Ongoing Certification Requirements for Diplomates with Time-Limited Certificates
Diplomates with time-limited certificates must be up to date with their ongoing certification requirements to remain in good standing.
What is the time limited certification?
Time-limited diplomates are not yet enrolled in Continuous Certification
Diplomates who hold a time-limited certificate last completed a traditional certification exam at an exam center to maintain that certificate.
These diplomates are not required to take their annual assessment until the year that their time-limited certification expires.
However, they must update all other certification requirements every five years. Time-limited diplomates are welcome to enroll in the Continuous Certification Program prior to certificate expiration
Report frequently to avoid delays later
Diplomates with time-limited certificates who are not yet enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program should maintain their requirements on an ongoing basis. While the assessment is not due until the year that a time-limited certificate expires, most other program requirements should be updated no less than every five years. Diplomates can check their status anytime in the ABS surgeon portal to view when items are due and submit any necessary information.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR DIPLOMATES WITH TIME LIMITED CERTIFICATES?
Regardless of assessment schedule, diplomates are required to stay current with certification requirements
Diplomates who hold time-limited (10-year) certificates and have not enrolled in the Continuous Certification Program are not required to take the annual assessment until the year their certificate expires. However they must update their ongoing certification requirements every five years at a minimum. Diplomates can enroll in the Continuous Certification Program prior to certificate expiration by registering for an assessment if they wish.
Review this guide for guidance on how to update any ongoing certification requirements. Use the ABS Surgeon Portal to check the status of your requirements and submit any necessary information.
Certification Requirements
All ongoing requirements must be met in order to register for and complete a Continuous Certification Assessment upon time-limited certificate expiration
Diplomates must hold a valid, full, and unrestricted (U.S. or Canada) medical license, and must immediately inform the ABS of any conditions or restrictions in force on any active medical license they hold.
Hospital or surgical center privileges are required if the diplomate is clinically active. If a diplomate is clinically inactive or does not otherwise hold privileges, they will be asked to provide an explanation.
Ongoing participation in a local, regional, or national outcomes registry or quality assessment program, either individually or through the diplomate’s institution, is expected. Diplomates must describe how they are meeting this requirement — no patient data is collected. See Practice Improvement for more details and resources.
Diplomates must review the ABS Code of Ethics and Professionalism and complete the corresponding attestation when reporting on their ongoing certification requirements.
As part of this attestation, submission of the names and contact information for two references is required. The individuals listed will not be contacted unless the diplomate is audited by the ABS, enrolls in the lapsed pathway to regain certification, or is found to be in violation of the Code.
Requirements for Time Limited Diplomates
Diplomates with time-limited certificates must meet the following requirements:
- Total Credits: 150 credits of Category 1 CME relevant to their practice every five years
- Self-Assessment (SA): At least 50 of those credits must include a self-assessment component (question-and-answer exercise)
- Timing: Credits are counted on a five-year rolling basis and expire five years from the date of completion
How to Find and Report Credits
Use the ACCME’s CME Passport website to find qualifying activities accepted by the ABS. For self-assessment activities, look for the “SA” notation (e.g., ABS Credit Type(s): CME, SA)
Diplomates should check the CME repository in your ABS Portal to view information about the current five-year window.
NOTE: The CME Passport website is hosted and maintained by the ACCME, not by the ABS. For questions or concerns related to any activities listed in the CME Passport, please contact the ACCME or the CME provider directly.
Audits
The ABS audits a percentage of diplomates each year
If audited, diplomates will be asked to furnish documentation of the information they have provided in their ABS portal, including CME activities. No patient data is collected. Diplomates who do not reply to an audit will not be eligible to take an assessment and must re-enter the Continuous Certification Program.
Certifications from Other Approved Boards
Reciprocity offered for certification requirements
Diplomates certified by other ABMS member boards must meet and report on all above-listed requirements; however, activities that meet ABS requirements completed for the continuing certification programs of other boards or the RCPSC may be used. If certification or recertification is achieved from another ABMS board, diplomates may be eligible to waive some CME with self-assessment toward ABS requirements – contact the ABS for more information.
Fellowship
CME is waived during fellowship training
The practice improvement requirement is waived for all diplomates for the duration of their fellowship training. If you are in fellowship, please indicate that in the portal using the free-text space under the practice improvement requirement section.
Diplomates may receive a CME waiver for the time spent completing an eligible fellowship (up to 24 months).
- Credit Value: Up to 2.5 CME credit waives per month of training
- Fellowship Duration: Eligible fellowships must be between 12 and 24 months in length
Accreditation Requirements
To qualify for these waivers, the fellowship must be accredited by the ACGME or surgical organization with a formal accreditation process, included by not limited to:
- Society of Surgical Oncology
- American Society of Transplant Surgeons
- American College of Surgeons
- The Fellowship Council
Details about the fellowship must be provided via the diplomate’s ABS portal.
Contact
Our exam managers are here to help
Most questions can be answered with the information available on our website. For specific inquiries, please contact the Continuous Certification Program manager.