MDCMEOverview
The American Board of Pathology (ABPath) uses a 2-year reporting period for continuing certification with ongoing CertLink participation. Diplomates are automatically enrolled upon certification (issued after 1/1/2006).
MOC Requirements
| Component | Frequency | Details |
|---|---|---|
| CME reporting | Every 2 years | Attestation through PATHway |
| CertLink (ABPCL) | Quarterly | No more than 2 quarters missed per 2-year period |
| Medical license | Ongoing | Active license required |
| Quality assurance | Every 2 years | Documentation of activities |
ABPath CertLink (ABPCL)
CertLink is the primary assessment method:
- Quarterly questions throughout certification period
- Practice-focused learning in pathology
- Cannot miss more than 2 quarters in any 2-year period
- Missing a quarter occurs if one or more questions are incomplete when quarter closes
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | $150 per physician |
| Note | Not per certificate—single fee covers all |
First payment due year following CC Program enrollment.
Enrollment
Automatic Enrollment
- Diplomates with certificates issued after 1/1/2006 automatically enrolled
- Participation mandatory for time-limited certificates
Voluntary Participation
- Non-time-limited certificate holders (certified before 1/1/2006) may voluntarily participate
- May participate in ABPCL only or entire CC Program
- Voluntary participation does not affect lifetime certification or risk expiration
PATHway Portal
Platform for managing continuing certification:
- Connect with ABPath
- Track CC Program progress and participation
- Manage reporting forms and ABPCL
- Individual certifications do not have separate deadlines
Reporting Requirements
2-year reporting forms cover:
- Medical license and practice information
- CME completion documentation
- Quality assurance activities during 2-year period
- Covers all certifications (no separate tracking by certificate)
Multiple Certificates
- Both reporting forms and CertLink cover all certifications
- Single annual fee regardless of certificate count
- Individual certifications don't have separate cycles
Key Deadlines
| Requirement | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Reporting form | Before end of 2-year period |
| CertLink quarters | No more than 2 missed per 2-year period |
| Annual fee | Due each year |
Board Certification Status
- Diplomates must accurately state certification status
- Expired certificates cannot be claimed as current
- Misrepresentation reported to credentialing agencies, licensing boards, law enforcement
Tips for ABPath MOC
- Don't skip quarters — Can only miss 2 per 2-year period
- Single fee covers all — One payment for all certificates
- Use PATHway — Central portal for all requirements
- Complete reporting on time — 2-year deadline is firm