By 1973 board certification for medical doctors was well established.

"Board certification per se hasn't been associated with any measure of quality," he said.

Half of its doctors hold board certifications or an international equivalent, the company said.

Last year, a record 2,967 teachers earned national board certification, bringing the total to 4,804 nationwide since 1995.

Only recently have any states begun to recognize the board certification in place of their own exams.

Surgical residents must be involved in a large number of cases to qualify for board certification.

That said, board certification is not available for every subtype of cancer treatment.

However, board certification does not exist for some of the specialties that are important in cancer treatment.

Information about your doctor's medical training, board certification, and state disciplinary actions is just a click away.

Board certification consists of a written and then an oral exam.