What are the benefits and value of certification?
Board certification demonstrates a physician’s exceptional expertise in a particular specialty and/or subspecialty of medical practice. Certification by an ABMS Member Board involves a rigorous process of testing and peer evaluation that is designed and administered by specialists in the specific area of medicine. Through continuing certification, Diplomates demonstrate a dedication to professional growth and excellence. The ABMS Member Boards’ continuing certification programs provide structure and rigor to those efforts, with activities for continuous professional development centered on patient care, practice enhancement, and lifelong learning.
What are the costs of participating in the Continuing Certification Program (CCP)?
The ABPM annual fee breaks down as follows:
- 1st Certificate: $175.00
- 2nd Certificate: an additional $125.00
- 3rd (or more) Certificate: an additional $100.00 each
Discount will be applied at checkout.
Payment for the annual fee covers:
- Development and implementation of the new CCP
- Development and administration of the Longitudinal Assessment Program (LAP)
- Access to the LAP platform
- Access to the online ABPM Physician Portal
- Direct access to ABPM staff and resources
I’ve already paid my fees for another ten years of certification, why do I have to pay again?
The former certification process was a retrospective confirmation designed to confirm the additional education, training and practice performed by a Diplomate over the previous 10-year certification cycle. The new CCP is a prospective, forward-thinking process that allows the Diplomate to participate in CCP and maintain certification through the next 10-year period.
What is the annual time commitment?
Diplomates will be required to complete 20 CME credits annually. This is closely aligned with what is required for completing state licensing requirements. Please note that the LAP is not scheduled to launch until 2025; ABPM will provide details when more information is available.
The time commitment will change when the ABPM launches Phase 2 which requires participation in the LAP.
Can I earn CME for becoming certified or recertified?
ABPM is not accredited to provide CME credit. However, you may be able to request CME credit directly from the AMA for your recent certification. For more information,
please see the AMA website: https://www.edhub.ama-assn.org/ pages/applications#direct-credit-info.
What is required and by when, based on my certification start date?
In Phase 1 of the transition, in effect for calendar years 2023 and 2024, Diplomates have only three annual requirements:
- Maintain a current, valid, and unrestricted medical license in every US state, US territory, or Canadian province in which the Diplomate holds a license to practice medicine;
- Pay the annual fee using the ABPM Physician Portal;
- Attest to earning 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (using the ABPM Physician Portal
- Six of the credits must be relevant to Diplomates’ ABPM Certification(s). Diplomates will choose for themselves which CME courses are relevant to the ABPM specialties or subspecialties in which they are certified.
Can I fulfill some of ABPM’s CCP requirements by participating in another ABMS Member Board’s continuing certification program?
Diplomates with a time-limited certification in an ABPM specialty or subspecialty are required to participate in the CCP. Diplomates may apply CME credits earned for another ABMS Member Board’s continuing certification requirements toward the the ABPM CME credit requirement; however, six of the credits must be relevant to a Diplomates’ ABPM Certification(s).
What is the status of the Improving Health and Health Care?
The ABPM is awaiting additional guidance from ABMS prior to implementing this requirement. The ABPM will share details with our Diplomates as they become available.
There have been many changes to the requirements for recertification. How do I know that these requirements won’t change again?
ABPM has worked closely with our Diplomates, the ABMS, and other constituents to create a long-lasting program that is based on relevancy, flexibility, and innovation. Removal of the high-stakes MOC exam makes certification a prospective program. We have worked for several years to create a program that fits the needs and requirements of our Diplomates, while adhering to the ABMS standards and requirements.
Can I complete CCP requirements online?
Diplomates will document CME credits earned toward the CME credit requirement through their Physician Portal on the ABPM website. Additionally, Phase 2 of the CCP will launch in 2025 and will include a longitudinal assessment component. Diplomates will access the assessment through their ABPM Physician Portal.
How and where can I get help?
Diplomates with questions or concerns can reach ABPM staff by email at abpm@theabpm.org. Additionally, ABPM will share information about the CCP on our website, www.theabpm.org, and by email. Please be sure to log into your Physician Portal account to ensure your contact information is up-to-date so you receive important announcements and updates.