Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine (PCHM)
ABWH’s physician-specific hyperbaric medicine credential for eligible MD and DO physicians with established training and clinical experience in hyperbaric medicine.
PCWC At a Glance
For
MD & DO Physicians
Exam
160 Questions
Testing
Online
Availability
Year-Round
Exam Window
1 Year After Approval
Certification Fee
$1,220
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Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine (PCHM)
PCHM Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine examination, candidates must meet the current ABWH requirements.
Physician License
Hold an active, valid U.S. physician medical license as an MD or DO.
Primary Board Certification
Hold primary board certification in an ABMS-approved specialty.
Hyperbaric Clinical Experience
Provide verification of supervision of at least 300 hyperbaric patient treatments within the previous two years.
Hyperbaric Training
Complete a primary training program or fellowship approved by one of the following:
- American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM)
- Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS)
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
Professional Good Standing
Provide a letter from a program medical director or hospital administrator verifying professional good standing.
ACHM Membership
Maintain active membership with the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine (ACHM).
These requirements reflect the current PCHM credential page and should be reviewed before submitting an application.
Important Distinction
ACHM, UHMS, and the U.S. Department of Defense appear here because qualifying training from those pathways may satisfy the PCHM training requirement.
That does not mean all three organizations should be described as endorsing the PCHM credential.
For Physicians and Surgeons
Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine
The Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine is designed for licensed medical professionals who wish to advance their clinical expertise in the field of hyperbaric medicine.
$1,220
THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
How to Earn Your PCHM Certification
1
Confirm Eligibility
Review the current PCHM requirements.
2
Submit Your Application
Provide the required documentation to ABWH.
3
Receive Approval
Approved candidates receive exam instructions.
4
Complete the Examination
Take the online PCHM exam within your approval window.
5
Receive Your Result
Your score is provided after submission.
Common Questions About PCHM
Is PCHM the same as Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS)?
No.
PCHM is ABWH's physician-specific certification in hyperbaric medicine and currently requires an MD or DO license along with physician board certification, substantial hyperbaric clinical experience, qualifying training, and other credential-specific requirements.
CHS is a separate ABWH hyperbaric credential with a different professional pathway.
Is PCHM a hyperbaric medicine training course?
No.
PCHM is a professional certification credential and examination for physicians who have already completed qualifying hyperbaric education and meet ABWH's clinical experience requirements.
How long do I have to complete the examination after approval?
Approved PCHM candidates must complete the exam within one year of receiving the approval notice.
Where can I find additional certification questions?
For additional questions about applications, online testing, scoring, exam preparation, retesting, and other ABWH certification policies, visit the complete Frequently Asked Questions page.
For current PCHM eligibility requirements, continue to use this credential page as the primary reference.
Looking for more answers?
Visit our complete FAQ page for additional information about ABWH certifications
Ready to Apply for Physician Certification in Hyperbaric Medicine?
If you are an MD or DO physician who meets the current PCHM professional, training, clinical experience, and membership requirements, you can begin the ABWH application process.
Review the eligibility requirements carefully, gather your supporting documentation, and submit your application for credential review.
Certification Fee: $1,220
Already PCHM Certified?
Initial certification and ongoing credential maintenance are separate processes.
Current PCHM certificants should review the ABWH maintenance and recertification requirements that apply to their credential.