To be certified as a dermatologist, a physician must have had at least four years of post-graduate residency training accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The first broad-based, general clinical year is followed by three years of intensive training in dermtology including dermatopathology and dermatologic surgery. In addition to the successful completion of the four years of required training, the certification process includes a comprehensive examination administered by the American Board of Dermatology.

With this background and knowledge, dermatologists are singularly qualified to diagnose and treat the wide variety of dermatologic conditions as well as benign and malignant skin tumors. Dermatologists also have expertise in the care of normal skin and in the prevention of skin diseases and skin cancers.

Dermatologists perform many specialized diagnostic procedures including microscopic examination of skin biopsy specimens, cytological smears, patch tests, photo tests, potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations, fungus cultures and other microbiologic examination of skin scrapings and secretions. Treatment methods used by dermatologists include externally applied, injected, and internal medications, ultraviolet light therapy, and a range of dermatologic surgical procedures. The training and experience of dermatologists in dermatologic surgery include electrosurgery, cryosurgery with the use of freezing surgical units, biopsy techniques and excisional surgery.