For holders of time-limited certificates, ABEM certification will lapse (expire) if all applicable MOCP requirements are not satisfactorily completed prior to the end of the Diplomate's 10-year certification cycle. Diplomates no longer have the option of passing the maintenance examination by year 12 before certification will lapse. † Former Diplomates whose certification has lapsed may regain certification by completing any outstanding MOCP requirements in effect at the time of application to the examination including:

The newly issued certificate will be dated to expire 10 years from the date of the MOCP examination. The ABEM website will show a lapse in certification.

Example: Original certificate valid 1999-2009. Physician has recorded 50 Category 1 Hours and paid fees only 2 of the 10 years. Physician wants to take the examination in 2015. The physician would need to document 100 Category 1 hours and pay 8 years of fees. The new certificate is dated 2015-2025. The ABEM website would show both the original certification dates and the new dates.

† Note: For Diplomates with time-limited certificates issued in 1997, 1998, or 1999, the ABEM will allow you to sit for the examination in 2009, 2010, and 2011, respectively, with no lapse in certification. You must follow the current MOCP rules to qualify. All Diplomates with certification dated 2000 and forward must take the MOCP examination prior to the end of the 10-year certification cycle in order to ensure no lapse in certification.