MDCMEOverview
The American Board of Radiology (ABR) uses different cycles for different components: a 5-year cycle for Part 3 (Assessment) and rolling 3-year periods for Parts 2 and 4. Diplomates with 2012 or later certificates must participate.
MOC Requirements
| Part | Component | Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Professional Standing | Ongoing |
| Part 2 | Lifelong Learning (CME) | Rolling 3-year |
| Part 3 | Assessment (OLA/Exam) | 5-year |
| Part 4 | Improvement in Medical Practice | Rolling 3-year |
CME Requirements (Part 2)
- Minimum 75 Category 1 CME credits over continuously rolling 3-year period
- Medical physics diplomates can use CAMPEP-accredited CE, Self-Directed Educational Projects (SDEPs), and Category 1 CME
- Newly certified diplomates exempt from Part 2 until year four of CC participation
Assessment Options (Part 3)
Online Longitudinal Assessment (OLA) — HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
- Flexible option to meet passing standard
- Can pass anytime in year 5 of 5-year cycle
- Continuous learning and assessment
- No additional test center fee
Continuing Certification Exam — Traditional
- Administered at Pearson VUE test centers
- Taken in year 4 or 5 of 5-year assessment cycle
- Additional test center fee: $700
Note: 4:1 ratio of diplomates choose OLA over traditional exam.
Part 1: Professional Standing
- Physicians: Valid, unrestricted medical license required
- Medical physics diplomates: Licensure required only in FL, HI, NY, or TX; otherwise one available attester required
- Verified through FSMB primary source verification
Part 4: Improvement in Medical Practice
- One Practice Quality Improvement (PQI) Project or Participatory QI Activity within rolling 3-year period
- Newly certified diplomates exempt until year four of CC participation
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | Contact ABR for current rates |
| Test center fee (CC Exam only) | $700 |
| OLA | No additional fee |
Key Deadlines
| Requirement | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Part 3 Assessment | Year 5 of 5-year cycle |
| Part 2 CME | Rolling 3-year period |
| Part 4 QI | Rolling 3-year period |
| Audit response | 60 days if selected |
Public Reporting
- Certification status publicly listed on ABR and ABMS websites
- Transparency about CC participation
- Lifetime certificates remain valid if diplomates opt-out but won't show as "maintained"
Audit Process
If selected for audit:
- 60-day response period for documentation of Parts 2 and 4
- Must provide documentation for selected audit items
- Two audit attempts allowed over no longer than 6 months
- Non-compliance after two audits results in "no longer certified" status
Special Circumstances Policy
Available for unforeseen circumstances:
- Military duty
- Serious illness
- Other qualifying situations
- Request process available through ABR
Regaining Certification
Former diplomates can regain by:
- Enrolling in CC program through myABR
- Satisfying all enrollment requirements
- Contact ABR certification manager for assistance
Tips for ABR MOC
- Choose OLA — Saves $700 test center fee and more flexible
- Track 3-year rolling CME — 75 credits over any 3-year period
- Don't forget Part 4 — QI activity required on 3-year rolling basis
- Prepare for potential audits — Keep documentation for 60-day response