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We are the only medical specialty board worldwide devoted to advanced education in the biophysics of lasers and light in surgery, medicine and aesthetics to improve understanding and competency. The ABLS® Certification provides a valuable learning experience, promotes treatment efficacy and patient safety, and helps attract new patients.
We are laser-focused on the full spectrum of light education for all practitioners.

NEW: The ABLS Now Offers up to 28 CME Hours – Click EARN CME below to learn more.

New Certifications for Cosmetic Laser and Light Practitioners

Physician Certification in Fundamental Laser Science, Bio-Tissue Interaction, Laser Safety and Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures

The American Board of Laser Surgery launched in 2013 its Certification for physicians who specialize in cosmetic laser and light procedures. The Board recognizes the rapid growth in lasers and lights in cosmetics, and the study materials and certifying examinations meet the needs of these specialties. Meanwhile, the Board's certification for all other non-cosmetics laser specialties is also available as it has been for almost 40 years.

The certification for cosmetics physicians is unique as it includes:

  • Fundamental Laser Science, Bio-tissue Interaction, Ethics and Laser Safety. and
  • Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures with the designation of relevant specialties

The certification can be earned in a three-step process:

  1. Submitting an Application for review and acceptance (the same for all specialties)
  2. Preparing for and passing the Written Examinations in Fundamental Laser Science, Bio-tissue Interaction, Laser Safety, Ethics and Cosmetic Laser Procedures (see below for aspects specific for cosmetic laser and light procedures)
  3. Sitting for and passing the Oral Specialty Examination

(Please see the Certifications page for details on each step and the applicable fees).

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Study Preparation for the Written Examinations:

To prepare for the Written Examinations, the Board provides study materials that consist of (1) its proprietary Study Guide on Fundamental Laser Science, Light-tissue Interaction, Ethics and Laser Safety; and (2) selected publications from highly respected authors in the field of laser and light cosmetics — Lasers and Lights, 2nd through 4th editions.** These study materials provide a complete preparation for the Written Examinations.

The Study Materials Thoroughly Address Four Critical Areas:

Fundamental Laser Science and Light-tissue Interaction: Fundamentals of laser physics, optics and operating characteristics for the clinician; biophysics of resurfacing human skin, including the processes of light-tissue interaction; absorption and scattering; power density; beam delivery; super-pulsing and ultra-pulsing; thermal damage; details of laser operation and processes for resurfacing; and new technologies.

Laser Safety: Risks and hazards in use of lasers, inappropriate or unskilled use of lasers, dealing with smoke, eye protection, breakage of fibers, current regulations and laser classifications.

Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures: Addresses the fundamental science and clinical application of lasers and light in ablative skin resurfacing, vascular lesions, leg veins, pigmented lesions and tattoos, scars, hair removal, non-ablative laser and light skin rejuvenation (including fractional laser), non-surgical skin tightening, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In addition, the science of IPL and LED technologies are included.

NOTE: All candidates will receive the full Study Guide that will include all the cosmetic laser and light procedures and technologies. Candidates however may elect to selectively take certain procedures in the Written Cosmetic Laser Procedures Examination that reflect their areas of practice and exclude others that may not apply. The Certificate when earned will then reflect the specific procedures selected and tested for. Please contact the Board for further information.

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 that 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.

Certification for Qualified Non-Physician Practitioners for Applicable Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures

The American Board of Laser Surgery also accepts qualified non-physician candidates for certification for less invasive procedures. The key topics addressed are:

  • Fundamental Laser and Light Science, Biophysics, Light-tissue Interaction and Laser Safety
  • Less invasive Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures, which typically include hair removal, tattoo removal, treatment of benign pigmented lesions, non-surgical skin tightening, and non-ablative photo-rejuvenation. Technologies addressed are applicable laser and light-based devices, including IPL and LED.

The practitioners who can benefit from this certification include PAs, (CR)NPs, RNs, LPNs, CLTs and licensed aestheticians, who are licensed and medically supervised according to applicable local regulations. If you are one of these practitioners, or a physician medical supervisor, this certification can be of significant value to you. Practices with one or more non-physician practitioners should strongly consider this certification and are eligible for reduced fees.

This certification can also be earned in a three-step process:

  1. Submitting an Application for review and acceptance (the same for all specialties)
  2. Preparing for and passing the Written Examinations in Fundamental Laser Science, Bio-tissue Interaction, Laser Safety and the applicable Cosmetic Laser and Light Procedures
  3. Sitting for and passing the Oral Specialty Examination

(Please see the Certifications page for details on each step and the applicable fees).

Study Preparation for the Written Examinations:

To prepare for the Written Examinations, the Board provides study materials that consist of (1) its proprietary Study Guide on Fundamental Laser Science, Light-tissue Interaction and Laser Safety; and (2) selected publications on less-invasive procedures from highly respected authors in the field of laser and light cosmetics — Lasers and Lights, 2nd and 3rd editions and journal articles on the physics of IPL and LED.** These study materials provide a complete preparation for the Written Examinations.

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 that 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.

The Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Cosmetic Laser Procedures

The Board offers a Certificate of Added Qualification in Cosmetic Laser Procedures for Diplomates who are actively practicing in one or more cosmetics laser fields. This CAQ may be earned by meeting additional criteria over and above the standard certification.

The Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Cosmetic Laser Procedures is earned as follows:

  • If a Diplomate has not previously taken and passed the Written Cosmetics Laser Procedures Examination as part of his/her original Certification, this must be completed. Candidates will be provided study materials on cosmetic laser and light procedures and must sit for that examination.
  • All Diplomates must also meet several rigorous criteria for their experience and expertise, and sit for a Special Oral Examination.

The complete fee is $750 US and includes the study materials and Written Cosmetics Laser Procedures Examination (if applicable), the Special Oral Examination, the Certificate of Added Qualification when awarded, a formal letter, and standard shipping.

How to Apply: Please visit the CAQ page of this website for additional details on the requirements, to download and email the Application Form, and also for remittance of the $750 US fee.

For Diplomates Who Have Not Previously Taken the Written Cosmetics Laser Procedures Examination

Additional study materials and the Written Cosmetics Laser Procedures Examination have been developed over a two-year process by a number of talented and respected Diplomates. Our Diplomates’ current Certificate in Laser Surgery and Medicine includes ablative skin resurfacing as an essential foundation. The added disciplines addressed in the Board's new Certificate of Added Qualification include vascular lesions, leg veins, pigmented lesions and tattoos, scars, hair removal, non-ablative laser and light skin rejuvenation (including fractional laser), non-surgical skin tightening, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). In addition, the science of IPL and LED technologies are included. For applicable Diplomates, the new study materials and Written Cosmetics Laser Procedures Examination will provide additional insight and an added and valuable credential.