Susan K. Whitbourne, PhD, ABPP
Hello, and welcome to the American Board of Geropsychology (ABGERO)! ABGERO’s primary objective is to recognize, certify, and promote competence in geropsychology by examining individuals in the delivery of assessment, intervention, and consultation services to older adults. Board certification allows both other professionals and the public to readily identify professional competence in the specialty.
There are three components to the examination process during which foundational and functional competencies in geropsychology are assessed: credential review, practice sample, and oral examination. Oral examinations are typically held at the annual conventions of the American Psychological Association and the Gerontological Society of America, with additional regional exams held as needed.
ABGERO firmly believes that the examination process should be reasonable and fair, and that all applicants and candidates should be treated with courtesy and respect. Our goal is for all qualified colleagues to become board certified in geropsychology. ABGERO has a strong mentoring program to help guide colleagues through the process, and all applicants and candidates are encouraged to take advantage of the mentors. Diversity, broadly defined, is embraced, and inclusivity is emphasized.
Interested colleagues are encouraged to review the relevant sections of this website for additional and more specific information about the process: document library, specialty specific requirements, examination process, and frequently asked questions. The other board members and I are happy to answer additional questions about the board certification requirements and process and to offer direction to those who need additional education or training in preparation for board certification. I can be reached directly here. I look forward to hearing from you or receiving your application materials.
Susan K. Whitbourne, PhD, ABPP
President, American Board of Geropsychology