Understanding MOC vs State CME
Physicians face two overlapping CME systems:
State Medical License CME:
- Required for license renewal
- Typically 40-75 hours every 1-3 years
- Mandatory topics (opioids, ethics, etc.)
- Administered by state medical boards
Maintenance of Certification (MOC):
- Required for specialty board certification
- Typically 5-10 year cycles
- Specialty-specific content requirements
- Administered by ABMS member boards
The Good News: Most MOC CME also counts toward state requirements, allowing you to satisfy both with strategic planning.
Internal Medicine (ABIM)
MOC Requirements:
- 100 points over 5 years
- Must include medical knowledge self-assessment
- Practice assessment activities required
- 20 points minimum per year
Point Structure:
- 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit = 1 MOC point
- Self-assessment modules: Variable points
- Quality improvement: 20+ points
Key Deadlines:
- Points reported quarterly
- 5-year cycle based on certification date
- Annual fee required
Common Activities:
- ABIM knowledge check-ins
- MKSAP (Medical Knowledge Self-Assessment Program)
- Hospital quality improvement projects
Surgery (ABS)
MOC Requirements:
- 90 CME credits over 3 years (minimum 30/year)
- 20 Category 1 Self-Assessment credits
- 20 Quality/Safety credits
Credit Categories:
- Category 1: ACCME-accredited activities
- Self-Assessment: ABS-approved programs
- Quality: Hospital QI participation
Unique Features:
- Shorter cycle than most specialties
- Higher annual minimum requirement
- Emphasis on quality/safety
Popular Resources:
- SCORE curriculum
- ACS CME programs
- Surgical grand rounds
Family Medicine (ABFM)
MOC Requirements:
- 50 CME credits per 3-year stage
- 25 must be self-assessment
- Performance improvement required
Stage Structure:
- 3-year stages within 10-year cycle
- Must complete all stages for certification
- Family Medicine Certification Examination every 10 years
Key Components:
- Lifelong Learning (CME)
- Self-Assessment
- Cognitive Expertise (exam)
- Performance in Practice
Resources:
- AAFP CME library
- Self-assessment modules
- Practice improvement tools
Other Major Specialties
Pediatrics (ABP):
- 100 points per 5 years
- 40 points in specialty-specific content
- PREP self-assessment popular choice
Psychiatry (ABPN):
- 30 CME hours per 3 years (Category 1)
- 8 hours self-assessment
- Patient safety activities required
OB/GYN (ABOG):
- 60 CME hours per year (30 must be Category 1)
- Annual self-assessment
- Practice improvement projects
Radiology (ABR):
- 75 CME credits per 3 years
- 25 self-assessment credits
- Quality improvement participation
Anesthesiology (ABA):
- 250 CME credits per 10-year cycle
- Simulation and MOCA Minute requirements
- Patient safety activities
Coordinating State and Specialty CME
Strategic Planning:
- Start with specialty requirements (usually more specific)
- Ensure activities also satisfy state mandatory topics
- Track credits against both systems simultaneously
- Use single activities for multiple credits when possible
Example Strategy (CA + ABIM):
- California: 50 hours/2 years (12 pain management)
- ABIM: 100 points/5 years
- Approach: Complete 50 ABIM-eligible credits per year, including pain management, satisfying both
Tools:
- CredentialMate tracks both state and specialty requirements
- Many CME providers show multi-credit eligibility
- Specialty society CME often optimized for both