Thinking about the MOCA-Peds exam for 2021 as an alternative to the proctored exam? MOCA-Peds is an online, non-proctored recertification assessment for Pediatrics. It's a platform the ABP created to offer physicians a flexible option for their part 3 MOC requirement.
Part of the 'flexibility' this option offers means that you get to use resources during the exam to help you answer questions. We've got the perfect open-book resource for your exam: MedStudy's QuickRef for 2021 Learning Objectives. In this QuickRef guide, we’ve gathered the high-yield points of information that you’re likely to be tested on. You can use it for all 45 Learning Objectives and Featured Readings as your open book reference during MOCA-Peds to help you find the correct answer.ABP's MOCA Peds is a relatively young exam option (the MOCA Peds pilots ran in 2017 & 2018). Not many physicians have taken this new exam format for the Part 3 MOC requirement. If you're recertifying this year and taking MOCA-Peds, these tips will help you feel prepared and confident walking into exam day.
Plan To Answer 20 Questions Per Quarter
These questions span all of the ABP's learning objectives for the year. Answer them wherever you like before the end of the quarter. You can use a computer, tablet or smartphone, and even access with the MOCA-Peds web application on iphone. Hint: In each question, you'll see a clinical vignette, followed by a multiple choice question. You can preview sample questions from ABP.
Review the ABP's Featured Readings for 2021
Make sure you read up on the ABP's featured readings! Up to two questions for each featured reading will appear within the MOCA-Peds platform throughout 2021, and other questions may list the featured readings as references.
You Don't Have to Answer All 20 Questions at Once
You can do 1 question per day for 20 days, answer them all the day before the quarter is up, or any other schedule that works for you. You just need to answer them all before the end of the quarter they were assigned.
Don't Skip Questions
Once the timer starts, you can't skip any questions. Questions not answered will be scored as incorrect.
Have Your "Open Book" Materials Ready Before You Start
You only have 5 minutes to answer each question, so make sure you're ready before the timer starts! Dr. Heather Stewart did the MOCA-Peds option in 2020, here's what she had to say about having the QuickRef for 2020 Learning Objectives with her during the non-proctored assessment.
"As a sub-specialist that does not practice general pediatrics I appreciate having a succinct compilation of the objectives." –Heather Stewart, MD
Make Sure You Have Reliable Internet Connection
The ABP won't reset questions on an individual basis, like in the case of an internet outage. We recommend going as far as using a wired connection.
Choose Your Response Early
Choose early within the 5-minute window, then use the rest of your time to verify. This is especially important if you're not hard-wired into the internet. The MOCA-Peds platform is designed to record the last chosen response before connection was lost, regardless of whether the “Submit Answer” function was used.
Pay Special Attention to Questions You Answered Confidently, But Missed
Make sure you take a second look at those questions you thought you knew, but didn't. It's likely that you'll see those questions again. Post-exam, you should be able to see those on the "My Performance" page.
Prepare for the Exam Environment by Doing Q&As
We've added a MOCA-Peds filter to our Pediatrics Q&A bank—reviewing these Moca-Peds questions will get you in the mind-frame of taking an exam. Pro tip: try 'Test Mode' for an exam-like experience.
There you have it: 9 tips for taking the ABP 2021 MOCA-Peds for General Pediatrics. Any questions not answered by the end of the quarter will be marked as incorrect. A score of 180 is considered a MOCA-Peds passing score, and your performance will be scored on a scale ranging from 1-300. The difficulty level of each question is taken into consideration when scaled scores are calculated. This levels the playing field, since each Maintenance of Certification assessment taker might receive different questions for their exam.
If you've still got questions, or you're not feeling 100% prepared, check out our 2-prong approach to preparing for the MOCA-Peds exam.
Tips for Taking MOCA-Peds
Tips for taking the MOCA-Peds
Updated on 12/15/20.
