Who is eligible to take the MDS Exam?

Who is eligible to take the MDS Exam?

To be eligible for the MDS Exam, candidates must:

1. Possess a current, valid, full, and unrestricted license to practice medicine or osteopathy in at least one state or province within the United States or Canada;
2. Hold primary certification in general dermatology from ABD;
3. Be up to date in Continuing Certification (CCP) if certification by ABD is time-limited;
4. Complete an ACGME-accredited MSDO fellowship* 

*The eligibility window for the MDS Exam is within five years of completion of completing an ACGME-accredited MSDO fellowship. Physicians who complete an ACGME-accredited MSDO fellowship will not be permitted to take the MDS Exam later than five years following the completion of their training.

Examples of the 5-year MDS Exam eligibility for ACGME-accredited fellowship graduates:

• Graduation in 2021 or prior: Eligible for 2021 – 2025 MDS Exams.
• Graduation in 2022: Eligible for 2022 – 2026 MDS Exams.
• Graduation in 2024: Eligible for 2024 – 2028 MDS Exams.

Prior completion of an ACGME-accredited MSDO fellowship does not automatically qualify a physician for the exam after the MDS Practice Pathway concludes in 2025. The 5-year (post-fellowship) eligibility window will be strictly enforced.