How do I access the Longitudinal Assessment Program (LAP)?
After you have paid the annual fee, you can access the LAP by logging in to your ABPM Physician Portal, then clicking the link in the Continuing Certification section. The link will direct you to the Learnswell LAP platform.
How many LAP questions do I need to answer and how long do I have to answer them?
ABPM diplomates will answer 30 multiple-choice questions between January 1 and December 31 annually for each ABPM specialty/subspecialty in which they are certified. For example, a diplomate certified in Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) will answer 30 OEM-specific questions. If the diplomate is also certified in Addiction Medicine, they will answer the 30 OEM questions as well as 30 Addiction Medicine-specific questions for a total of 60 questions annually.
Diplomates have 60 minutes to answer each question. While the intention was to provide an untimed assessment for diplomates, the LAP software automatically has been set to time out at 60 minutes. Once a question is opened, diplomates must answer the question with 60 minutes and before closing the window. Otherwise, it will be marked incorrect.
Can I earn CME credit for the time I spend on the LAP?
As part of Phase Two of the transition from MOC to the CCP, launching in 2025, ABPM will extend the LAP pilot to all ABPM specialties and subspecialties. During the extended LAP pilot, in effect between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2029, CME will not be available. However, ABPM will revisit the possibility of offering CME credit when it launches the final version of the LAP in 2030.
Are there articles I should read or topics I should study to prepare to answer LAP questions?
The LAP will be based on ABPM's specialty and subspecialty exam content outlines. While ABPM does not recommend specific articles to read, the ABPM will share the content outline areas that will be covered each year.
How is my LAP performance be scored?
During the extended LAP pilot (January 2025 through December 2029), ABPM will institute a participation-only standard, meaning that diplomates are only required to answer all 30 questions in “good faith” each year, rather than to attain a specific score.
Diplomate performance will still be analyzed psychometrically every year. However, during the extended pilot there will be no minimum passing score required.
How do we define “good faith”?
Participating in good faith means answering all 30 questions and scoring better than chance.
What happens if I do not achieve a passing score for LAP?
The ABPM will launch its extended LAP pilot on January 1, 2025, to all ABPM specialties and subspecialties. The extended pilot will be in effect through December 31, 2029.
While diplomates are not required to meet a minimum passing score during this 5-year pilot, they must participate in good-faith (see FAQ #6). Those who do not participate in “good-faith” in the LAP for two consecutive years will be subject to suspension of their certification.
Will we receive feedback on our answers?
Feedback along with the appropriate reference(s) are provided for each answer choice, whether correct or incorrect.
Will I know what my score is?
Yes, your score will be reflected directly on your LAP dashboard. In addition, a report comparing your performance to peer performance for each ABPM certification will be provided following each year’s assessment.
Can I retake a question if I answer it incorrectly?
No, you will not be able to retake a question that you answered incorrectly.
I am certified in multiple ABPM specialties. Am I required to complete the LAP for each certificate?
Yes. Diplomates are required to participate in LAP for each current ABPM certification they hold.