Implemented by the ABR in 2012, the Continuous Certification method of Maintenance of Certification (MOC) employs an annual review in March to evaluate MOC participation status. Diplomates are required to attest once a year that they are meeting three of the four MOC components: Professionalism and Professional Standing (Part 1); Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (Part 2); and Improvement in Medical Practice (Part 4). They should also review their status for Part 3: Assessment of Knowledge, Judgment, and Skills.

Attestations are made in myABR and should be completed between January 1 and March 1. Diplomates are not required to enter detailed information or submit paperwork regarding MOC participation but should retain documentation in case they are selected for an audit.

For the first three years a diplomate participates in MOC, the annual review by the ABR will include only a check on part 1: valid and unrestricted licensure in all states and/or countries of practice. Diplomates in medical physics practicing in states that require licensure must attest to licensure. Those with a license but practicing in other state(s) may also attest to licensure. Those without licenses must have an available attester as defined by the ABR. Starting in the fourth year, the annual review also will check the requirements for parts 2 and 4: continuing medical education (CME) and self-assessment CME (SA-CME) for Part 2 and Practice Quality Improvement (PQI) Projects and Participatory Quality Improvement Activities for Part 4.

Part 2 Requirements

At each annual review, diplomates must have completed 75 CME credits in the previous three years, at least 25 of which must be from SA-CME activities. The SA-CME requirement is reduced from 25 to 15 for those who complete their Online Longitudinal Assessment annual progress requirements for the preceding year. The total number of credits required (75) will remain the same; only the percentage that need to be SA-CME will change.

There are two types of SA-CME activities: self-assessment modules (SAMs) and enduring AMA Category 1 CME offerings. Created by societies and other organizations and prequalified by the ABR, SAMs are primarily live podium presentations with a post-session assessment instrument. .

Enduring AMA Category 1 CME offerings are certified CME activities that endure over a specified time. These include print, audio, video, and Internet materials such as monographs, podcasts, CDs/DVDs, archived webinars, and other web-based activities.

Part 4 Requirements

Diplomates must have completed at least one PQI Project in the previous three years or one Participatory Quality Improvement Activity per year at each MOC annual review. A PQI Project or Participatory Activity may be conducted repeatedly or continuously to meet requirements.

The ABR defines “quality improvement” as a systematic approach to the study of healthcare and/or a commitment to continuously improve performance and outcomes in healthcare. Each diplomate can choose quality improvement projects or activities that are pertinent to his or her own practice and that meet the spirit of this definition. Some common Participatory Activities are participating in tumor boards or peer-review activities and publishing peer-reviewed articles.