May 21, 2024

ABP Maintenance of Certification: A Pediatrician's Essential Guide

By Med-Challenger · 2 minute read

Planning for your Maintenance of Certification (MOC) can seem daunting and may leave you wondering when to do what. MOC is a process of lifelong learning, self-assessment, and clinical improvement that board-certified pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists undertake to maintain their certification with the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). The ABP, in collaboration with the 23 other certifying boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), created a four-part structure for MOC to ensure high standards in medical practice.

What are the 4 Parts of the MOC for Pediatricians?

Maintaining your board certification in general pediatrics and any of the pediatric subspecialties involves staying current in four key areas. The MOC process ensures that you continue to meet the high standards of the profession. It’s important to note that once you are certified in a subspecialty, you are not required to maintain your certification in general pediatrics. Let’s take a look at the four parts.

Professional Standing (Part 1)

Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (Part 2)

Cognitive Expertise — Exam (Part 3)

Topics Covered on the MOCA-Peds Exam

Most questions will be based on the learning objectives outlined in the content framework, ensuring they cover the comprehensive knowledge required for effective practice in Pediatrics. Check out the 2024 MOCA-Peds Exam Content to get more detailed information on the topics that will be covered during the exam.

Health Care Improvement (Part 4)

Who is Eligible?

All ABP-certified pediatricians can enroll in Maintenance of Certification (MOC), including those with general, subspecialty, time-limited, expired, or lapsed certificates. Enrollment is required to access ABP’s online activities. Each physician has one MOC cycle, and all earned points apply to that cycle.

Permanent certificate holders, typically those certified before mid-1988, are not required to enroll, but the ABP strongly encourages all practicing pediatricians to participate.

Enrollment Details

To enroll in your next MOC cycle:

Log into your ABP Portfolio
Complete the online MOC re-enrollment process
Provide updated medical licensure information
Submit the MOC re-enrollment payment online

Per the ABP, the proper times to enroll are as follows:

WHO	WHEN
Newly certified pediatricians	Automatically enrolled in MOC
Newly certified pediatric subspecialists	Upon subspecialty certification, one year is added to your existing MOC cycle. No additional enrollment required.
Current MOC participants in the final year of their cycle	Enroll for next five-year cycle by mid-December of the year that your current MOC cycle ends. You must satisfy your current MOC-cycle requirements before you can enroll for your next cycle.
Permanent certificate holders wishing to begin MOC	Enroll when ready to begin MOC Parts 2 and 4 activities, make your payment, and submit license verification information
Previously certified pediatricians and subspecialists who do not have an MOC cycle and wish to regain MOC status*	Enroll when ready to begin MOC Parts 2 and 4 activities, make your payment, and submit license verification information. Your status is regained when all MOC requirements are met.

Visit your ABP Portfolio to determine the exact date that your enrollment is due to avoid a lapse in your board certification.

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