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. 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)?
Beginning with the 2025 annual fee, ABPM is offering discounts for early payment. Learn more about early-payment discounts for the annual fee beginning 2025.
- $150 per ABPM certificate, if paid January 1-March 31, 2025*
- $175 per ABPM certificate, if paid April 1-June 30, 2025*
- $200 per ABPM certificate, if paid July 31-December 31, 2025
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 of 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 diplomates 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.
In addition, beginning in 2025, diplomates are required to answer 30 longitudinal assessment program (LAP) questions annually. Learn more about the LAP here.
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 during each CCP phase?
In Phase 2 of the transition, in effect for calendar years 2025 through 2029, diplomates have only four 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 ABPM's Physician Portal;
- Attest to earning 20 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ using ABPM's 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.
- Answer 30 LAP questions annually.
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 ABPM's CME credit requirement; however, six of the credits must be relevant to a diplomates’ ABPM certification(s).
Diplomates must participate in the LAP for each specialty/subspecialty in which they possess a time-limited certificate.
Can I track my CME online using ABPM's Physician Portal?
Yes. Diplomates may upload CME certificates to the Physician Portal by clicking the "Upload Your CME Certificates Here" link in the Continuing Certification Annual Attestation section. ABPM does not require diplomates to upload their certificates; this function is completely voluntary.
What is the status of the Improving Health and Health Care?
ABPM is awaiting additional guidance from ABMS prior to implementing this requirement. 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, 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 ABMS standards and requirements.
Can I complete CCP requirements online?
Diplomates both document CME credits earned toward the CME credit requirement and access the LAP platform through ABPM's online 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.