Challenger Medical Education Blog

MyEMCert – Information about the ABEM Recertification - Exam Modules, Requirements, and How to Prepare

Written by Andrea Eberly, MD, MS, FAAEM | Aug 1, 2023 8:57:22 PM

What you need to know about ABEM's MyEMCert

MyEMCert is the recertification option for ABEM-certified physicians seeking to re-certify. In this article, we'll outline the key points about the MyEMCert, how it works, what to expect, and how to best prepare for the MyEMCert modules.  We'll answer some common MyEMCert questions along the way.

What is MyEMCert

The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) has developed MyEMCert as the alternative to taking the ConCert Exam and completing LLSAs for ABEM MOC and recertification. The MyEMCert is designed to improve the recertification process, quality of practice knowledge, and quality of life for ABEM diplomates.

MyEMCert Summary:

  • Content consists of eight (8) presentation-based, topic-specific modules:
    • Abdominopelvic
    • Abnormal vital signs and shock
    • Trauma and bleeding
    • Thoracorespiratory
    • Neurology
    • Social and behavioral health
    • Head and neck
    • Nontraumatic musculoskeletal
  • Content will also include recent advances, which could be on any topic
  • You must complete (pass) one module every year.
  • Three "versions" of a module will be available each year - one chance on each version (if you need it).
  • You must pass at least one of the three.  If not, you have to wait until next year.
  • Grading is pass / fail, results and feedback information will be delivered through your ABEM profile account
  • Physicians will be able to access the exam remotely, via computer, tablet, etc... most days of the year.
  • Once started, a module must be completed within the allotted time - you can't stop the timer.
  • Physicians may use any reference materials they like.
  • Physicians must take the assessments alone, without any collaboration.
  • With MyEMCert, you no longer have to complete LLSAs

MyEMCert Exam Information

MyEMCert modules will consist of eight (8) short assessment modules of 30 - 50 questions each.  Each module addresses a category of common patient presentations in the emergency department.

Four modules must be completed every five years (x2) - a total of eight modules required in each ten-year certification cycle.  

Each module includes recent advances in Emergency Medicine (that may or may not be related to the category of patient presentation). Therefore, if you participate in MyEMCert you do not also have to take LLSAs.

However, diplomates who have less than ten years remaining on their current certification and who choose to participate in MyEMCert will have less time to complete eight modules before their certification expires.

However, diplomates who have less than ten years remaining on their current certification and who choose to participate in MyEMCert will have less time to complete eight modules before their certification expires.

There will be three versions of each MyEMCert module available in any given year.

One module registration fee will cover three attempts of the same module. If the third attempt within that year is unsuccessful, the physician will need to wait until the following year, when a new version becomes available.

Questions will be accessible remotely using computers or tablets.

Physicians can select the order in which they take the modules. There is no particular order in which topics must be covered.

The modules are designed to assist your learning.

You can take a module without studying since you can attempt each module multiple times. Three attempts are available for each registration. Remember that ABEM never discloses your pass/fail information without a signed release from you.

You can take MyEMCert modules at home at specific times of the day, most days of the year.

Note: The exact available times are yet to be determined.

Although MyEMCert must be taken alone—without collaboration—you can look up information of your choice—for example, textbooks or online resources to which you subscribe—while completing a module.

Each MyEMCert module must be completed within a set amount of time. Test takers can take breaks during the exam, but the test clock will not stop. It will continue to run so plan ahead. Modules cannot be saved and revisited later. Once started, a module will count as an attempt even if it is not completed.

Physicians will be informed about whether they passed or failed shortly after the module is submitted.  Feedback will be provided after the module has been submitted for scoring and will include the correct answer and the rationale for the correct answer.

Although the modules are designed to be taken without studying - some portion of ConCert board exam review and LLSA article review is recommended to ensure first-time passing scores.  You are supposed to already have a fairly comprehensive knowledge of the information.  Looking up too much information on the spot may cost you too much time and may jeopardize the completion of all questions.

If one version of a module is not passed, a different version of the same module can be re-attempted immediately.  There are three versions of each module - and thus, three chances to pass.  ABEM states feedback about the modules could be used to identify possible knowledge gaps before the physician retakes a different version of the module.

Med-Challenger can help with all of your Emergency Medicine education needs, including MyEMCert modules.

Is it emergency medicine group or program education that you seek? Med-Challenger for Residency Programs can help with that too!