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BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION BY
THE AMERICAN BOARD OF TOXICOLOGY
The American Board of Toxicology (ABT) was founded in 1979 to establish a process for certification which would evaluate and document competency in the field of toxicology. The success of the ABT has been overwhelming. The number of diplomates has grown annually and is currently numbered at over 2000. ABT diplomates are employed by government, industry, academia, consulting firms, and other agencies.
ABT diplomates participate in all aspects of the profession of toxicology including: the design and interpretation of safety studies for product development; review and interpretation of such studies for regulatory compliance; basic and applied research into toxic effects, mechanisms of toxic action, toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics; and education of undergraduates, professional and graduate students and the public in the science of toxicology through courses, legal cases and media interactions.
While the majority of diplomates reside in the U.S., approximately six percent of ABT diplomates are found in other countries worldwide. These countries include Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, Korea, India, Singapore, and Taiwan. The acceptance of ABT certification as a qualification for membership by the national registries of several European countries, and thus by Eurotox, demonstrates ABT's leadership role in the certification of toxicologists.
ABT considers periodic recertification of diplomates as essential to maintaining high standards of professional competence. Recertification is conducted at five-year intervals and requires demonstration of continuing education and the active practice of toxicology, as well as either an open book examination or submission of examination questions.
The following benefits of ABT certification should be considered by all toxicologists and their employers.
Benefits to Toxicologists
- Certification recognizes broad expertise in general toxicology for those with formal training in toxicology, as well as those trained in other related disciplines.
- ABT certification provides personal satisfaction and intellectual stimulation.
- ABT certification often offers an advantage in the job market and career development, and has been associated with higher levels of compensation (Gad, 2002. Fifth triennial toxicology salary survey. Int. J. Toxicol, 21:323-328.).
- ABT certification enhances credibility in consulting and legal testimony.
Benefits to Employers
- ABT certification provides an objective demonstration of a toxicologist's breadth and currency of knowledge and supports scientific credibility.
- Certification by the ABT facilitates access to other certified colleagues who can provide expertise in diverse areas.
- ABT certification is recognized by the national registries in several European countries, and thus, by the Eurotox.
Benefits to Society
- The ABT certification is recognized as the standard for competence in general toxicology based on demonstration of appropriate educational background, active practice of toxicology and examination.
- ABT diplomates are required to demonstrate currency with respect to new developments in toxicology through recertification at 5-year intervals, thus, providing timeliness in the assessment of toxicological issues of concern to society.
- The ABT's certification process is recognized world-wide, thus providing a consistent international standard of competence and expertise on toxicology issues.
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