When it comes to the world of all things MOC, understanding it all can be challenging. And now, internists specializing in certain areas including general internal medicine have the option to enroll in the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) to maintain certification. With these new changes comes a new annual ABIM MOC cost. Here's what you need to know.
What is the ABIM MOC cost for 2023?
Here's what you can expect to pay annually:
The annual ABIM MOC cost is $220. If you keep additional certifications, each will cost $120 annually. Then, if you plan to take the traditional 10-year MOC exam, it will cost an additional $700.
Image detailing the annual ABIM MOC cost from ABIM.org
Being on top of your game is worth it! The ABIM will give you a 5% discount if you pay your annual MOC fees before the year they are due. Then you don't have to worry about late fees, either. You are able to pre-pay up to ten years in advance.
To stay up to date on all exam dates and registration deadlines, get our free important dates calendar for internal medicine and pediatrics.
What is the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment?
Is this the first you're hearing about the LKA? This new way of maintaining certification will help you assess your medical knowledge throughout the year instead of once every 10 years. It allows you to log on from anywhere, and answer questions when your time allows—and, did we mention that it's open book? You just have to answer the required number of questions in a set amount of time. You can expect to answer 120 questions each year for five years and can skip 100 questions over the five-year period.
What is the cost of the LKA?
If your plan is to participate in the LKA for the first certificate you maintain, then no payment is required—the LKA fee is included in the annual MOC fee. According to the ABIM, an internal medicine physician with one certificate will save $100 over a 10-year period when they choose to do the LKA instead of the traditional 10-year recertification exam.
Image detailing the savings over a 10-year period by choosing the LKA instead of the traditional exam on ABIM.org
Is MOC required?
In order to stay board-certified with the ABIM, internal medicine physicians must earn MOC points every two years, earn at least 100 points every five years, and pass either the LKA or the traditional 10-year exam.
How much MOC do I need?
You need 100 MOC points every five years in order to remain certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Every 2 years, you must participate in a MOC activity. The number of credits you earn will count towards the 100 needed every 5 years.
What should I use to earn MOC points?
Depending on what you're looking for, we offer a range of learning tools for physicians to claim MOC points.
Pro Tip: Earn MOC points and CME credits at the same time! It's difficult enough to try and keep track of the different CME and MOC requirements. The good news is that all of the options below count for both your MOC requirements and your CME requirements.
| Learning Solution: | Amount of MOC: | Perks: |
| Internal Medicine Study Strong Essentials
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Earn and claim up to 300 MOC points and CME credits with the Internal Medicine Study Strong Essentials in print or digital formats. | Includes the Internal Medicine Core, Q&As and Flashcards work together to maximize your study efficiency. |
| Internal Medicine Video Board Review
|
Earn and claim up to 41 MOC points and CME credits with the Internal Medicine Video Board Review online or USB. | These videos provide a comprehensive yet flexible ABIM board review with engaging speakers for each topic. |
| Internal Medicine Core
|
Earn and claim up to 150 MOC points and CME credits with the Internal Medicine Core in print or digital formats. | The Core for Internal Medicine is produced with the ABIM exam blueprint in mind, so you'll be studying the most high-yield info while you gain MOC. |
| Internal Medicine Core Scripts Flashcards
|
Earn and claim up to 50 MOC points and CME credits with the Internal Medicine Core Scripts Flashcards in print or digital formats. | With these illness script flashcards, you’ll practice recall of the most-tested illness presentations and the associated diagnoses and management. |
| Internal Medicine Board-Style Q&As
|
Earn and claim up to 100 MOC points and CME credits with the Internal Medicine Board-Style Q&As. | Earn as you study! You acquire one point for every four correctly answered questions as you go through questions. |
| Internal Medicine Audio Pearls
|
Earn and claim up to 45 MOC points and CME credits with the Internal Medicine Audio Pearls. | Study on-the-go with focused, convenient instruction presented in the same sequence as in the Core. |
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How to claim MOC points
If you want to claim the MOC points from any of the learning tools shown above, you'll have to first claim the CME from the product. Here's how to do get your CME:
The first step in claiming MOC is claiming your CME. This video shows you how.
Once that step is complete, you can simply submit for MOC—you won't need to complete any other post-tests.
- Step one: You'll enter your diplomat ID number
- Step two: You'll enter your birth date (only the month and day)
- Step three: And then you will click "Claim MOC"
It's that easy!
What is the value of MOC?
Maintenance of Certification (MOC) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) refers to the educational activities a doctor does on an annual basis in order to maintain licensure by their state board. These educational activities are meant to help physicians maintain their competency and become informed on any guideline updates.
If you have any other questions about MOC, CME, claiming, or the process in general, you can always reach out to our Support Team for help. We have a dedicated CME manager on staff to support you through the claiming process.
