The American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) was incorporated as an independent, nonprofit, self-designated board on January 28, 1991. ABSM’s certificates are recognized throughout the world as a credential signifying a high level of competence for sleep medicine physicians, PhDs, behavioral sleep medicine specialists and sleep technologists.

Certification by the ABSM has one objective — to promote excellence in medical care for patients with sleep disorders. Certification represents dedication to the highest level of professionalism in patient care. ABSM certification is an added measure of expertise that provides a standard of excellence by which the public and members of government and regulatory bodies can identify skill, experience and competence.

A primary goal of the ABSM is to make its certification examinations relevant for all stakeholders. The ABSM Board of Directors strives to improve training, establish the requirements for certification and set the standards for its examinations.

Board of Directors

History

The American Board of Sleep Medicine administered a sleep medicine certification examination for physicians from 1978 through 2006. Individuals who completed the required training and successfully passed the ABSM certification examination are referred to as Diplomates of the American Board of Sleep Medicine. Beginning in 2007, several of the member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) began administration of the subspecialty certification examination for sleep medicine.  

Please note that the American Board of Sleep Medicine continues to maintain and verify the records of the Diplomates of the American Board of Sleep Medicine, as it is a lifetime credential. 

Since 2011, the ABSM has offered a credentialing exam for sleep technologists. The ABSM Sleep Technologist Registry Examination was developed by a Sleep Technologist Examination Committee comprised of senior members of the sleep technology profession and the sleep medicine field. The examination is updated yearly to reflect the day-to-day responsibilities of the sleep technologist in a clinical setting. Successful candidates earn the Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) credential. 

From 2003 through 2014, ABSM offered certification in behavioral sleep medicine. While the ABSM has ceased offering the Certified Behavioral Sleep Medicine Examination, the ABSM continues to maintain and verify the records of Certified Behavioral Sleep Medicine Specialists.

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