Continuing Certification requires lifelong learning and a cognitive assessment of the knowledge of practicing physicians and physicists. The Online Longitudinal Assessment (OLA) instrument developed by the ABR is designed to test knowledge and provide learning. The explanations given after each item are the consensus of a committee of experts in the area being tested.
As of July 2021, more than 30,000 diplomates have combined to answer more than 4.5 million OLA questions. They have also provided feedback on the usefulness of each item, which is greatly appreciated as we constantly strive to improve the program.
Here are a few things participants who are still working toward their annual progress requirement should keep in mind.
Try to Stay on Pace
Since two questions are offered to most participants every week, 104 are available to be answered each year. To meet the requirement, most diplomates need to answer only half, or 52 questions per year. Furthermore, OLA allows substantial flexibility regarding when diplomates answer questions, as items do not expire until four weeks after they are offered.
Get Started by August 1
It’s the last day when diplomates who haven’t answered OLA questions this year may start and still have enough available to reach their annual progress requirement in 2021. Anyone who has not started participating or who began and stopped should log in soon to avoid missing opportunities to meet their annual progress requirement.
Avoid Forfeited Questions
Questions that are required but unanswered each year are considered forfeited and are counted as incorrect responses. For example, if 52 questions are required but only 50 are answered, the two unanswered questions are forfeited and counted as incorrect. The Scoring and Performance Evaluation section of the OLA FAQs provides more detailed information.
Seek Help If You Have Fallen Behind
Visit the OLA page or contact one of our certification service managers at information@theabr.org. There is still time to catch up, but it’s quickly running out.
