General MOC FAQs

I am having difficulty navigating my ABP Portfolio. Where can I find help?

Specific areas of the ABP Portfolio have been redesigned to help diplomates better understand and continuously progress through MOC. While the general navigation has been updated to aid this experience, you can always send an email to MOC@abpeds.org for more specific assistance. You may also call us at (919) 929-0461.

How do I fulfill my Part 1 licensure requirement?

Please visit the Professional Standing and Licensure page for additional information.

Why is the MOC program necessary?

Meeting the requirements of MOC is a commitment to quality and influences better care. The ABP is committed to making MOC a benchmark standard that fulfills multiple requirements for licensing, accreditation, and hospital credentialing. Visit the Maintain Certification page for additional information.

What does the MOC program entail?

Every five years, through the online MOC enrollment process, diplomates will select and pay for only the certification areas they wish to maintain. Once enrolled in MOC, you have five years to fulfill all MOC requirements. These requirements include:

• Meeting the Part 1 requirement by maintaining valid, unrestricted medical licensure;
• Completing approved Part 2 self-assessment and continued learning activities;
• Meeting the Part 3 requirement by passing either the proctored examination or MOCA-Peds; and
• Completing approved Part 4 Improving Professional Practice activities.

Will I receive Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit for participation in MOC?

You may apply for CME credit and/or a Physician Recognition Award certificate directly through the American Medical Association (AMA) for the completion of a Maintenance of Certification (MOC) cycle. Please visit our CME Credit for MOC page for more information.

Also, some MOC activities are approved for CME credit, such as some of the ABP Self-Assessment activities. Please check our Self-Assessment Activities page or your ABP Portfolio for more information.

What does meeting MOC requirements mean?

For all diplomates who do not hold a permanent certification, meeting MOC requirements means that you are certified by the ABP in that area.

I need to maintain my certification. What is the process?

MOC is a four-part process. To determine your specific requirements and the deadlines for meeting these requirements, log on to My ABP Portfolio.

What is the cost of MOC?

Beginning in 2018, you can pay your five-year enrollment fee at the beginning of each MOC cycle or choose the annual payment option. You choose which certification areas you wish to maintain and only pay for those areas.

Your MOC enrollment fee includes access to ABP-developed activities to help you fulfill your MOC requirements. In addition to MOC points, most ABP-developed activities also award CME credit for no additional charge.

The MOC fees also provide access to MOCA-Peds, our new web-based assessment program to fulfill your Part 3 requirement – allowing you to test as you go, on the go. If you prefer to not participate in MOCA-Peds, you have the option to take the proctored examination at a secure testing center for an additional fee that covers the costs charged by the testing center and associated expenses.

MOC fee schedule

Why is the ABP awarding certificates without an end date?

MOC is an ongoing continuous process that is incorporated into your daily practice. Official documentation of your certification status is available via the ABP website.

How does the MOC examination differ from the initial certifying examination?

The ABP Board of Directors decided to make the MOC examination more clinically focused rather than focused on topics found in standard reference materials. Approximately 1000 pediatricians provided input regarding the design and content of the general pediatrics MOC examination.

When will I get my examination results?

To determine the timeframe in which you should receive examination results for your particular exam, please visit the MOC Results page.

Why does it take so long to get my examination results?

Routine quality control activities are conducted before releasing results. These measures require several weeks to complete.

Is there a practice examination I can use to prepare for the MOC examination?

Yes. The General Pediatrics Comprehensive Knowledge Self-Assessment (Part 2) activity is designed to serve as practice for the general pediatrics MOC examination. It consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions selected from the secure examination question pool. While there is no passing score, it can provide you exposure to content that is comparable to what you will see on the MOC examination. Currently, there are no practice examinations available for subspecialties. You can prepare for the MOC examination by visiting the Content and Preparation pages.

Can I take my exam earlier than when it is due?

Yes. You have the option to test early. Requests should be sent to moc@abpeds.org.

How do I request test accommodations?

The ABP offers reasonable test accommodations for those who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act. Applicants are asked to indicate their intent to request accommodations when completing the applications. Click here for the information about the ABP's policies, including accommodations for a disability; courtesy accommodations for those who need to bring medical devices, medication, or comfort aids; and extended break time for breastfeeding test candidates.

How long does it take to complete MOC activities?

That depends on the individual and the specific MOC activity that is chosen. For detailed information regarding specific activities, use the Parts 2 & 4 Activity Search within your ABP Portfolio.

I’ve already earned more than 100 activity points. Can those extra points roll over into my next MOC points cycle?

Yes. You can roll over up to 25 excess Part 4 points from one cycle to the next. For example, if you have 75 or more Part 4 points in your current cycle, you will automatically begin the next cycle with 25 Part 4 points. Part 2 (Self-Assessment) points are not eligible to be rolled over.

How do I receive MOC credit for completion of an approved activity the ABP did NOT develop?

MOC credit is awarded upon receipt of a completion record from the organization that developed the activity. Please call or email the contact person listed on the Activity Profile sheet associated with your specific activity and request to have your completion record forwarded to the ABP.

I am not seeing patients. How can I successfully complete the Improving Professional Practice requirement?

The ABP offers the Virtual QI Learning PIM for physicians not seeing patients. For the list of approved activities, please use the Parts 2 & 4 Activity Search within your ABP Portfolio.

Does the ABP provide reciprocal MOC credit?

Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements, the ABP provides reciprocal credit for MOC Parts 2 and 4. Visit the Reciprocal MOC Credit page for additional information.

Are MOC points and CME hours equivalent?

No. MOC point values are not based on CME credit hours. MOC point values are assigned by the ABP at the time the activity is approved and does not correlate to CME credit hours.

What if there is no Quality Improvement (QI) activity that meets my practice's needs?

The ABP develops Performance Improvement Modules (PIMs), and is also working with other external organizations to ensure a robust menu of QI activities. For an extensive list of approved activities, please use the Parts 2 & 4 Activity Search within your ABP Portfolio. You and/or your organization may also be able to apply for credit for QI activities that are developed and implemented locally.

I am involved in a local, regional, or national QI initiative. Can I earn MOC credit for my participation?

Use the Parts 2 & 4 Activity Search within your ABP Portfolio to determine if this activity has already been approved by the ABP for MOC credit. If this activity has already been approved, you may be eligible to receive MOC credit. Further information may be obtained through the Activity Contact. Should this activity not be listed as approved, then the institution leading the QI initiative can apply for approval by using the ABP Standards for Quality Improvement Projects Seeking MOC Approval.