A Closer Look at Recertification Candidate Pass Rates

We continue to receive a number of inquiries from physicians regarding the low pass rate statistics for recertification candidates for the reporting periods from 2010 to 2012. Many physicians fear the examination has changed in some way, putting those attempting to maintain their certification at a distinct disadvantage. Others worry that the passing score criteria for recertifiers are greater than those of initial certifiers. We appreciate the active interest in ongoing assessment results and welcome the opportunity to clarify the source of these statistical changes. In short, the Maintenance of Certification for Family Physicians (MC-FP) examination has not changed. For those attempting to maintain their certificates, the criteria for a passing score are no more stringent now than in recent years. The apparent pass rate discrepancy for this group in 2010, 2011, and 2012 is a sample bias among recertification candidates created by a policy change that extended certification from 7 to 10 years. Here we attempt to explain this statistical artifact in simple terms and address the concerns expressed by many family physicians.