MDCMEOverview
The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) offers two pathways for continuing certification: the Article-Based Continuing Certification (ABCC) with 3-year blocks, or the traditional CC Examination every 10 years.
Assessment Pathways
Option 1: Article-Based CC (ABCC) — PREFERRED
The simplified pathway effective 2025:
- 20 article exams required per certification per 3-year cycle (reduced from previous higher number)
- 3-year blocks for ongoing assessment
- Easier tracking for diplomates with multiple certifications
Option 2: Traditional CC Examination
- Exam every 10 years
- Comprehensive knowledge assessment
- Traditional testing format
MOC Requirements (3-Year Blocks)
| Requirement | Frequency |
|---|---|
| CME | Every 3-year CC block |
| Self-Assessment (SA) | Every 3-year CC block |
| Performance in Practice (PIP) | Every 3-year CC block |
| Patient Safety | One-time (if first block began 2017+) |
Self-Assessment (SA)
- Required every 3-year CC block
- Self-assessment activities to identify knowledge gaps
- Helps enhance expertise in psychiatry and neurology
Performance in Practice (PIP)
Required every 3-year CC block:
- Quality improvement activities
- Review clinical performance
- Implement changes to enhance patient care
Patient Safety Activity
- One-time requirement for diplomates whose first CC block began in 2017 or later
- Complete once, not repeated each cycle
Co-Sponsored Subspecialty Assessments
Some subspecialty CC assessments are administered by other boards:
| Subspecialty | Administered By |
|---|---|
| Brain Injury Medicine | ABPMR |
| Pain Medicine | ABA |
| Sleep Medicine | ABIM |
| Hospice and Palliative Medicine | ABIM |
Alternative CC Activity Options
- Fellowship waiver available
- ABMS Portfolio Program credit
- Member board reciprocal credit available
Physician Portal
- Personal account for certification maintenance guidance
- All ABPN board-certified physicians have access
- Track progress and requirements
Diplomate Audits
ABPN conducts regular audits:
- Approximately 5% of CC exam applications audited annually
- Approximately 5% of CC Program diplomates audited annually
- Documentation required for CME, SA, Patient Safety, and PIP activities
Medical Licensure Policy
- Active, full, unrestricted medical license required
- ABPN assesses and documents professionalism
- Part of credentialing and CC programs
Key Deadlines
- 3-year CC blocks with annual monitoring requirements
- Article exam deadlines within each 3-year cycle
- Check Physician Portal for individual deadlines
Tips for ABPN MOC
- Consider ABCC — Simplified with 20 article exams per 3-year block
- Track subspecialties separately — Some administered by other boards
- Complete Patient Safety once — One-time if block started 2017+
- Prepare for audits — Keep documentation for all activities