Continue Certification
3-Year Stages
To maintain board certification, ABFM Diplomates participate in the Continuous Certification Process, which consists of ongoing 3-year stages. Beginning in 2025, Diplomates will transition to the 5-Year Cycle in the year their next exam requirement is due.
Continuous Certification Requirements
During each 3-year stage, you must continuously comply with ABFM Guidelines for Professionalism, Licensure, and Personal Conduct and complete certification activities. In the year your next exam requirement is due, you will transition to the 5-Year Cycle to maintain your ABFM Board Certification.
- Certification Activities: Earn 50 certification points through Self-Assessment and Performance Improvement activities. Here’s how:
- Complete a minimum of one (1) Self-Assessment activity.
- Complete a minimum of one (1) Performance Improvement activity
- Complete additional self-assessment, performance improvement, or approved self-assessment alternative activities to reach a total of 50 certification points.
- Continuing Medical Education: Earn 150 Continuing Medical Education credits through ABFM activities and other organizations that issue AAFP or AMA approved CME.
- Professionalism and Licensure: Continuously comply with ABFM’s Guidelines for Professionalism, Licensure, and Personal Conduct, which includes maintaining a valid, active, and full license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada
- Annual Fee: Submit annual certification fee.
- Certification Exam: In the year your next exam is due, you will transition to the 5-Year Cycle. Instead of sitting for the one-day exam you will be enrolled in longitudinal assessment. Those that prefer the one-day exam can do so in year 4 of the 5-Year Cycle.
To view your outstanding certification requirements and learn more about when you’ll transition to the 5-Year Cycle, visit your MyABFM Portfolio!
