Understanding ABEM and EMCC for Current and Former Diplomates

Current Diplomates
To maintain certification beyond their current certificate’s expiration date, diplomates must participate in each component of EMCC as follows:
• Continuously maintain medical licensure in compliance with the ABEM Policy on Medical Licensure
• Complete annual Lifelong Learning Self Assessment – LLSA tests based on designated readings.
• Take and pass the continuous certification cognitive expertise (ConCert) examination in or before the year in which their certificates expire. Diplomates must complete a specific number of LLSA tests in order to register for a ConCert examination.
• For clinically active diplomates, meet the requirements of the Assessment of Practice Performance component.
All clinically inactive diplomates who wish to maintain their certification will be required to complete ABEM requirements for Professional Standing, Lifelong Learning and Self Assessment, and Assessment of Cognitive Expertise – ConCert at the same level as required for clinically active diplomates.

The Policy on Required EMCC Activity describes these requirements in greater detail, together with the options available to diplomates who do not complete the LLSA requirements to take the ConCert examination. The EMCC Policies and Procedures book describes how diplomates can participate in the LLSA EMCC program.

Diplomates who wish to view their specific requirements may sign in to EMCC Online and select “Check EMCC Status” from the quick links on their EMCC Personal Page.

Former Diplomates
ABEM provides options for former diplomates to regain certification. Former diplomates who meet specific requirements may attempt to regain certification through the EMCC program.

Former diplomates who do not meet the requirements for regaining certification through the EMCC program may attempt to regain certification by taking the intial certification examinations.

All former diplomates attempting to regain certification must maintain medical licensure in compliance with ABEM's Policy on Medical Licensure.

Former diplomates who complete all their required LLSA tests before their certificates expired have three years from their certification expiration date to regain certification through the EMCC program. Test or examination activity is required in each of the three years. If they do not complete the required annual activity, the only way they can regain certification is by passing the qualifying and oral certification examinations.