Founded in 1933, the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) is one of the 24 certifying boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). The ABP is an independent, nonprofit organization whose certificate is recognized throughout the world as a credential signifying a high level of physician competence. The Board of Directors of the ABP consists of distinguished pediatricians — in education, research, and clinical practice — and nonphysicians who have a professional interest in the health and welfare of children and adolescents. The ABP strives to improve training, establishes the requirements for certification, and sets the standards for its examinations. Certification by the ABP has one objective — to promote excellence in medical care for children and adolescents. Certification represents dedication to the highest level of professionalism in patient care. ABP certification provides a standard of excellence by which the public can select pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists. Although ABP certification is voluntary, nearly all qualified pediatricians seek this recognition.