The APA and ABPN are separate and independent organizations. The ABPN sets MOC requirements that conform to American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) standards, implements the initial certification and maintenance of certification (MOC) program for psychiatrists, and monitors participation for its diplomates (board certified physicians).

The ABPN sets standards and requirements for certification and MOC for:

• Psychiatry and psychiatric subspecialties, including:
  • Addiction Psychiatry
  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Clinical Neurophysiology
  • Forensic Psychiatry
  • Geriatric Psychiatry
  • Neurodevelopmental Disabilities
  • Pain Medicine
• Neurology and neurology subspecialties

The ABPN is a member board of ABMS. ABMS sets the general standards for its 24 member medical specialties and the ABPN implements the programs for psychiatry and neurology