Frequently Asked Questions | American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Maintenance of Certification

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Recertification?
Child and adolescent psychiatry was established as an ABPN subspecialty in 1959. From 1959 to 1994, certification was awarded on a lifetime basis. Beginning in 1995, certification in child and adolescent psychiatry has been awarded for a ten-year period only. At the conclusion of the ten-year certification cycle, child and adolescent psychiatry practitioners must take a recertification examination in order to maintain their certification. This began as a take-home examination, but the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) mandated that it become a secure, proctored examination, and the ABPN complied with this mandate. This change was made for accountability to the public. It is only with a secure, proctored examination that one can be certain of the identity of the test taker.
Do I have to take the recertification exam?
If you took your child and adolescent psychiatry boards before 1995, you are considered "grandfathered" and do not have to take the recertification exam. If you are certified in 1995 and beyond, you will be required to complete the new Maintenance of Certification requirements.
Do I need to be recertified?
If you would like to maintain your board certification, this is a requirement to keep up your board certification for child and adolescent psychiatry.
Do I have to recertify in general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry?
They are two separate certifications. Child and adolescent psychiatrists do not need to maintain current certification in general psychiatry for their subspecialty certification to remain valid and sit for the MOC examination in child and adolescent psychiatry.
What is the application deadline for the next recertification?
The application deadline for 2011 is November 1, 2010, (late deadline is December 1, 2010) with examinations taking place between April 11-15, 2011.
What are the new Maintenance of Certification requirements?
ABPN’s current Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Maintenance of Certification program includes four components:
1. Evidence of professional standing – a current unrestricted license to practice medicine
2. Evidence of self-assessment and lifelong learning
  1. Self assessment program – participation in at least 2 major, broad-based self assessment programs during the 10 year MOC cycle
    1. One activity completed in years 1-3
    2. A second activity completed in years 6-8
    3. At least an average of the 8 CME credits per year (averaged over 2-5 years) should involve self-assessment
  2. Lifelong learning (CME) activities
    1. 300 specialty or sub-specialty, Category 1, CME credits over the ten year period broken down as 150 CME credits within each of the 5 year block periods
3. Evidence of cognitive expertise – successful passage of the cognitive exam
4. Evidence of performance in practice – PIP
  1. Designed to evaluate whether or not physicians have shown improvement in the last ten years (this is done by a chart review and a second party external review) Participants will be required to complete three units consisting of both modules
  2. The 1st PIP Unit must be completed in years 1-3 of the 10-year MOC cycle
  3. The 2nd PIP Unit must be completed in years 4-6 of the 10-year MOC cycle
  4. The 3rd PIP Unit must be completed in years 7-9 of the 10-year MOC cycle
  5. Clinical Modules (Chart Review)
    1. PIP clinical modules must use data obtained from or pertinent to a participant’s personal clinical practice and must evaluate at least five patient cases in a specific category (i.e. diagnoses, type of treatment, treatment setting)
    2. PIP modules must compare data from the clinical cases to best practices or practicing guidelines
    3. PIP modules must require the development of a plan by the member to improve his/her performance
    4. PIP modules must reassess data from at least another five cases in the same specific category within 24 months similar to the original assessment
  6. 1. PIP assessment modules must be based on feedback from at least five peers or five patients over the previous three years
    2. PIP modules must provide performance feedback to the participant concerning improvement in the effectiveness and/or efficiency of their practice as it relates to the core competencies
    3. PIP modules must present feedback from at least another five peers or patients within 24 months similar to that provided in the original assessment
When does the ABPN’s lifelong learning requirement begin?
The “evidence of self-assessment and lifelong learning component” of maintenance of certification began in 2007 on a phase-in basis.
Of note:
- Every member must possess a medical license, and all licenses must be unrestricted
- At least an average of the 8 CME credits per year (averaged over 2-5 years) should involve self-assessment
- Only after completing licensure, CME, SA and PIP requirements are diplomats qualified to complete the ABPN MOC Cognitive Examination
How do I fulfill the new Maintenance of Certification – Evidence of self-assessment and lifelong learning requirement?
The AACAP provides a variety of ways to comply with this new requirement:
1. ABPN approved – AACAP developed written modules comprising of articles on specific disorders, and seminal articles. A post-test is included.
2. ABPN approved specialized Institute at the Annual Meeting devoted to the topic of the module and the latest research in the field.
3. ABPN approved Lifelong Learning Institute on Maintenance of Certification, solely devoted to reviews of the written modules.
What does ABPN approval mean?
The ABPN has already approved these credits towards your lifelong learning self-assessment.
Is the AACAP the only outlet for approval of the lifelong learning self-assessment requirement?
No, please contact the ABPN (www.ABPN.com) for other approved programs towards your lifelong learning self-assessment requirement.
How do I get the copies of the module articles?
1. Article reference lists are available in a PDF document you may download and print.
2. The modules can be purchased online through AACAP's Publication Store.
What is the cost of the module?
Each module is $200 plus shipping and handling. AACAP members receive a 20% discount. The cost includes the post-test and Category 1 CME credit.
How do I receive CME credit for completing the module?
A post-test with a passing score of 70% is required to receive CME credit for completing the modules. The post-test is available for purchase with the module articles by filling out the Publication Order Form*. Once you have read the module articles, completed the CME post-test and faxed or mailed the test to AACAP, your exam will be graded and the assigned Category 1 CME credits will be issued and mailed to you.
Who will keep track of my ABPN approved CME?
We ask that you keep all documents/CME certificates the AACAP sends you. You will be responsible for officially submitting the information to ABPN. AACAP will keep a master record and can issue duplicate certificates if need be.
Does this CME count towards my state education requirements?
Yes, as long as it is designated Category 1.
When will each new module be available?
Each new module will be available in September. Modules are distributed either by purchasing online at www.AACAP.org, or by attending the Institute at the Annual Meeting in October.
How long will the modules be available?
The modules will be available for three years after they are released.
What are the future topics of the modules?
The following modules are listed in no specific order for release:
- Normal Development, Developmental Variables (protective and risk), Infancy and Pregnancy, Prevention, Sexual Orientation, Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders
- Reactive Attachment Disorder, Abuse and Neglect, Adoption and Foster Care, Custody and Divorce, Dissociative Disorders, Personality Disorders
- Modalities of Treatment