There are two nationally recognized certifying boards in emergency medicine:

The American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBEM), whose certifying authority is via the American Osteopathic Association

The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM), whose certifying authority is via the American Board of Medical Specialties

Both these certifying boards require the successful completion of an accredited residency program in emergency medicine to be board eligible.

Once board eligible, the pathway to certification in AOBEM and ABEM includes passing a multiple part examination administered by the board.

Both boards require a written and oral examination, and AOBEM requires a clinical examination as well.

Primary (i.e., first time) certification lasts for 10 years, and certified physicians must pass a re-certification examination every 10 years thereafter.  In the interim years, certified physicians are responsible for specific reading assignments and on-line examinations.