What Is the Difference Between Initial Certification and Continuing Certification at ABNM?

Initial Certification is for physicians seeking their first ABNM certification, while Continuing Certification is for diplomates who already hold certification and need to maintain it. The two tracks have separate eligibility requirements, exam processes, and resources. If you have never been certified by ABNM, you start with Initial Certification. If you are already certified and your certification requires renewal, you follow the Continuing Certification path.

Initial Certification: For First-Time Applicants

Initial Certification is the entry point into ABNM certification. It covers the process a physician completes to become certified for the first time.

The ABNM site organizes this track around several key components:

• Initial Certification Overview – the starting point for understanding the pathway
• Eligibility & Training – the requirements applicants must meet before applying
• Start Certifications – the process for beginning certification
• Exam Resources – preparation materials for the certification exam
• CE Exam Application Information – application details for the CE exam
• Credentials Request – how to request credentials

The presence of an "Eligibility & Training" section indicates that first-time applicants must verify they meet defined training and eligibility standards before proceeding. The "CE Exam Application Information" and "Exam Resources" sections suggest the certification process involves a formal exam with a separate application step.

Continuing Certification: For Already-Certified Diplomates

Continuing Certification is for diplomates who are already certified and need to maintain that status. It is a renewal and maintenance track, not an entry path.

The ABNM site structures this track around:

• Continuing Certification Overview
• Renew Certification – the renewal process
• CC Exam Application – application for the Continuing Certification exam
• CC Exam Info – details about the exam
• CC Exam Resources – preparation materials
• CertLink – a tool associated with continuing certification, with its own login

The "Renew Certification" heading makes clear this track is about maintaining an existing credential. The separate "CC Exam Application" and "CC Exam Info" pages indicate that continuing certification also involves an exam, but one distinct from the initial certification exam.

Key Differences at a Glance

How to Tell Which Track Applies to You

• If you have never held ABNM certification, you need Initial Certification.
• If you already hold ABNM certification and need to keep it current, you need Continuing Certification.
• If you are unsure of your current status, ABNM provides a Verify Certification function with separate paths for consumers, diplomates, and credentialers.

Where CertLink Fits

CertLink appears only under Continuing Certification and has its own login. This placement indicates it is a tool for diplomates maintaining certification, not for first-time applicants. If you are pursuing Initial Certification, CertLink is not part of your pathway.

Practical Next Step

Both tracks share a common entry point through the ABNM sign-in and the site's main navigation. To proceed, identify whether you are seeking certification for the first time or renewing an existing one, then follow the corresponding overview page: Initial Certification Overview or Continuing Certification Overview. Each overview leads to its own eligibility, application, and exam resource pages.