Regaining Certification

Certification Re-Entry Process

The Certification Re-Entry Process must be completed within three calendar years following the year in which you started the process. For example, if a physician begins the Certification Re-Entry Process on May 19, 2021, they will have until December 31, 2024, to complete all requirements and regain certification.

The Certification Re-Entry Process includes:

1. Certification Activities: Earn a total of 50 certification points by completing ABFM self-assessment and performance improvement activities. Here’s how:
   • Earn 10 points by completing a minimum of one (1) Knowledge Self-Assessment, or its equivalent.
   • Earn 20 points by completing a minimum of one (1) Performance Improvement activity.
   • Earn 20 points by completing additional self-assessment or performance improvement activities, or a variety of external self-assessment activities to reach your 50-point total.
2. Continuing Medical Education (CME): Earn 150 CME credits in the three years prior to your one-day exam.
3. 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.
4. Applicable Fees: Submit all fees associated with the Certification Re-Entry Process.
5. Certification Exam: Submit a completed application with applicable fees and pass the one-day exam to regain certification.

For details about your specific requirements, log in to your MyABFM Portfolio.

If you do not meet these requirements and regain certification within three calendar years following the year you began the process, a new cycle will be required to regain certification. Any activities you may have completed prior to starting the Re-Entry Process (and associated fees) will not carry forward. Any incomplete activities started prior to the Re-Entry Process will be reset so they may be restarted, and unused fees will be refunded.