"Leading with Light"
The ABLS certification process has 3 main steps:
The Application Form can be downloaded from the Contact, Application and Payments page, and is used for all specialties. Complete it by typing in the required information and then conveniently email it to us.
Preparation and sitting for the Written Examinations follows acceptance of the Application. The Board provides a proprietary Study Guide and other study materials by specialty (as applicable) that contain the information required. Exams are taken online and on an open-book basis. The minimum passing score is either 75% or 80% depending on the specific exam. The study materials are copyrighted but may be kept for future reference. Exams include Fundamental Laser & Light Science, Laser Safety and a further exam based on specialty (cosmetics laser and light procedures, dental laser procedures or aesthetic gynecology).
Candidates may take UP TO ONE YEAR to review the study materials and sit for the Written Exams. When ready, candidates contact us by email for a preferred exam date. We then email the Written Exams as PDF files with a web link to take these online. Candidates have five (5) full business days to complete these on an open-book basis
The Oral Examination follows successful completion of the Written Exams. It explores and evaluates the candidate's clinical experience in his or her specialty. Candidates will submit some additional information prior to the Oral Exam, including previous education; examples of patient information and consent materials; procedure flow sheets; a log of recent example procedures; and some before-and-after case studies. The Oral Exam is via video conference.
We also offer a FREE, short Trial Exam for cosmetic and dental specialties. We invite you to take it and see how you do!
The ABLS fee structure is phased according to each step in the process for convenience and affordability:
The application fee is $150 US. If an applicant is not accepted based upon his/her credentials, the application fee is refunded except for a $50 administrative charge.
The fee for the Board's Study Materials and the Written Exams is:
For details on the additional study books or email us at lasers1060@gmail.com. Fee discounts are offered for practices where two or more candidates apply at the same time. Please email us for details.
The fee for the Study Materials and Written Exams is due within 25 days following Application acceptance.
The fee for the Oral Specialty Examination is $750 US for all practitioners, U.S. and Canada and overseas. This is due within 25 days following passing of the Written Exams. Following payment, we provide ample time for submission of additional advance information such as example case studies, and scheduling. The Oral Exam fee also includes provision of the ABLS Certificate (two copies).
Replacement copy of the Study Guide is $75 US for U.S. or Canadian residents, or $100 US for overseas residents, and includes USPS Priority Mail shipping. Express shipping overseas is extra.
Replacement copy of a study book is $150 USD for U.S., Canadian and overseas residents. This includes USPS Priority Mail shipping. Express shipping overseas is extra.
Shipping of Certificates: For U.S., Canada and overseas, USPS International Priority Mail is included. High-resolution PDF files are also emailed. Note: Depending on the country, overseas mail can take up to 2–4 weeks (or more), is not trackable outside of the U.S., and cannot be guaranteed. Lost packages are replaced but at the Diplomate's expense. Express shipping overseas is extra.
Replacement certificates, cost $50 US for U.S. and Canada, and $75 US for overseas, and includes standard USPS International Priority Mail shipping. Express shipping overseas is extra.
Payment methods: For U.S. AND CANADA: either online by credit card using the Board's PayPal service, online by PayPal account directly, by bank/cashier's check mailed to our Administrative Office, or by bank wire transfer. Personal checks are not accepted. FORÂ OVERSEAS: Online via PayPal, bank wire transfer, or bank/cashier's check mailed to our Administrative Office. Overseas checks MUST be drawn on a bank with a major U.S. correspondent bank (such as Bank of America), and dated with the month written out (such 15 January, 2025). Western Union is also an option (transfer fees are the candidate's responsibility).
Please go to the Apply / Pay page to make payments via PayPal.
Note: If a candidate fails one or more of the Written Exams on the first attempt, those exams may be retaken within 6 months without prejudice for a fee of $225 US. The fee is $450 US if retaken after 6 months.
