Rethinking Your Exam in the 5-Year Cycle

For family physicians, maintaining their ABFM Board Certification has traditionally meant preparing for a high-stakes, one-day exam. But certification doesn’t have to hinge on a single day. Through ABFM’s 5-Year Continuous Certification Cycle, Diplomates now have the option to complete their exam requirement through longitudinal assessment, a flexible, practice-aligned approach that continues to gain momentum.

Beginning Your 5-Year Cycle

If you are currently certified, you do not take the one-day exam before beginning the 5-Year Cycle. Instead, you’ll complete your current 3-year stage, finish the quick 20-minute registration process, and begin the longitudinal assessment on January 1 of the year your exam would have been due.

For Diplomates who prefer the one-day exam experience, that option remains available in year four of the 5-Year Cycle.

Understanding the Longitudinal Assessment

The longitudinal assessment consists of answering 25 questions each quarter over three to four years, for a total of 300 questions, the same number as the one-day exam. Most participants complete all questions by the end of the third year; in fact, 78% have done so since the program launched in 2019.

The fourth year of longitudinal assessment provides additional time to accommodate unexpected life or work demands that may arise as you work toward completion of the 300-question assessment. This additional year provides flexibility to defer up to 100 unopened questions into the final year without penalty while within the maximum threshold of 25 questions per quarter.

Detailed information about the format is available on the longitudinal assessment webpage.

Earning Points and CME

Not only are you completing your exam requirement to maintain board certification, but you’re also earning certification points and CME, too! When you complete the longitudinal assessment, you will be awarded up to 10 certification points and 30 CME credits.

The Learning Advantage

One of the most valued features of longitudinal assessment is immediate feedback. Research shows that immediate feedback on whether responses are correct or incorrect encourages reflection of one’s knowledge on the topic. After submitting your answer, you’ll receive an explanation and supporting references that can be reviewed before moving on. This approach promotes enduring learning rather than short-term memorization for a high-stakes exam.

A Different Approach to Certification

The 5-Year Cycle reflects a shift toward assessment that fits more naturally into physicians’ professional lives. For many Diplomates, longitudinal assessment offers a manageable, evidence-based alternative that supports learning while maintaining the same rigor and high standards.