Diplomates are required to participate in ABPN-approved broad-based self-assessment (SA) activities. SA requirements may be fulfilled by multiple SA activities. Each SA activity must cover new knowledge and/or current best practices in one or more of the competency areas and provide feedback that can be used by the diplomate as the basis for focused CME, lifelong learning, and/or career development. That feedback must include the correct answer and recommended literature resources for each question, and comparative performance to peers.

• Diplomates must complete 16 SACME credits for each 3-year block.
  • CME from SA activities counts toward total CME credits per year.
• SACME activities must be selected from the ABPN Approved CC Activities List since not all Category 1 CME activities meet specific self-assessment activity requirements.
• The ABPN will waive eight SA CME credits for the completion of a non-CME SA activity.
• The ABPN will waive a maximum of 16 SACME credits for two different non-CME SA activities per three-year CC block.
• Diplomates in CC must complete the approved non-CME SA activity during the block for which they are earning non-CME Self-Assessment credit.
• The options for non-CME self-assessment activity credit include:
  • Passing an ABPN certification or recertification examination.
  • Approved scientific grant application (funding not required), with documented peer review/feedback. Individuals seeking credit must maintain evidence of grant submission, statement of approval, and peer review/feedback, and attestation to a significant/major contribution to the grant writing*.
  • Peer-reviewed journal article publication, indexed in the MEDLINE database.
  • Non-CME self-assessment examinations that are part of patient safety courses and done post residency*.
  • Four hours of peer supervision with written feedback about the diplomate’s clinical performance, medical knowledge and patient care.*
  • Formal institutional peer review committee written feedback about the diplomate’s clinical performance, medical knowledge and patient care.*

*Must be submitted to ABPN for pre-approval.