Since 1984, 12.265 different medical specialists have been certified in Chile by the Corporación Autónoma de Certificación de Especialidades Médicas (CONACEM). The certification in Psychiatry specialty was initiated in 1984 reaching504 candidates approved until December 2013. Three ways are available to achieve certification: a) to be approved by a reputable university program in the specialization; this way has been used by 42% of postulants; b) to fulfill the requirements of a 5 years practical training program, as 50% of postulants did; c) to have passed a training program abroad, similar to those in force in Chile (8%). There are 9, three-year-long reputable university programs with a total annual capacity of 46 students; almost half of it is for programs developed in provinces. With the exception of doctors completing reputable university programs, others postulants are require to pass a five days practical examination. Since 2002 a written test has been added, which must be taken and approved as a condition of the practical examination. Written examinations have demonstrated good discriminative capacity (82% average approval in 12 years). Extended certifications currently have a 10 years duration for the first time and 7 years for subsequent recertification. Revocation of certification involves installing a recertification mechanism. The reasons that support the recertification are analyzed, and also present the requirements to obtaining it. Current legislation requires that certification and recertification are done by accrediting entities. CONACEM has been legally recognized by de Ministery of Health since February 2014 as the unique entity to perform that labor.
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