Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists

Certification or Licensing

The American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery certifies physicians in otolaryngology and the subspecialties of neurotology, sleep medicine, and complex pediatric otolaryngology. In order to be a candidate for certification in otolaryngology, a physician must have successfully completed medical school and five years of residency training in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The certification requires passing both written and oral exams. Those who become board certified must complete continuing education classes and other requirements each year to retain their certification.

After receiving the M.D. or D.O. degree, the new physician is required to take an examination to be licensed to practice. Every state requires such an examination. It is conducted through the board of medical examiners in each state. Some states have reciprocity agreements with other states so that a physician licensed in one state may be automatically licensed in another without being required to pass another examination.