Certification Renewal

Recertify to Uphold the Value of Being a Diplomate

The American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS) recertification examination is a computer-based online test consisting of articles and questions. This exam will be available in April 2025. Diplomates who are required to recertify in 2025 will receive detailed instructions and notifications. For any questions, please reach out via email to colette@ambrdfcs.org or info@ambrdfcs.org. The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for the ABFCS is essential in upholding the value and integrity of being a Diplomate of the ABFCS.

Why Recertify?

Recertification is essential in maintaining the integrity, credibility, and prestige of being a Diplomate of the ABFCS. Just as certification demonstrated your dedication to excellence, recertification ensures you remain recognized as a leader in facial cosmetic surgery.


By recertifying, you maintain:


  • Professional Distinction – Continue to set yourself apart as a board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon.
  • Patient Trust – Reinforce your ongoing commitment to the highest standards in patient care.
  • Exclusive Resources – Access the ABFCS Diplomate Marketing Guide to promote your expertise and attract more patients to your practice.
  • Peer Recognition – Stay part of a respected network of elite professionals dedicated to advancing the specialty.
  • Practice Growth – Leverage your Diplomate status to enhance your reputation and practice visibility.



Recertification reflects your commitment to lifelong learning and excellence, while also helping you broadcast your credentials to patients and peers alike.

Surgeons may qualify for fellowship training with surgical experience and a primary board certification.

Traditional surgical residency programs do not always offer sufficient training for surgeons to perform cosmetic procedures after residency. For this reason, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) offers an intensive, one year-minimum post-residency fellowship with a mentor surgeon in private practice as one avenue to gaining the experience necessary to become board-certified by the ABFCS.


To be eligible for the facial cosmetic fellowship training program, surgeons must complete a residency that is prerequisite for board certification, as well as hold said board certification, in one of these primary surgical specialties:


  • Dermatology
  • General surgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery*
  • Otolaryngology
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgery


*While many post-graduate opportunities and certifications are only offered to dual-degree (medical and dental) oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ABFCS provides a path to board certification for oral and maxillofacial surgeons who hold a single degree, as well. Nearly 25% of current ABFCS diplomates are either single or dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Candidates for the ABFCS examination must be board certified in their primary area of specialty and hold a valid state license where he/she practices.

We also review experience-based applications for the board exam.

We also review petitions for fellowship equivalency and accept applications based on extensive facial cosmetic experience for surgeons to become eligible for board certification through the ABFCS.


Otolaryngologists, for example, undergo complex training in the head and neck that allows them to perform facial plastic surgery, but it is difficult for general otolaryngologists who want to commit their practice to facial cosmetic surgery to represent this sub-specialty skill and training through a credential.


Through the ABFCS, eligible otolaryngologists who have completed 200+ facial cosmetic procedures as primary surgeons in a 3-year period (among other standards) may apply and potentially qualify for our board exam based on their record of outstanding surgical results.

ABFCS surgeons undergo recertification every 10 years.

To retain board certification, our diplomates pass a recertification exam every 10 years.