The American Board of Toxicology, Inc. was incorporated in the District of Columbia on April 17, 1979, as a self-sustaining not-for-profit corporation. The purpose of the ABT is:
• to encourage the study of the science of toxicology,
• to stimulate its advancement by establishing standards for professional practice,
• to prepare and administer procedures including tests for the implementation of such standards, and
• to confer recognition by certificates or otherwise upon those members of the profession who, measured against such standards, demonstrate competence. Eligibility
The following combinations of educational training and experience are needed to meet the eligibility requirements for admission to the Certification Examination:
(a) an applicant must possess an earned doctoral degree in an appropriate field and have at least three years of full-time professional post-doctoral experience in toxicology or part-time equivalent of at least three years experience. In addition, the potential Diplomate must have principal involvement in the practice of toxicology within the year immediately prior to the date of application; or
(b) an applicant must possess an earned Master's degree in an appropriate field and have at least seven years of full-time professional post-baccalaureate experience in toxicology or part-time equivalent of at least seven years. In addition the potential Diplomate must have principal involvement in the practice of toxicology within the year immediately prior to the date of application; or
(c) an applicant must possess an earned Bachelor's degree in an appropriate field and have at least ten years of full-time professional post-baccalaureate experience in toxicology or part-time equivalent of at least 10 years. In addition, the potential Diplomate must have principal involvement in the practice of toxicology within the year immediately prior to the date of application.
Experience in the practice of toxicology should include such factors as research, testing, teaching, hazard assessment, safety evaluation, management, or clinical toxicology in animals or humans. Scholastic work towards a higher degree is not considered to be professional level experience. The Certification Examination
The Certification Examination is composed of three major subject areas which are:
I. Toxicity of Agents: metals; organic solvents; pesticides; inhaled gases, dusts, aerosols, natural toxins; industrial chemicals; drugs and cosmetics; food additives
II. Organ Systems and Effects: mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, developmental toxicology; reproductive toxicology; inhalation toxicology; neurobehavioral toxicology; immunological toxicology; cutaneous toxicity, ocular toxicity, hematopoietic toxicity, hepatic toxicity, renal toxicity; and endocrine-related toxicities
III. General Principles and Applied Toxicology: general principles; toxicokinetics; factors influencing toxicity; risk assessments; epidemiology and biostatistics; regulatory toxicology; environmental toxicology; industrial and occupational toxicology; forensic and clinical toxicology
Eligible applicants must pass all parts of the examination within a two year period. Applicants that pass two of the three parts of the examination are permitted to retake the part they did not pass in the year following their first try. Those who fail two or more parts of the examination are required to retake the entire examination. Applicants who do not pass the examination within the two year period of eligibility must again establish eligibility by re-submitting the application form and appropriate fees.
Examination Schedules
The Board establishes and announces the locations and dates of each year's examination based on the number of candidates and the geographic distribution of the candidates. Certification
Persons who have passed all three parts of the Certification Examination will receive a certificate and are designated as a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology. The term of certification is for five years from the issuance of the certificate.
Recertification
The ABT policy of Recertification identifies three performance criteria by which each Diplomate will be evaluated pursuant to recertification for five additional years. These criteria are:
1. Active Practice of Toxicology,
2. Continuing Education,
3. Maintaining Expert Knowledge in Toxicology.
As part of the latter criterion, each Diplomate will complete an open book recertification examination during the fourth year of recertification. Use of such an examination is regarded by the Board as a constructive and objective means by which the Diplomate and the Board may measure maintenance of expert knowledge in general toxicology.
After two recertification examinations have been completed, subsequent recertification will require that two satisfactory examination questions be submitted and accepted in lieu of the recertification examination.
Board of Directors
The ABT is governed by a Board of Directors. Nominations to the Board of Directors are received from ABT Diplomates at-large. Election to the Board is conducted by the existing Board members with consideration given to maintaining a balance of Board representation from academia, industry and government. All Board members are Diplomates of ABT. Board members serve four year terms and contribute their time without remuneration.
Inquires and communication regarding application, qualifications, and examinations should be addressed to:
American Board of Toxicology, Inc.
P.O. Box 30054 Raleigh, NC 27622
Tel: (919) 841-5022
Fax: (919) 841-5042
E-mail: info@abtox.org
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