Component Two: Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment
Lifelong Learning
Diplomates should attain approved continuing education (CE) credits (category 1 equivalent). CE credits are awarded for educational functions approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) or other recognized accrediting organizations (ACCME).
A minimum of 250 continuing education (CE) credits are required over the 10-year cycle. This is an average of 25 credits per year, starting in 2006 (please refer to medical physics Timelines and Fees for clarification if your MOC cycle started prior to 2006). A maximum of 50 CE credits may be claimed in any calendar year.
The CE credit requirement may be satisfied by taking Category 1 credits (CAMPEP or ACCME), or by taking a combination of Category 1 credits and self-directed educational projects (SDEPs). A maximum of one SDEP may be recorded yearly (not exceeding 15 of the required CE credits per year).
SDEPs:
Fifteen (15) CE credits are given for each completed SDEP. Samples are provided here. The approach to each project is prospective and must be defined in advance. The components of the SDEP include:
Significance: A statement of the educational need Approach: A list of activities designated to address the need Evaluation of achievement Impact on Practice: Outcome statement Self-Assessment
Self-assessment is accomplished through a series of Self-Assessment Modules (SAMs). Twenty (20) SAMs are required for completion over the 10-year cycle. This is an average of two per year, starting in 2007. In any calendar year, a maximum of 4 SAM credits may be claimed. The SAMs carry both Category 1 CME credit and SAM credit.
View the prorated requirements for MOC cycles starting before 2006 .
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To count toward MOC, SAMs must be ABR-qualified. SAMs are for the purpose of individual self-assessment and directing further lifelong learning activities and must include instructional content relevant to practice in one of the following categories of medical physics: general, clinical, therapeutic, diagnostic, or medical nuclear. |
Individual scores remain confidential to the diplomate. |
SAMs are developed by Medical physics-related societies and other qualified organizations. Each SAM includes at least five multiple-choice questions. Feedback to the diplomate consists of correct answers, evaluation of performance in the participating group, and relevant references and discussion. There is no passing score requirement.
Individual scores are not entered into the ABR database but remain confidential to the diplomate. The diplomate is responsible for documenting successful completion of the SAMs during the 10-year period and for validating and recording self-assessment activity data through the personal database (PDB).
Self-attested data are subject to random audits.
Diplomates holding multiple Medical physics certificates:
The lifelong learning and self-assessment requirements are the same for all diplomates, regardless of the number of certificates held. Within the overall requirement of 250 lifelong learning credits and 20 self-assessment modules, holders of multiple time-limited medical physics certificates must meet minimum requirements for each certificate:
Category 1 credits: of the 250 total credits over 10 years, a minimum of 50 credits must be relevant to each area of certification. For cycles lasting less than 10 years, 20 percentof the credits must be relevant to each area of certification.
SAMs: of the total 20 SAMs required over 10 years, four SAMs must be relevant to each area of certification. For cycles lasting less than 10 years, 20 percent of the SAMs must be relevant to each area of certification.
