If you want to advance your career and demonstrate expertise in a specific area of practice, you may want to consider earning a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ). CAQs are specialty credential that are awarded by a certifying board or organization to healthcare providers who have completed additional training and education in a particular field of practice.

In this article, we discuss what CAQs are, why they are important for healthcare providers, and how you can obtain one.

What are Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQs)?

A CAQ is a voluntary credential that shows you have met rigorous standards of knowledge, skills, and experience in a specific area of practice. CAQs are not a license or a certification, but rather an additional qualification that complements your primary credential. It indicates that you have completed additional training and education in your specialty, passed a specialty examination, and maintained your specialty-specific CME. It also demonstrates your commitment to excellence and lifelong learning in your specialty.

Requirements to obtain a CAQ

The process of obtaining CAQs varies depending on the certifying board or organization that offers it. However, there are several steps you have to take.

First, you must fulfill the minimum eligibility requirements. These usually include having a current certification or license in your primary field of practice (such as family medicine or physician assistant), and having a valid and unrestricted license or privilege to practice in your jurisdiction.

Second, you need to complete additional training and education in your specialty. Completing a residency, fellowship, or postgraduate program in your specialty, or earning a particular number of hours of clinical experience in your specialty, may be examples of this. The exact requirements vary by specialty and by certifying board or organization.

Third, you need to pass a specialty examination. This is a comprehensive and challenging test that assesses your knowledge and skills in your specialty. The exam may be computer-based or oral and may include multiple-choice questions, case scenarios, simulations, or other formats. Depending on the specialty and the certification board or organization, the test may be given once or twice a year.

Fourth, you need to maintain your specialty-specific CME. This means that you need to complete a certain number of hours of CME related to your specialty every year or every few years, depending on the specialty and the certifying board or organization. You also need to renew your CAQs periodically by paying a fee and meeting the CME requirements.

Overview of different CAQs available in the Healthcare industry

There are many different CAQs available in the healthcare industry, covering various specialties and subspecialties. Some examples are:

  • The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) offers certification in addiction medicine, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, clinical cardiac electrophysiology, critical care medicine, endocrinology diabetes and metabolism, gastroenterology, and more.
  • The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) offers certification in adolescent medicine, child abuse pediatrics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, hospice and palliative medicine, medical toxicology, and others.

These are just some examples of the CAQs available in the healthcare industry. There may be other CAQs offered by other certifying boards or organizations that are not listed here. If you want to pursue CAQs in your specialty or subspecialty, you should first check with the relevant certification board or organization to learn about the exact requirements and processes.

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Why You Should Consider Obtaining a CAQ?

If you’re still on the fence about whether getting a CAQ is worth your time and effort, consider the following benefits of having one.

Better job prospects and career advancement opportunities

One of the primary advantages of obtaining a CAQ is that it may help you stand out from the crowd and demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and experience they need. A CAQ can also demonstrate your passion and dedication to your specialty, which can make you more attractive to employers who value continuous learning and improvement.

Higher earning potential

Another benefit is that it can boost your income and earning potential. A CAQ can show your employers that you have the qualifications and credentials to provide high-quality care in your specialty, which can translate into higher pay or bonuses.

According to the Medscape Physician Assistant Compensation Report 2021, PAs with CAQs earned a median annual income of $128,000, compared to the $126,000 average of their colleagues without additional credentials.

The difference may vary by specialty and by region, but it is clear that having a CAQ can give you an edge in the competitive job market.

Read more about The Impact of COVID-19 on Physician Compensation

Increased patient satisfaction and confidence

A third benefit—increased patient satisfaction and confidence. A CAQ can show your patients that you have the knowledge and skills to provide them with specialized care in your field of practice. A CAQ can also show your patients that you are committed to staying up to date with the latest developments and innovations in your specialty, which can enhance their trust and loyalty.

By earning a CAQ, you can improve your quality of care and patient outcomes, which can lead to higher patient satisfaction and retention.

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Different Types of Certificates of Added Qualifications (CAQs)

CAQs for Physicians

Physicians can obtain CAQs in various specialties and subspecialties from different certifying boards or organizations. Some examples are:

  • The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) offers CAQs in adolescent medicine, geriatric medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, pain medicine, sleep medicine, and sports medicine.
  • The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) offers CAQs in addiction medicine, adolescent medicine, advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, clinical cardiac electrophysiology, critical care medicine, and more.
  • The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) offers CAQs in adolescent medicine, child abuse pediatrics, developmental-behavioral pediatrics, hospice and palliative medicine, and other fields.

Physicians who wish to obtain a CAQ must meet several requirements. These include holding a current certification in their primary specialty from either the ABMS or AOA, possessing a valid and unrestricted license, completing additional training and education, passing an examination, maintaining specialty-specific CME, and periodically recertifying their CAQ by meeting the requirements of the certifying board.

CAQs for PAs

PAs can obtain CAQs in various specialties from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). Some examples are:

  • Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
  • Dermatology
  • Emergency medicine
  • Hospital medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Obstetrics and gynecology
  • Orthopedic surgery
  • Palliative medicine and hospice care
  • Pediatrics
  • Psychiatry

To obtain a CAQ as a PA, several requirements must be met. These include holding a current PA-C certification from the NCCPA, possessing a valid and unrestricted license or privilege, completing additional training and education, accumulating a certain number of hours of clinical experience, passing a specialty examination, maintaining specialty-specific CME and periodically recertifying your CAQ.

