Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific requirements for obtaining FCCP?

• Must be a CHEST member for 2 or more years and currently active at either the Enhanced or Premium level of membership.
• Must be practicing for a period of at least 2 years upon completion of fellowship training (Physician candidates). Must be practicing for a period of at least 5 years upon completion of degree program (Non-physician candidates).
• Must be board-certified or hold professional degree.
• Must demonstrate excellence, commitment, and leadership in chest medicine, as outlined below in the FAQ.
• Must demonstrate professional contributions to the American College of Chest Physicians, a local or national medical association, and/or to the field of chest medicine.
• Must submit one-time, nonrefundable application fee: $125 fee – US and Canada, $50 fee – Non-US or Canada.

Before submitting your FCCP application, please make sure you have all the necessary documents:

• Complete Application Form
• Nonrefundable Application Fee
• 2 Letters of Recommendations
• Curriculum Vitae with all applicable key domains

Why do I have to be a member at the Enhanced or Premium level to apply for FCCP?

Holding the FCCP designation demonstrates excellence and a commitment to leadership in chest medicine. Because of this, we require that all FCCPs be invested and engaged in CHEST at the Enhanced or Premium level of membership.

I’ve been a member for 1 year. Can I still apply?

It is required that an applicant be a member of CHEST for 2 or more years before applying.

I’m not a physician or PhD, is the FCCP designation open to other members of the chest medicine team?

Yes; all health-care professionals who demonstrate excellence in chest medicine and meet the aforementioned requirements listed are encouraged to apply.

I am currently an FCCP. Is there anything I need to do to maintain my designation?

If you currently hold the FCCP designation, no additional application information is required; however, you must keep your membership active at the Enhanced or Premium level to maintain use of the FCCP designation.

Do I have to demonstrate excellence in each of the key domains to apply?

The key domains listed on the application are provided as a guide. Simply summarize your contributions to chest medicine in any/all key domains that apply to you and your experience.

I submitted an application to become an FCCP. How long does the review process typically take and when will I be notified if I have been accepted?

Since each FCCP application is reviewed on an individual basis, it may take up to 2 weeks to receive a decision notification once all application pieces are received. Be sure to submit a complete application with all required pieces to ensure a timely review and notification.

I previously applied for FCCP and was not accepted. When can I reapply, and will I have to pay the application fee again?

If your FCCP application is not accepted, your letter will include the reason(s) why. Once you feel you meet the qualifications, you are welcome to reapply. Simply check the “No Fee - have applied for FCCP previously, but was not accepted” box on your new application and no fee will be charged.

I feel that I have achieved excellence in chest medicine but don’t meet all of the requirements as stated. Can I still apply?

Each FCCP application is reviewed on an individual basis. Please e-mail 
FCCP@chestnet.org if you have specific questions regarding the application requirements and process.

I have been accepted as a new FCCP. Will I be invited to the convocation ceremony at the CHEST Annual Meeting and when will I be notified?

All new FCCPs are invited to participate in the convocation ceremony at the CHEST Annual Meeting. If you are a new FCCP, you will receive an invitation to the event in the fall. If you are unable to attend the convocation ceremony in your first year as an FCCP, you will be invited to attend in your second year.

Please note: You must be accepted as an FCCP prior to August 15 to be invited to the convocation ceremony in the same year. All applications approved after August 15 will be invited to attend in the following year.

I am an FCCP, but my membership has lapsed or dropped. Can I still use the FCCP designation?

You may only use the FCCP designation if you are active at the Enhanced or Premium level of membership. If your membership has lapsed or dropped, simply renew your membership by submitting your payment online or by calling the CHEST Help Team at 224/521-9800. Once your membership is active, your FCCP designation will automatically be reinstated and no further steps are required.

I have been accepted as an FCCP but have not received my certificate. When can I expect to receive it?

FCCP certificates are ordered on a quarterly basis for all new FCCPs. Please expect it will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to receive your certificate in the mail. If you live outside of the United States or Canada, it may take an additional 2 to 4 weeks to receive your certificate.

I lost my FCCP certificate. How can I request a duplicate copy?

Additional FCCP certificates cost $25 each. Please e-mail FCCP@chestnet.org to place your order.

How are Master FCCPs selected?

Master Fellows are FCCPs who have distinguished themselves by attaining professional preeminence. Through personal character and leadership; contributions to medical research, clinical practice, quality improvement, or medical education; and years of service to CHEST, they have advanced chest medicine. Each spring, a Call for Nominations is sent out to all members.