If you are holding a time-limited certificate with the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), you need to participate in and complete their Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program every 10 years. To complete the ABIM MOC program, you must be licensed and in good standing, pass a secure examination, and earn 100 self-assessment points: 20 points in self-evaluation of medical knowledge, 20 points in self-evaluation of practice performance, and the remaining 60 points in either medical knowledge, practice performance, or a combination of both.
Here is how to participate in and complete MOC:
- The first step for recertification is to enroll in MOC by visiting www.abim.org/moc.
- Once enrolled, begin to complete self-evaluation modules to earn credit towards the 100 points needed for the self-assessment component of the program. While ABIM offers self-evaluation modules in internal medicine and the various subspecialties, including rheumatology, the ACR also offers rheumatology-focused self-assessment tools that are eligible for MOC credit—CARE, AIM, the Rheumatology Maintenance of Certification Preparation Course, and the ACR/ABIM Maintenance of Certification Learning Session. Each program respects the resources and constraints of a busy physician.
- Starting in the sixth year of your certification, you are eligible to schedule the ABIM secure exam. MOC examinations are offered twice a year by ABIM, in the spring and fall. To find exam dates and information on how to schedule your exam, visit www.abim.org/rheumexam.
The earlier you get started with MOC, the more options you will have—from the ABIM and ACR—to complete your self-assessment requirements. Completing self-assessment modules and attending MOC courses can also earn you CME credits.