Value of Certification for Physicians

Why Certify?

Professional certification of a specialized skill set affirms a knowledge and experience base for hospice practitioners. It signifies to employers and the public that the professional is committed to career development and dedicated to patient and family care, the functioning of the interdisciplinary team, the sustainability and health of the hospice, and the credibility and profile of the field at large. The professional standards inherent to a certification process also assure regulators and consumers of consistency across the spectrum of practitioners working in the field.

HMDCB Certification:

  • Offers eligibility through an experiential "practice" pathway not currently offered through the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). Physicians do not have to complete a HPM fellowship to be eligible to take the exam.
  • Validates a physician's knowledge in hospice medicine.
  • Serves as a marker of quality that shows patients, their families, and employers a physician’s level of expertise.

Benefits/Value

Hospice Medical Directors (HMDs) or other hospice physicians who provide care are a diverse group of professionals, many of whom have followed varied career paths leading to their affiliation with hospice programs. Thus, some may be unable or choose not to undertake full hospice and palliative medicine subspecialty board certification through ABMS or AOA. These same physicians, however, do desire a formal recognition process that will validate their commitment and provide a solid foundation for their work as HMDs or hospice physicians.

In addition, the knowledge base and competencies required of hospice physicians or physicians who provide hospice care include a unique subset of hospice and palliative medicine that may not be covered fully in broader training in the field. Because the hospice medical director certification is distinct from ABMS and AOA subspecialty certifications, it can serve to enhance the work of hospice and palliative medicine specialists who choose to become HMDs or hospice physicians. 

The hospice medical director certification program provides the tools to help HMDs and physicians who provide hospice care better handle their leadership positions and be more effective partners with hospice administrators by:

  • defining and upholding standards of practice for this specific role
  • addressing the core roles and administrative, regulatory, legal, and ethical responsibilities of the hospice physician
  • serving as a verification of the mastery of a minimum level of competence in the skills and knowledge required by the hospice physician
  • improving the quality and consistency of the practice within hospice and palliative medicine and the care provided by local hospices.

In 2019, nearly 75% of the physicians who took
the exam said they did so to be recognized for
their knowledge and skills in hospice medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions by Physicians

If you have a question about the HMDCB or hospice care, start here. You’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions relating to our mission. If you don’t see an answer to your question here, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Who is eligible?
The certification is intended for licensed physicians who provide hospice care and those who currently serve or intend to serve as a hospice medical director. Visit our eligibility requirements page for details on all requirements.

How is this certification different from ABMS or AOA subspecialty certification in hospice and palliative medicine?
This certification is complementary to ABMS and AOA certification, but specific to the practice of hospice medicine. It assesses additional expertise in the unique competencies to perform the role of a hospice medical director, such as regulatory, administrative, legal, ethical competencies, and clinical skills appropriate for hospice patients.

Is this certification program required?
Hospice Medical Director Certification is strictly voluntary.

When can I apply?
The initial application and exam window is opened once per year. To view the current year's dates, visit this page of our website. 

Where will the examination be given?
Candidates will take the computer-based examination at one of more than 300 authorized PSI Candidate Services testing centers across the United States during the examination window. The examination is administered by appointment only. 

How do I prepare for the HMDCB certification exam?
HMDCB has published a detailed content blueprint for candidates, which includes the content areas covered and the approximate number of questions in each area. Useful resources would include federal regulations and textbooks, online review courses, and topic specific webinars which are available from other organizations.

What are the registration fees?
The initial exam offers three registration windows. To view the fee for all three windows, visit this page of our website. The registration fee for all windows includes a copy of the HMDCB Expanded Content Blueprint.

Do I have to participate in the Continuing Certification Program to keep my credential?
Yes, all certificants must participate in HMDCB's Continuing Certification Program (CCP) to maintain their credential. The CCP consist of an annual longitudinal assessment. To learn more about the program, visit www.HMDCB.org/ccp. 

Does the HMDCB certification meet health care systems' and accrediting bodies' requirements for board certification?
The HMDCB Board of Directors is confident it has created a rigorous and structured assessment program that will continue to be recognized by health care organizations and accreditation bodies. Currently, both CHAP and The Joint Commission recognize the HMDC credential. Potential applicants should check with their specific health care system to determine whether the HMDCB certification meets its requirements. If you have any questions about this or would like a letter from the HMDCB Board confimring the validity of the credential, email Gina at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

What is the HMDCB Community?
The HMDCB Community is how we refer to our certificant community. After a candidate becomes certified, they gain access to the HMDCB Community, which includes webinars, Coffee Chats with fellow certificants, acccess to an online discussion board, and discounts on CME opportunities offered by our partners. The HMDCB Community helps build camaraderie, community, and connection around the HMDC credential.

What is the difference between certification and a certificate program?
The primary difference is purpose and core design. The purpose of certification is to assess current knowledge and skills and identify those who meet the minimum criteria established. A certificate program's purpose is to educate or train individuals to achieve specified learning outcomes and identify those who have achieved them. HMDCB has developed a certification program.

How do I join the HMDCB mailing list?
Subscribe to updates by registering online. You can also forward your contact information to HMDCB at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 847.375.6740 to be added to our mailing list.

Where do I get more information?
You can contact HMDCB at 847.375.6740 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

"The HMDCB certification is a great way to show excellence and commitment to the care of hospice patients and their families. It also provides hospice organizations with a way to distinguish themselves as leaders by encouraging their physicians and medical directors to become certified.”

David Wensel, DO FAAHPM HMDC