MDCMEOverview
The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) is transitioning all diplomates to a 5-year certification cycle. The program is built on four foundational components and replaces the previous 3-year stages with 10-year exam structure.
Transition to 5-Year Cycle
- All ABFM diplomates will transition to the 5-year cycle in the year their next exam requirement is due
- Same four foundational components as previous system
- Replaces 3-year stages and 10-year exam structure
Four Foundational Components
| Component | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Professionalism | Professional standing assessment | Continuous |
| Self-Assessment & Lifelong Learning | Knowledge gap identification | Continuous |
| Performance Improvement | High-quality patient care support | Continuous |
| Cognitive Expertise (Exam) | Clinical knowledge assessment | Once per 5-year cycle |
Self-Assessment Requirements
Continuous Knowledge Self-Assessment (CKSA)
Effective January 1, 2026:
- Quarterly participation with spaced repetition
- 30 questions per quarterly activity
- 5 personalized spaced repetition questions + 25 new questions
- Helps identify gaps in knowledge
- Reviews up-to-date clinical content
Exam/Assessment Options
1. Family Medicine Certification Examination
- Traditional one-day exam
- Required once per 5-year cycle
- Assesses clinical knowledge across specialty
2. Family Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment
- Alternative to traditional exam
- Ongoing assessment throughout cycle
- Practice-integrated learning approach
- Better accommodates practicing physicians
Key Deadlines
- 5-year cycle duration — Transition occurs in year next exam is due
- Quarterly CKSA — Ongoing deadlines as of January 1, 2026
- Continuous compliance — ABFM Guidelines for Professionalism, Licensure, and Personal Conduct
MyABFM Portfolio
Track all requirements through MyABFM Portfolio:
- View individual requirements
- Track progress on all components
- Monitor certification status
- Access self-assessment activities
Re-Entry Pathway
Effective January 2026, a re-entry pathway is available:
- For physicians previously certified by ABFM
- Requires completing incomplete certification requirements
- Must pass one-day exam (longitudinal assessment NOT an option for re-entry)
Subspecialty: Geriatrics & Palliative Care
ABFM offers subspecialty certification in:
- Geriatrics
- Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Additional requirements apply for subspecialty maintenance.
Tips for ABFM MOC
- Check MyABFM Portfolio — Know your specific transition date
- Stay current on CKSA — Quarterly activities are ongoing
- Choose your exam pathway — Traditional or longitudinal assessment
- Plan for transition — Requirements change in your transition year
Retired from Practice Status
Modified requirements available for diplomates who have retired from practice.
Support Resources
ABFM Support Center available for questions:
- Phone: 877-223-7437
- Online support system available