MDCMEOverview
The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) requires board-certified internists to participate in its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to maintain their certification. ABIM transitioned to a more flexible, continuous assessment model in recent years.
MOC Requirements
To maintain your ABIM certification, you must:
- Hold a valid medical license — At least one full, unrestricted license in the US or Canada
- Participate in MOC activities — Earn 100 MOC points over your 10-year cycle
- Complete an assessment — Pass the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) or traditional 10-year exam
MOC Point Categories
| Category | Description | Points Available |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Knowledge | CME activities, self-assessment | Up to 100 points |
| Practice Assessment | QI projects, peer review | Variable |
| Patient Safety | Patient safety courses | Variable |
Assessment Options
ABIM offers flexibility in how you demonstrate ongoing knowledge:
Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA)
- Answer 30 questions per quarter
- Open-book, take at your convenience
- 5-year rolling average determines pass/fail
- Most physicians prefer this option
Traditional 10-Year Exam
- Single high-stakes exam
- Proctored testing center
- Available if you prefer one-time assessment
Fees
| Option | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual enrollment | $220/year |
| 10-year prepay | $2,200 (saves $0) |
| LKA (included) | No additional fee |
| Traditional exam | $700+ |
Tips for ABIM MOC
- Start early — Don't wait until year 9 to begin earning points
- Use CME strategically — Many CME activities qualify for MOC points; look for "MOC-approved" designations
- Consider the LKA — Most physicians find the quarterly questions less stressful than the 10-year exam
- Track your progress — Log into your ABIM Physician Portal regularly
Subspecialty Certification
If you hold subspecialty certifications (cardiology, gastroenterology, etc.), each has its own MOC requirements. Points earned often apply to both your primary and subspecialty certifications.