"Leading with Light"
The ABLS offers its Certification for physicians who specialize in cosmetic laser and light procedures. The Board recognizes the rapid growth in cosmetics and the study materials and examinations meet the needs of these specialties.
The certification for cosmetics physicians includes:
The certification can be earned in three-steps:
(Please see the Certifications page for details on each step and the applicable fees).
The Board also accepts qualified non-physician candidates for certification for less invasive procedures. This certification can include PAs, (CR)NPs, RNs, LPNs, CLTs and licensed advanced aestheticians, and who are medically supervised according to applicable state and local regulations. This certification can be of significant value. Practices with one or more non-physician practitioners should strongly consider this and are eligible for reduced fees. This certification is also earned in the same three-step process: application, written and oral examinations.
Please contact us for further information at lasers1060@gmail.com.
The Board also offers a Certificate of Added Qualification in Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures for ABLS Diplomates. The CAQ may be earned by meeting several rigorous added criteria and sitting for a Special Oral Examination. Please visit the CAQ Page of this website for additional details on the requirements and fee, and to download and email the Application Form.
The Board provides (1) its proprietary Study Guide; and (2) an additional study book on cosmetic procedures — Lasers and Lights and Energy Devices, 5th ed. (Elsevier, 2023).** These materials provide a complete preparation.
Fundamental Laser Science and Light-Tissue Interaction: Laser and light physics, optics and operating characteristics, biophysics of resurfacing, processes of light-tissue interaction, absorption and scattering, power density, beam delivery, super-pulsing and ultra-pulsing, thermal damage, details of laser operation and new technologies.
Laser Safety: Risks and hazards, inappropriate use of lasers, smoke evacuation, eye protection, breakage of fibers, current regulations and laser classifications.
Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures: Ablative skin resurfacing, vascular lesions, pigmented lesions and tattoos, laser hair removal, IPL, non-ablative skin rejuvenation (including fractional laser), non-surgical skin tightening, photodynamic therapy (PDT), radio frequency microneedling (RFMN), and LED / PBM.
NOTE: Candidates may elect to selectively take certain procedures in the Written Cosmetic Procedures Examination that reflect their practice and exclude others that may not apply. The Certificate, when earned, will then reflect the specific procedures selected.
Ethics in Cosmetic Procedures: Ethics in cosmetics medicine, important considerations using laser technology including standards, complications and litigation.
The study materials and Written Examinations have been researched, written and revised over a multi-year process by a number of talented and respected Board Officers and Diplomates.
**Please note these materials have been selected by the Board as part of its educational preparation for the Written Examinations. The publisher and authors do not have a specific endorsement arrangement with the Board.