CAQs for Nurses

Nurses can obtain additional certificates as well:

  • The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers certification in ambulatory care nursing, cardiac rehabilitation nursing, cardiac-vascular nursing, faith community nursing, and more.
  • The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) offers certification in acute/critical care nursing for adults, pediatrics, and neonates.
  • The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) offers certification in emergency nurse practitioners and adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners.
  • The Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB) offers certification in pediatric primary care mental health specialists and pediatric emergency nursing.

To obtain a certification, nurses need to hold a current certification or license in their primary field of practice from the relevant certifying board or organization. They must also have a valid and unrestricted license or privilege to practice as a nurse.

Additionally, nurses must complete training and education in their specialty or subspecialty, such as a post-master certificate program or a doctoral degree program accredited by the CCNE or ACEN, or accumulate a certain number of hours of clinical experience in your specialty.

They must pass a specialty or subspecialty examination administered by the relevant certifying board or organization, maintain the specialty-specific CME and recertify periodically by meeting the requirements of the relevant certifying board or organization.

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Methods to Prepare for a CAQ Exam

CAQs are specialty examinations that healthcare professionals need to pass in order to obtain a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in their chosen field of practice. A CAQ exam tests the healthcare professional’s advanced knowledge and skills in the specialty area, as well as their ability to apply them in clinical scenarios. CAQs can be challenging and requires adequate preparation and study.

There are different methods to prepare for a CAQ exam, depending on the specialty and the preferences of the healthcare professional. Here are some of the most common methods:

  • Study materials and resources 

Textbooks, journals, papers, recommendations, procedures, case studies, review courses, webinars, podcasts, videos, and other resources are examples of study materials and resources. Some of this information and resources may be offered by the certifying body or the specialty’s professional association, while others may be obtained from other sources.

The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA), for example, publishes a content blueprint for each CAQ test that describes the exam’s themes and goals. The NCCPA also provides sample questions and answers for each CAQ exam that illustrate the format and level of difficulty of the exam.

  • Exam format and structure

Another method to prepare for a CAQ exam is to understand the exam format and structure. Exam format and structure refer to how the exam is delivered, how many questions are included, how much time is allotted, how the questions are scored, and what types of questions are asked. Knowing the exam format and structure can help healthcare professionals plan their time and strategy for taking the exam, as well as reduce their anxiety and stress. 

The NCCPA CAQ exams are computer-based tests that consist of 120 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within two hours. The questions are based on clinical vignettes that require critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The questions are scored based on a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800, with 350 being the passing score.

  • Tips to improve exam performance

Exam performance refers to how well healthcare professionals perform on the exam in terms of accuracy, speed, confidence, and endurance. Improving exam performance can help healthcare professionals increase their chances of passing the exam and achieving their goals. Some tips to improve exam performance include:

  • Reviewing the study materials and resources regularly and thoroughly
  • Taking practice exams or quizzes to assess one’s strengths and weaknesses
  • Seeking feedback or guidance from mentors or peers who have taken or passed the exam
  • Developing a study plan and schedule that suits one’s learning style and needs
  • Managing one’s time effectively during the exam
  • Reading each question carefully and eliminating wrong or distractor answers
  • Using logic, reasoning, and elimination techniques to answer difficult or unfamiliar questions
  • Checking one’s answers before submitting them
  • Staying calm, focused, and positive throughout the exam

The benefits of this method are that it helps healthcare professionals enhance their knowledge and skills, as well as boost their confidence and motivation for taking the exam.

Obtaining a Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) can significantly benefit healthcare professionals, including better job prospects, increased earning potential, and higher patient satisfaction. With various certifications available for physicians, PAs, and nurses, it is essential to research the specific requirements and processes for your desired specialty or subspecialty.

Preparing for the CAQ exam requires dedication, utilizing study materials, understanding the exam format, and employing strategies to improve exam performance. By investing time and effort in obtaining a CAQ, healthcare professionals demonstrate their commitment to excellence and continuous learning, ultimately enhancing the quality of care they provide to their patients.

FAQs About Certificates of Added Qualifications

  • What is the difference between a certification and a certificate of added qualifications (CAQ)?
    A certification is a credential that validates the basic knowledge and skills of a healthcare professional in a general or broad area of practice. A certification is usually required for entry-level practice or licensure in a profession. A CAQ is a credential that validates the advanced knowledge and skills of a healthcare professional in a specific or narrow area of practice within a primary specialty. A CAQ is usually voluntary and optional for practice or licensure in a profession. However, some employers or institutions may prefer or require healthcare professionals to have a CAQ in certain specialties.
  • How long does it take to obtain a CAQ?
    The time it takes to obtain a CAQ depends on the specialty and the requirements of the certifying body. Generally, it takes several months to years to complete the education and training programs, CME courses, or online CAQ programs that are required for obtaining a CAQ. In addition, it takes some time to apply for and take the specialty examination that is required for obtaining a CAQ. The processing time for the CAQ application may also vary depending on the volume and complexity of applications received by the certifying body.
  • Is it necessary to renew a CAQ periodically?
    Yes, it is necessary to renew a CAQ periodically to maintain its validity and currency. The renewal process and frequency may vary depending on the specialty and the requirements of the certifying body. Generally, healthcare professionals need to renew their CAQ every 5 to 10 years by completing a certain number of hours or credits of CME in the specialty area, passing a recertification examination, and meeting other criteria.
  • Can I obtain a CAQ if I am not practicing in the United States?
    Yes, you can obtain a CAQ if you are not practicing in the United States. However, you need to meet the eligibility requirements for obtaining a CAQ in your specialty, which may include having a valid certification or license in your primary specialty from a recognized certifying or licensing body in your country of practice. You also need to complete the education and training programs, CME courses, or online CAQ programs that are required for obtaining a CAQ in your specialty, which may be offered by various providers in your country of practice or online.
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