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Health Care Administration, Leadership, and Management (HALM)
Health Care Administration, Leadership, and Management (HALM) integrates expertise from medicine, health systems science, quality improvement, patient safety, business, public health, communication, computer science, economics, law, and other disciplines in a singular subspecialty certification. HALM-certified physicians are expected to contribute effectively to the future health care environment with an in-depth understanding of the ways in which executive leadership and their governance affect change in these complex health systems.
HALM certification will provide physicians the opportunity to enhance their practice and set standards in physician leadership.
Certification Exam
Dates & Fees | |
| Exam Dates | November 9 – 23, 2026 (Offered in even-numbered years through Pearson Vue) |
| Application Window | May 4 – August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. |
| Application Fee* | $470 |
| Registration and Scheduling Window | June 8 – October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. |
| Registration Fee* | $1,745 |
*Fees subject to change
How This Subspecialty Works
The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) develops and administers the HALM Certification Exam.
The HALM Certification Exam is offered in even-numbered years through Pearson Vue. The exam is administered two different ways. The primary method is the OnVUE platform, which allows you to test remotely from the comfort of your home. However, some physicians may prefer to test at a dedicated Pearson VUE testing center.
To become certified, physicians must meet the eligibility criteria, submit a complete application, fulfill specific credential requirements, and pass the HALM Certification Exam.
Eligible physicians certified through an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board are able to apply through ABEM. Except for those certified through the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), and the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM), which have their own application process.
Eligibility
Review the HALM Eligibility Criteria
Overview:
- Be certified by an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Member Board. Physicians certified by the ABA, ABFM, and ABPM will apply through their respective boards. All others apply through ABEM.
- Actively participate in the continuing certification process for your certification
- Successfully complete a pre-approved training pathway: Training, Training-Plus-Practice, or Practice. *The practice pathways are time-limited and will close in 2030. Physicians using a practice pathway must have an application submitted and approved before the 2030 application deadline.
- Fulfill the ABEM Policy on Medical Licensure
- Comply with the ABEM Policy on Board Eligibility for Subspecialty Certification
Examples of admin positions that would be considered as active practice of HALM.
Submitting and getting your application approved begins your eligibility window. After your application is approved, you have eligibility for:
- Up to 7 years, OR
- Up to 4 exam attempts
This is designed to give physicians flexibility to prepare and succeed.
Exam Content
The Core Content of HALM Medicine (Core Content) is the basis for all HALM examination exams. The 2023 Core Content defines the content for the initial certification examination for HALM.
| Exam Question Distribution (±5%) | |
Business of Health Care (1.0) The Business of Health Care Finance and Accounting Principles | 9% 8% |
| Care Innovation, Health Equity, and Population Health (2.0) | 10% |
Governance (3.0) Governance, Organizational Structure, and Advocacy | 8% |
Health Care Policy, Law, and Advocacy (4.0) Health Care Policy, Law, and Regulation | 11% |
Health Information Technology (5.0) Health Care Technology and Information Management | 9% |
| Human Resource Management and Workforce Development (6.0) | 10% |
| Leadership in Patient Safety and Quality Improvement (7.0) | 14% |
| Organizational Leadership and Communication Skills (8.0) | 13% |
| Professionalism and Ethics (9.0) | 8% |
Certification Process
Apply & Schedule
Eligible physicians certified through an American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board are able to apply through ABEM. Except those certified through the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA), the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), and the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM), which have their own application process.
- To apply through ABEM, submit a complete HALM Application Form.
- ABEM will review and process your application.
- When your application is approved, ABEM will notify you and provide information on registering for the exam and selecting an online testing appointment through Pearson VUE.
Results & Scoring
ABEM sends the results of the examination to physicians who applied through ABEM via email within 90 days of the date of the examination. Results are also posted on your MyABEM portal.
Physicians certified through the ABA, ABFM, and ABPM will receive their scores from their respective boards.
Questions? Contact subspecialties@abem.org or 517-332-4800 option 4.
