Certified Examiners

(a) the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta notifies the Superintendent that a physician meets the requirements set out in subsection (2) and the Superintendent enters the physician’s name on the certified examiners register; (b) the Council of the Alberta Dental Association and College notifies the Superintendent that a dentist meets the requirements set out in subsection (2) and the Superintendent enters the dentist’s name on the certified examiners register.

(2) A person is eligible to be a certified examiner if the person

(a) is an active practising member under the Health Professions Act, (b) has successfully completed an examination approved by the council of the college concerned for admission as a certified examiner, (c) has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the council of the college concerned that the person

(i) is knowledgeable with respect to the biopsychosocial model, (ii) is knowledgeable with respect to assessing acute and chronic pain, (iii) is knowledgeable in the application of the International Classification of Diseases, (iv) is experienced in rehabilitation and disability management, (v) is competent in conducting independent assessments and providing third party opinions, and (vi) uses evidence-based decision-making in the person’s practice, and

(d) meets any additional qualifications established by the Superintendent and approved by the councils of the colleges concerned.

Section 17 Ceasing to be a certified examiner A person ceases to be a certified examiner if

(a) the council of the profession concerned notifies the Superintendent that the person’s name is to be removed from the certified examiners register, and

(b) the Superintendent removes the person’s name from the certified examiners register.

1. To sit for the exam, a dentist, like all applicants, would be required to complete at least 15 hours of ABIME sponsored continuing education prior to taking the examination.
2. To certify, a dentist would take the American Medical Association’s 6th edition training and examination. The 6th edition is used in Alberta.
3. The program offered for dentists and physicians is identical and is found under the “Exam/Course Offerings Tab – USA”.
4. Dentists take the “physicians” training and examination.
5. The ABIME fees for the training and examinations are found online.
6. Dentists can register online for the education and exam.
7. Upon successfully passing the exam, a dentist will receive a certificate from the ABIME acknowledging they are a Certified Independent Medical Examiner (CIME).
8. To maintain certification, dentists require completion of the ABIME recertification process every five years and payment of the annual fee listed on the website, like physicians.
9. The programs prepare all participants to succeed in the ABIME certification exam with the CIME qualification. No one is guaranteed a passing score by merely attending the training program. The curriculum does not specifically cover any dental surgery but is based on American Medical Association’s guide to the evaluation of permanent 6th edition. The first four hours cover general methodology, underlying principles etc. which are common to all specialties. The AMA Guides are used by all specialties including ENT, Maxillofacial and oral surgeons. There are no specific dental impairment or disability guidelines. In the past 30 years of ABIME’s existence, we have found that the dental surgeons (Dentists –DDS) pass the CIME qualification exam at the same rate as MDs.
10. Members of the CDSA do not have any restrictions or qualifications that must be met as Canadians qualifying for an American certification. Everyone must have a current valid practice permit from the CDSA. No prior American qualification, certification or license are required.