The American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM) will offer a time-limited Alternative Pathway to Board Certification for eligible doctors of podiatric medicine who did not complete three years of CPME-approved residency training and therefore do not qualify through the standard certification pathway.
Applications will be available beginning January 1, 2027.
The examination fee is included in the application fee.
Candidates who withdraw before final results are released may receive a partial refund of $1,250.
Requirements
Submit up to 12 clinical cases Each approved case is worth 3 points Maximum of 30 points may be applied toward certificationEach Case Must Include
History and physical examination
Diagnosis documentation
Treatment plan
Outcome or resolution of the condition
Surgical Cases Must Also Include
Preoperative evaluation
Diagnostic imaging
Relevant laboratory/pathology reports (when applicable)
Operative report
Postoperative imaging
Follow-up documentation showing outcome
This exam is not pass/fail.
Your examination score is converted directly into points:
| Exam Score | Points Earned |
|---|---|
| 90% | 45 |
| 81% | 41 |
| 50% | 25 |
Candidates may earn up to 10 additional points through qualifying fellowships, certifications, or recognized professional credentials.
Each approved credential is worth 5 points.
Examples include:
Fellowships from approved podiatric organizationsWound care certificationsHyperbaric medicine trainingOther approved credentials reviewed by ABPMSubmit one professional letter from a:
CEO Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Chief of Staff Department Chair Service Line Chiefof a hospital or accredited medical facility.
The letter must address:
Patient Care Systems-Based Practice Communication Skills ProfessionalismSubmit two peer reference evaluations using the official ABPM Peer Reference Form.
6 points each Maximum 12 points totalEarn points through scholarly and educational activities.
Peer-reviewed publications CME/CECH-approved presentations Up to 2 points each 5 points per year Up to 10 total pointsCandidates may earn points by submitting a clean National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) report demonstrating:
No malpractice liability history No adverse licensure actions No adverse certification or clinical privilege actionsEarn points by demonstrating diverse healthcare experience and professional involvement.
Examples include:
Hospital inpatient practice Hospital outpatient practice Ambulatory surgery centers Nursing home practice Office-based practiceAdditional points may be earned through service on medical facility committees.
Supporting documentation may include:
Employment verification letters Committee participation letters Professional support letters that also satisfy professionalism requirementsJanuary 1
Alternative Pathway Application opens
First Monday in June
Examination enrollment opens
August 1
Alternative Pathway Application deadline
Examination enrollment deadline
December 1
Case reviews and professionalism materials due
Early December
Examination administered
Late January
Examination results released
This pathway is for eligible doctors of podiatric medicine who did not complete a 3-year CPME-approved residency and do not qualify for the standard certification pathway.
Applications are open January 1 through August 1 in 2027 and 2028
No. It is a time-limited pathway only available in 2027 and 2028.
You must earn a minimum of 75 total points across multiple categories, including cases, exam (if taken), experience, and supporting documentation.
You may take the Alternative Pathway Examination, but it is not required if you are able to reach the 75-point requirement through approved documentation alone.
No. If taken, your score is converted into points (up to 50 points) toward the 75-point requirement.
Most candidates will need to submit:
Case logs (up to 12 cases) Supporting documentation of experience Professional letter Peer references Additional documentation (such as certifications, lectures, or publications) Results are sent approximately 6–8 weeks after the exam (late January).
No. You are considered board certified as soon as you receive notification that you have successfully met all requirements.
Yes. You may reapply in 2028, but a new application and fee are required.
The total application fee is $1,750, which includes the exam if you choose to take it. A $500 non refundable fee is assessed at the time of registration.
If you withdraw from the process before results are released, you will receive a partial refund of $1,250 from the $1,750 application fee.
You must request your report directly from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and upload the completed report to your application.
Must be sent directly by the writer (not the applicant) Must be on official letterhead and signed Can be submitted either by email pathway@podiatryboard.org or by mail to ABPM @ 5015 Campuswood Drive Suite 206 East Syracuse, NY 13057 Must use the official ABPM form Can be uploaded, but ABPM may request original mailed copies The Peer Reference Form is available in the ABPM Online Dashboard, and only this official form will be accepted.
ABPM recognizes select fellowships and certifications (such as ACPM, AAPSM, CWSP and others). Additional credentials may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
You should submit supporting evidence such as:
Copies of published articles or citations Conference programs, agendas, or certificates showing you as a presenter All documentation must clearly identify you as the author or presenter. Dues and Continuing Certification requirements begin the calendar year after your application year. Example: Apply June 2nd, 2027, Dues and CC start Jan 1st, 2028
Once certified, you must meet ABPM’s annual requirements, including:
Completing the Continuing Certification assessment Paying yearly dues Other Questions? Contact ABPM at pathway@podiatryboard.org.