Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Cosmetic Laser Procedures

The Board is pleased to offer a CERTIFICATE OF ADDED QUALIFICATION for ABLS Diplomates practicing Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures and who meet several criteria as listed in the right-hand part of this page.

This CAQ provides Diplomates an additional ABLS credential that documents further experience and training, and gains additional recognition from the Board, as well as patients, colleagues and supervisory bodies.

The process to earn this Certificate of Added Qualification is to submit a CAQ Application that includes specific information about your recent clinical education and training, and provision of several example before-after case studies/photos, procedure logs and other operational information.

The fee is very reasonable at $500 complete and due following acceptance of the application. There is no separate application fee. (This fee is reduced from the previous fee of $750.)

Please note that Diplomates who have not yet taken and passed the Written Cosmetic Laser Procedures Examination must also prepare for and sit for this examination prior to being eligible for the CAQ.

The Qualifying Requirements Are:

  • A minimum of 5 consecutive years of directly performing a minimum of 500 cosmetic laser and light procedures. This averages out to 100 procedures per year.
  • Procedures must be well documented in one or more clinical logs, by op notes and/or procedure flow sheets. 10 examples must be provided.
  • A minimum 30 hours of direct laser and light oriented CMEs must have been earned in the past 3 years, and documented by certificate or letter of attendance (PDF or jpeg can be submitted).
  • At least 2 significant laser and light-oriented conferences must have been attended in the past 5 years, documented by certificate or letter of attendance (PDF or jpeg can be submitted).
  • Three physician references must be listed who can attest to the Diplomate's laser and light clinical skills and experience, with contact information and permission for the Board to follow-up as it may optionally deem appropriate.
  • An attestation must be submitted that there have been no unfavorable outcomes relative to any legal actions, or sanctions by any regulatory boards or agencies, regarding laser or light therapies or procedures during the past 5 years. The Board reserves the right to optionally check online or other sources as it may deem appropriate.
  • All credentials must be verifiable.

Practitioners who have earned Diplomate status within the past year may apply at one year following the date of their certification. Future Diplomates meeting the qualifications above may apply at the one-year anniversary of their Diplomate status.

A CAQ Application Form (download MS Word document) must be submitted, and there is no specific application fee; or please email the Board at lasers1060@gmail.com if there are additional questions.

Following acceptance of the CAQ application, please visit the ABLS Payment page to remit the CAQ fee using PayPal Option "S" for $500 US.

Sample of the Certificate of Added Qualification

We value your continued relationship with the Board and appreciate your consideration of this Certificate of Added Qualification in Cosmetic Laser Procedures.

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