INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

INTERNATIONAL BOARD FOR CERTIFICATION IN FACIAL PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY (IBCFPRS)

Surgeons who have been trained outside North America likely are not eligible for ABFPRS certification. However, they may be eligible for certification by the International Board for Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (IBCFPRS). (The IBCFPRS program was formerly known as the United International Certification Program in Facial Plastic Surgery (UIC in FPS).

Today, if international specialists fulfill eligibility requirements, they may qualify to submit an application for the IBCFPRS Program, sponsored by the International Federation of Facial Plastic Surgery Societies (IFFPSS) and the national facial plastic surgery society in their country or geographic area of which they are a member.

To achieve international certification the surgeon must:

• Have completed an approved residency program in otolaryngology/head-and neck surgery or plastic surgery.
• Have earned prior certification by the National Examining Body in Otolaryngology/Head-and Neck Surgery or Plastic Surgery.
• Have been in practice a minimum of two years.
• Have 100 consecutive operative reports (in the area of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery) performed in a two-year period, accepted by a peer-review committee.
• Successfully pass a two-day written and oral examination in the specialty.
• Hold the appropriate licensure and adhere to the IFFPSS Code of Ethics.

The IFFPSS societies listed below support the IBCFPRS certification program. That program contracts with the ABFPRS to administer an exam to international candidates for certification.