What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI)?
Certification is a voluntary program for medical illustrators who want to demonstrate professional competency and commit to lifelong learning. It’s administered by the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators (BCMI)—not the AMI—and includes a written exam, portfolio review, and tests on business practices, ethics, biomedical science, and drawing skills.
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When you see the CMI credential after someone’s name, it indicates that they have successfully completed a rigorous process to validate their expertise. Although certification is not required to work as a medical illustrator, it signifies a high standard of professionalism and skill.
Meet Carol, Certified Medical Illustrator
How to Become a Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI)
If you're interested in becoming a certified medical illustrator, the process is overseen by the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators (BCMI), not the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI). Earning the Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI) credential indicates that you have successfully passed a rigorous exam that tests your knowledge in medical science, business practices, and illustration skills, and your portfolio has undergone professional review.
To qualify for medical illustration certification, you must meet one of the following criteria:
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Hold a graduate degree from a CAAHEP-accredited medical illustration program.
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Have at least five years of professional experience as a medical illustrator, along with the successful completion of a human gross anatomy dissection course.
Board certification is valid for five years and must be renewed to maintain the credential. While certification is not a requirement to work in the field, obtaining the CMI designation demonstrates a high level of commitment and professional competency in biomedical visualization.