Maintaining Excellence in Clinical Practice
ABCCM believes that board certification is not just a one-time milestone—it’s a commitment to lifelong learning, clinical excellence, and public trust. Our 5-year recertification cycle ensures that certified physicians remain up to date with evolving standards of care, emerging technologies, and population health needs.
🗓️ 5-Year Recertification Cycle
All ABCCM-certified physicians must renew their certification every 5 years to maintain active status. This process confirms ongoing professional development and clinical engagement in your specialty or subspecialty.
Timeline Overview:
- Year 1–5: Earn required CME credits
- Year 5: Complete application, submit documentation, and pass continuous certification assessment (if required)
- Early renewal permitted up to 6 months before expiration
📚 CME Requirements
To be eligible for recertification, physicians must complete at least 100 Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits during the 5-year cycle, including:
- 60 credits in core clinical medicine
- 20 credits in quality improvement, patient safety, or health equity
20 credits in electives (e.g., telehealth, clinical leadership, informatics)
🔁 Continuous Certification Assessment
ABCCM uses a low-burden, continuous certification assessment to ensure that certified physicians remain clinically competent and current.
- Format: 50-question open-book online quiz
- Frequency: Once every 5 years
- Topics: Based on current clinical guidelines, patient safety updates, and healthcare system changes
- Fee: $295 (waived for selected CME completion milestones)
✅ Accepted CME & Professional Activities
The following activities are accepted toward recertification CME credit:
- Accredited CME (AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, AOA, AAFP, or equivalent)
- Teaching in academic or hospital settings (max 20 credits)
- Peer-reviewed publications or case studies
- Completion of ABCCM-endorsed fellowships or professional development courses
- Participation in formal QI/PS projects
📝 Apply for Recertification
Ready to renew your certification?
🔔 Stay Notified
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