Physicians who practice clinical informatics collaborate with other health care and information technology professionals to promote patient care that is safe, efficient, effective, timely, patient-centered, and equitable.
Clinical informaticians transform health care by analyzing, designing, implementing, and evaluating information and communication systems that enhance individual and population health outcomes, improve patient care, and strengthen the clinician-patient relationship.
Clinical informaticians use their knowledge of patient care combined with their understanding of informatics concepts, methods, and tools to:
- assess information and knowledge needs of health care professionals and patients;
- characterize, evaluate, and refine clinical processes;
- develop, implement, and refine clinical decision support systems; and
- lead or participate in the procurement, customization, development, implementation, management, evaluation, and continuous improvement of clinical information systems such as electronic health records and order-entry systems.
Why CIS Certification?
Becoming board-certified in clinical informatics sets the highest bar for those who are experts in the subspeciality. It provides the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge applying informatics to deliver improved healthcare services.
But, the window is closing on the practice pathway. Starting in 2025, the board exam will only be open to those who have completed an accredited fellowship.
Clinical Informatics Subspecialty Board Examination
The examination for certification in the subspecialty of Clinical Informatics takes place during two weeks in October - November. It is a one-day, multiple choice examination administered at designated test centers throughout the United States and several international sites.
Eligibility and Applications
American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM)
All ABMS member boards have agreed to allow their diplomates to take the clinical informatics subspecialty examination if they are otherwise eligible.
Current certification by at least one of the Member Boards of ABMS is required. View a complete list of ABMS member boards.
Learn more about eligibility, fees, and applications on the ABPM website.
Those physicians board certified by the American Board of Pathology (ABPath) must apply through ABPath. All other physicians who meet the eligibility requirements must apply through the ABPM.
American Board of Pathology (ABP)
Certification in Clinical Informatics is a joint and equal function of the ABP and the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM). Such function relates to qualification of applicants, standards of examinations, and the form of the certificate.
Learn more about elighibilty, fees, and applications on the ABP website
