MDCMEOverview
The American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) uses a 3-year cycle for most activities with a 4-year period for the CertLink longitudinal assessment. Diplomates are automatically enrolled upon certification (issued after 1/1/2006).
MOC Requirements
ABMGG uses a four-part framework based on ABMS standards:
| Part | Component | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Professionalism | Professional standing maintenance |
| Part 2 | Lifelong Learning | CME/CPD activities |
| Part 3 | Assessment | CertLink longitudinal assessment |
| Part 4 | Improvement | Medical practice improvement |
CertLink Assessment
CertLink is the primary assessment method:
- Questions answered every 6 months during 4-year assessment period
- Based on scientific articles in genetics and genomics
- Multiple-choice format
- Final scores calculated at end of 4-year period
- Practice-focused learning aligned with ABMGG mission
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual Continuing Certification fee | $500 |
| Late fee (after January 1) | $100 |
Payment methods: Electronic payment in Portal (credit card or ACH) or check mailed to ABMGG
Exception: Newly certified diplomates training full-time in second medical specialty/subspecialty may be eligible for waiver or credit on first year of annual fees.
Key Deadlines
- December 31 — Annual fee payment due
- January 1 — Late fee assessed if not paid
- 3-year cycle — Activity completion required
- Grace period — 1 year after end of 3-year cycle for outstanding requirements
- 5-year total — Certification lost if not caught up after grace period
Enrollment
Automatic Enrollment
- Diplomates with certificates issued after 1/1/2006 automatically enrolled
- Must accept terms and update CV/contact info on first portal access
Voluntary Participation
- Non-time-limited certificate holders (certified before 1993) may voluntarily participate
- Encouraged to contribute voluntary dues to support ABMGG operations
- Voluntary dues are not tax-deductible (ABMGG is 501(c)(6) organization)
Certification Status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Meeting Requirements | All components completed |
| Not Meeting Requirements | Outstanding requirements after grace period |
| Certification Lost | Not caught up within 5-year total period |
Continuing Certification Portal
- Automatic enrollment upon certification
- Diplomates responsible for ongoing participation monitoring
- Documentation submission required for activity credit
- Audits conducted to verify compliance
Tips for ABMGG MOC
- Pay by December 31 — Avoid $100 late fee
- Check CertLink every 6 months — Questions due biannually
- Use grace period wisely — One year to catch up if needed
- Single fee covers all — One payment regardless of number of specialties