that HealthPro Licensing Services offers a wide variety of resources to help physicians keep track of their certification status – including the 10-year rule. If more than ten years have passed since you sat for an American Board Exam or United States Medical Licensing Examination, you may need to take an American Board certification exam. No need to worry! HealthPro Licensing Services is here to help guide you through the process!

Frequently Asked Questions About the SPEX

What is the SPEX exam, and do I need to take it?

The SPEX is a computerized, multiple-choice examination of current knowledge that’s necessary for the general practice medicine. The questions used in this test focus on core clinical skills and relevant underlying basic science principles deemed essential to ensure safe and effective patient care within today’s healthcare environment. Many physician’s abilities will be tested on the SPEX. Those who stay current with general medical literature and have a good understanding about how to care for patients should not find themselves wrestling over questions that are unfamiliar or difficult, as this test covers some basics in addition to more advanced material.

Who is eligible to sit for the SPEX exam?

To be eligible for the SPEX, you must have either an active unrestricted medical license in America or Canada and Practice Medicine There Currently. If this isn’t true, then there are two options available; one through self-nominated process (which requires no sponsorship from any board) and another with board sponsorship which may have additional eligibility requirements that must be met.

What are the retake rules of the SPEX exam?

The following rules apply to retake examinations:

You may take the SPEX no more than three times within a 12-month period. You must wait 90 days between each attempt and any attempts after your third will require one full year’s waiting period from initial exam booking date. A student has up until 2 months before their scheduled test date/time slot in order obtain an extension if they need more time for study purposes.