Apply for Recertification
ABHRS recertification examination is a computer based online examination. The exam will be offered in the months of May and September of 2025. Diplomates required to recertify in 2025 will be notified with details. Please email any questions you may have to colette@abhrs.org or info@abhrs.org!
The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) for the ABHRS/IBHRS is of the utmost necessity in legitimizing the significance/importance of being a Diplomate of the ABHRS/IBHRS. The ABHRS has modeled its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) similar to that of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) MOC.
Recertification Forms
Recertification Survey Forms
Practice Performance Survey
Pay for Recertification Exams
There Are Four Criteria that Need to be Met for Maintenance of Certification
Part I — Professional Standing
Diplomates must provide if chosen for an audit written verification of a valid, unrestricted medical license in good standing in all jurisdictions where the Diplomate maintains a medical or osteopathic license.
Part II — Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment
This updated system introduces a Recertification Scorecard, which outlines specific requirements that ABHRS diplomates must meet. The scorecard details the number of hours awarded for various activities and the total hours required over a three-year period to maintain certification. Diplomates must accumulate a set number of points across a range of professional activities, including:
- Attending ISHRS-sponsored meetings
- Publishing peer-reviewed articles
- Participating in exam-related roles and responsibilities
- And other approved educational activities
This new structure is designed to recognize and reward diplomates’ ongoing commitment to excellence in the field of hair restoration surgery.
We encourage all diplomates to review the full Recertification Scorecard available at abhrs.org and to engage continuously in these activities rather than waiting until the end of the certification cycle. This approach supports professional development and upholds the high standards expected of ABHRS diplomates.
Important Note:
If selected for an audit, ABHRS staff will verify only activities completed during the three years leading up to the diplomate’s recertification exam.
Part III — Cognitive Expertise
Diplomates must achieve a passing score on a formalized written examination (recertification exam) demonstrating that they have the fundamental, practice-related and practice environment-related knowledge to provide quality care in hair restoration surgery. The recertification exam must be retaken every 10 years.
Part IV — Practice Performance Assessment
Diplomates are evaluated in their clinical practice according to standards for patient care. They are asked to demonstrate that they can assess the quality of care they provide compared to peers and national benchmarks and then apply the best evidence or consensus recommendations to improve that care using follow-up assessments. Typically there are several options to satisfy this component. In order to satisfy the 4th component Diplomates must provide if called upon a patient outcome monitor for the three years preceding the expiration date of their certificate* in the form of any one of the following two items:
- Provide proof of an Internal chart review as normally required by an accrediting agency such as TJC, AAAHC, AAAASF, IMQ, MEDICARE or a similar accrediting body; or
- Submit copies of your patient satisfaction survey results as part of your practice. Diplomate to submit 8 surveys per year for the past three years for a total of 24 surveys. Give your patient a printed copy of the survey which is available on our website ask the patient to complete and return to your office.
Practice Surveys
The ABHRS Board of Directors has created 2 practice performance surveys (one-three-week post-op survey and one-year post-op) which will serve to assist you in evaluating how your patients view you, your practice, your staff, the procedure the patient underwent, and your facility. If you do not currently utilize internal chart reviews or patient satisfaction surveys, you may choose to give your patients printed copies of the ABHRS surveys for their completion to be returned to you for your submission to the ABHRS Central Office.
Remember to maintain your Board Certification as a Diplomate of the ABHRS/IBHRS these four criteria must be maintained. If the MOC requirements are not met by a Diplomate, his/her name will be removed from the website and inquires will be answered with the date of original certification and date of expiration.