The American Board of Anesthesiology examines and certifies physicians who complete an accredited program of anesthesiology training in the United States and voluntarily apply to the Board for certification or maintenance of certification. The ABA also offers subspecialty certification in Critical Care Medicine, Pain Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Care Medicine, Sleep Medicine and Pediatric Anesthesiology. The ABA mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology.