The ABEM MOCP involves two components:
1. Evidence of professional standing, such as an unrestricted license to practice medicine and an ABMS certificate that is not lapsed, revoked, or suspended.
2. Evidence of lifelong learning through Continuing Medical Education (CME).

When did the ABEM start time-limited certificates?
Time-limited certificates have been issued since 1994. They are valid for 10 years. Diplomates are required to satisfactorily participate in the MOCP to extend the validity of their certificates.

CME CREDITS

How many AMA PRA Category 1 CME creditsTM do I need?

If you were enrolled in the MOCP program before April 30, 2009, you need to record 50 Category 1 CME credits during the current 10-year MOCP certification cycle. Once you pass the MOCP examination, you will need to record 150 Category 1 CME credits for the next 10-year certification cycle. If you enrolled after April 30, 2009, you need to record 150 CME credits by the end of the 10-year MOCP certification cycle. Certificate of recognition holders need to complete formal education hours. Category 1 credits are not required, but can be used for formal education hours.

Do I need to send copies of my Category 1 certificates?

No, do not send copies to the Board office with your CME Declaration Form. However, the ABEM may perform random audits of declared CME credits. You should keep all of your CME certificates and records in a file for future reference.

How do I report my CME credits?

Go to http://www.abemexam.org/mocp/ProgramInBrief.cfm to download a CME Declaration Form. The Past CME Declaration Form is used for recording credits earned before July 2008. The 2009 CME Declaration Form is for recording credits earned July 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009.

Why are there two different forms for reporting CME?

In 2009, the CME reporting period transitioned from the academic year (July 1 to June 30) to the calendar year (January 1 to December 31). This was done to make reporting easier. In order to implement this transition, two CME Declaration Forms are necessary. All CME credits earned before July 1, 2008 must be reported using the academic year. In 2009, you will report CME credits earned July 1, 2008, through December 2009. In 2010 and after, you will report CME credits earned January 1 through December 31.

What kind of CME credits count for the MOCP program?

Any CME that is important knowledge for an electrodiagnostic physician to have to treat patients with muscle and nerve disorders qualifies for appropriate credit. Any CME material offered by the AANEM is acceptable. Many sessions offered at the AAPMR and AAN meeting would be acceptable but not all sessions. The education must be related to the scope of practice of an electrodiagnostic physician.

When I complete CME credits with the AANEM, do they automatically get recorded with the ABEM?

No, you must record the credits yourself by filing a CME Declaration Form, which can be downloaded at http://www.abemexam.org/mocp/ProgramInBrief.cfm.

I am a DO. Are AOA credits acceptable?

Yes, as long as the credits are related to the scope of practice of an electrodiagnostic physician.

CERTIFICATE DATES AND EXPIRED CERTIFICATES

If I take the examination 2 years early, what dates will show on my certificate?

Your certificate will be dated from the year you took the MOCP examination. If your original certificate expires in 2011 and you take the examination in 2009, your new certificate will be dated 2009-2019. If you waited and took the examination in 2010 your new certificate would be dated 2011-2021.

What happens if I do not take the examination before my original certificate expires?

The ABEM website will show that your certificate has expired.

How do I renew my certification? Do I have to retake the original ABEM examination?

No, you don’t have to take the original certification examination. You simply need to meet all the requirements for the MOCP examination. The ABEM website however will show a lapse in certification.

CERTIFICATES NOT TIME LIMITED

I have a certificate that is not time limited. What happens if I participate in the MOCP?

Holders of certificates that are not time limited are strongly encouraged to enter the MOCP. For individuals who do so, their certificates will remain in effect, no matter what the outcome of the MOCP process. You will not lose certification though participation in the program.

Why should I participate in the MOCP?

Participation in the maintenance of certification program shows to your patients and colleagues that you are committed to life long education in your field.

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE

Where do I get the application for the MOCP examination?

It is on the ABEM website at www.abemexam.org.

How many CME Credits are required?

For those taking the test in 2009, you are required to have recorded 50 Category 1 CME credits. Following successful completion of the examination, in the next 10-year cycle 150 Category 1 CME credits will be required. You will not need to record Category 2 CME.

How do I know if I have recorded the correct number of CME credits?

Use the ABEM’s online verification system at www.abemexam.org/mocp/MOCPCMEVerification.cfm.

How soon will I know if my application has been accepted or rejected?

Once all your documents are received, you will be notified that your applications has been accepted or rejected. This process can take a few weeks and it takes is dependent on when all your supporting documentation is received. The sooner you submit ALL the required documents, the sooner your application will be reviewed. Due to the large number of applications received at the deadline dates, applications received at those times will take longer to process.

EARLY EXAMINATION

Can I take the MOCP examination early?

Yes, provided you have completed all outstanding MOCP requirements in effect at the time of application to the examination. If you pass the MOCP examination before year 9, the new time-limited certificate will be in effect for 10 years from the date the MOCP examination is taken. If you take it in year 9 or 10, is the new time-limited certificate will be dated 10 years from the date your current certificate was due to expire.

Do I have to earn 150 Category 1 CME credits before I take the examination?

Yes, all MOCP requirements must be completed before you may sit for the MOCP examination. Certificate of Recognition (COR) holders need to complete 150 formal education hours as detailed below.

APPLICATION WITHDRAWAL

How do I withdraw my application?

You should contact the ABEM in writing requesting your application be withdrawn from consideration. An email request is preferred.

If I withdraw my application will the fees be refunded?

The application fee is nonrefundable, regardless of when you withdraw your application. If you submit an examination fee refund request in writing before August 21, 2009, your examination fee will be refundable. If your request is after August 21, 2009, none of your fees will be refundable.

RESULTS

Once the exam is complete, how soon will I receive the results?

You will also be notified of the results of the examination by letter within 2 months after the date of the examination.

What happens to my status if I fail the MOCP examination?

If you have a time-limited certificate that has not yet expired, there will be no change in your status. If you have a time-limited certificate that has expired, you will not be listed as being certified by the ABEM until you pass the MOCP examination. If you have a certificate that is not time limited, you will still be listed as being certified by the ABEM, but you will not be listed as participating in the MOCP.

Once I pass the MOCP examination, do I have to do anything else?

You need to continue to file your CME Declaration Forms by December 31 for another 10-year cycle.

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION HOLDERS

Do I need to record Category 1 CME credits?

No, you need to have formal educational hours. AMA Category 1 is not required but can be used for formal education hours. Formal education hours are defined as any course, seminar, meeting, or other formal educational activity which requires physician attendance and is sponsored by a hospital, medical school, medical association or medical specialty society. Books, web-based education, journal articles, CD/DVDs, etc., that include questions and answers that allow the physician to evaluate the knowledge learned from reviewing the material are also permissible formal education hours. Go to www.aanem.org/education/cmeonline.cfm for online CME opportunities. Journal CME is also a good source of formal educational hours. It is offered through Muscle & Nerve, Neurology, PM&R, and other medical journals.

Do I need 50 or 150 formal educational hours?

If you were enrolled in the MOCP program before April 30, 2009, you need 50 formal education hours for the first 10-year MOCP certification cycle. Once you pass the MOCP examination, you will need 150 formal education hours for the next 10-year certification cycle. If you enrolled after April 30, 2009, you need 150 formal education hours by the end of the 10-year MOCP certification cycle.