Certificate of Added Qualification in Advanced Diagnostic Bronchoscopy
Information and Application
2027 CAQ-KAT Application Deadline: Sunday, November 8, 2026
The AABIP is committed to enhancing the practice of bronchoscopy to improve the lives of patients with pulmonary disease. We recognize that many pulmonologists are skilled in advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy and focus on the care of patients requiring this expertise, regardless of formal training in Interventional Pulmonology (IP). We are firmly convinced that pulmonologists with a particular interest in advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy provide specific expertise and added value to complex patient care and should be recognized appropriately for their unique skill set. In light of these considerations, the AABIP Board of Directors (BOD) in 2019 approved the creation of a Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy.
AABIP is pleased to announce that it is expanding the CAQ program globally. Beginning in 2026, eligible international physicians may apply to sit for the AABIP Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) Examination, further supporting AABIP's commitment to advancing excellence in Advanced Bronchoscopy worldwide.
Application requirements
Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Advanced Diagnostic Bronchoscopy
Application Requirements
- Board Certified or Board Eligible in pulmonary medicine or thoracic surgery from the USA or Canada OR appropriate equivalent for board certification from another country. Pulmonary Fellows in their final year of training are eligible.
- An attestation letter demonstrating both training and competency in Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA) AND Guided Peripheral Bronchoscopy using Radial EBUS or one of the advanced bronchoscopy platforms: Robot-assisted bronchoscopy using the Galaxy, Ion, or Monarch navigation platforms.
- The letter may come from your mentor OR your current supervisor OR your division chief/director OR your pulmonary/pulmonary critical care fellowship program director OR your thoracic surgery fellowship program training director
- Non-English documentation must be accompanied by a version translated to English.
- Interventional Pulmonology board-eligible or board-certified physicians are not eligible to participate in the CAQ process.
Updated: 7/24/2026
CAQ Component 1: Knowledge Assessment Test (KAT)
The Knowledge Assessment Test (KAT) is the first component of the CAQ.
Important Dates:
KAT Fee: $1500.00
KAT Testing Locations:
Various Meazure Learning testing sites. Approved applicants will by contacted by Meazure Learning in early December 2026 to schedule their exam date, time and location.
Checklist of Required Supporting Documents for CAQ Application:
- Medical School diploma
- Proof of board eligibility or certification in Pulmonary Medicine or Thoracic Surgery or appropriate equivalent for board certification from another country.
- Letter attesting to training and competency in Endobronchial Ultrasound guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration AND Peripheral Bronchoscopy.
- Valid medical license
- Current CV
Non-English documentation must be accompanied by a version translated to English.
Exam Study Resources:
CAQ KAT Exam Blueprint 2025 Update in IP and CAQ/IP Board Review Course
Component 2: Procedure Assessment Test (PAT)
The Procedure Assessment Test (PAT) is the second component of the CAQ. This skills assessment test will be using validated tools for assessing proficiency in EBUS-TBNA and peripheral bronchoscopy (Radial-EBUS, Galaxy, Ion, and Monarch navigation platforms).
For international applicants, PAT testing will take place in the U.S.
PAT Eligibility:
- You must have successfully completed the CAQ KAT prior to taking the CAQ PAT.
- You have up to three years after passing the CAQ KAT to successfully complete the CAQ PAT.
CAQ-PAT Fee: $750
PAT Testing Platforms
-
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA)
- Guided Peripheral Bronchoscopy (choice of one of the below platforms):
- Radial EBUS
- Robot-assisted bronchoscopy using the Galaxy, Ion, or Monarch navigation systems
Next Available CAQ-PAT Test Dates are open for those who completed the KAT in 2024, 2025 and 2026:
- July 18, 2026 (Houston, Texas)
- August 20-22, 2026 (Denver, Colorado)
Testing availability is limited per date. We encourage you to schedule and pay for your preferred CAQ testing date in advance due to the limited availability. Testing will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis.
Application Process
The CAQ in advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy application process will be conducted ONLINE and will include:
Component One: KAT Application
- Submit application form and fee: $1500
- Submit supporting documents:
- Medical School diploma
- Proof of board eligibility or certification in Pulmonary Medicine or Thoracic Surgery.
- Letter attesting to training and competency in Endobronchial Ultrasound guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration AND Peripheral Bronchoscopy.
- Valid medical license
Non-English documentation must be accompanied by a version translated to English.
Component 2: PAT Application
- Submit application form and fee: $750
- You may register for the CAQ KAT and PAT together or separately
- Successful completion of Component 1 is a prerequisite for taking Component 2
-
PAT testing will take place in the U.S.
Once you have completed all of the application requirements and have been approved by the Eligibility Review Committee, the AABIP will notify Meazure Learning that your application has been approved and you are eligible to select a testing date, time, and location. Meazure Learning will contact you for scheduling in early December 2026.
Notification of eligibility
If accepted, the applicant will be notified by e-mail regarding eligibility to sit for the examination. This eligibility will be valid for three years. The applicant must sit and successfully complete the CAQ KAT and PAT during this time-frame, if they are unable to do so, the applicant will be required to complete the application process again. Please allow the Eligibility Review Committee 4 to 6 weeks to review your application.
rejection and appeal
If the application is rejected, the notification will come by e-mail as well as a letter from the current Chair of the Eligibility Review Committee. If the application is rejected, the individual will have the opportunity for an appeal. The appeal must be initiated by the applicant via a formal email to [email protected] requesting review. This appeal must be requested within 2 weeks of the date of the rejection letter, in order to make the deadline for the examination. Chair of the CAQ Eligibility Review Committee will then review the appeal and entire application. If the application is rejected again, the Chair of the CAQ Eligibility Review Committee will present this application to the AABIP Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will vote anonymously and majority opinion determines the final status of the appeal. If the Board of Directors’ decision is to confirm rejection of the application, the final notification will be sent to the applicant by e-mail as well as a formal letter from the AABIP, signed by the current President. The applicant will, however, have the opportunity to reapply for future examinations based on the applicable criteria at that time. Once the application process has been completed and approved, the Eligibility Review Committee will compile a list of individuals accepted to sit for the examination and forward this to the testing organization, who will provide the registrant with all of the necessary information regarding exam registration, location and logistics.
refund policy
This refund policy applies to the KAT and PAT. All documentation must be received prior to the application submission deadline of 11/08/2026 @ 11:59 pm EST. Failure to provide all documentation will lead to forfeiture of the application fee. If the applicant chooses to withdraw from consideration he/she will have 1 week from the date of initial application for a full refund (This is the CANCELLATION DEADLINE), after which a penalty of $150 will be kept for administrative costs. If the withdrawal is requested before the application is marked as complete, the penalty of $150 will apply. If the withdrawal is requested after the application is marked as complete, refunds will be processed as per the policy outlined below or the applicant may choose to apply the full amount towards the next year’s application plus any additional costs if applicable. (See refund policy below.)
- 85% of the exam fee will be refunded if cancellation is received on or before 11:59 pm EST of the respective payment deadline.
- 50% of the exam fee will be refunded when cancellation is received between 12:00 midnight EST on the day after the respective payment deadline and 11:59 p.m. EST on the day prior to the correlating exam.
Once all of the credentialing material has been submitted, an individual account and packet will be put together by the AABIP administrative staff and forwarded to the Chair of the CAQ Eligibility Review Committee to be reviewed. Rejections must be accompanied by appropriate comments by the CAQ Eligibility Committee. If approval is not granted, the funds will be refunded.

updated: 7/24/2026
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