Maintenance of Certification Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the schedule of completion for MOC requirements?

Please see the table of timelines for completing the required MOC components.

2. If I take the MOC Cognitive Exam early, does my 10-year cycle restart at that point?

The exam is one of the final requirements of MOC and is specifically offered during the last 3 years of the 10-year MOC cycle. After the diplomate completes all aspects of MOC, including the exam, he or she receives a new 10-year certificate that will be effective from the time the initial certificate expires. Regardless of when all requirements are met, the diplomate enjoys a second, full 10-year period of certification.

3. What if I don’t complete MOC in time?

The Board is finalizing policies for diplomates who are unable to complete all requirements for MOC (whether due to professional standing or licensure, number of CME or SAM credits, passing the Cognitive Exam or participation in PQI). We anticipate there will be a grace period after expiration of the current certificate during which the individual will no longer be specialty certified, but can complete the requirements in a relatively timely manner and regain specialization without repeating the initial certification process. Beyond the grace period, a radiation oncologist will need to sit again for the full Board examinations.

4. My certificate expires in 2009 and the ABR pro-rated requirements indicate I will need to complete one PQI project. Does this need to be Type II?

Pro-rated requirements are available on the ABR Web site. Those diplomates with certificates expiring in 2007 will need to identify a PQI project; for those with 2008 expiration, an initial report will be due documenting the PQI project. Those with certificates dated through 2009 will be the first to need to complete a PQI project (each projected over a 3-year interval, including initiation of the project, development of an action plan and what we now envision as a follow-up report documenting continual compliance or improvement based upon the PQI parameters). This project can be Type I (soon to be available and reported by attestation) or Type II (provided by ASTRO, ACR or other organizations).

5. 48th Annual Meeting MOC Town Hall Question and Answer

Please click here to go to the interactive Web page from the MOC Town Hall Meeting that was held during the 48th ASTRO Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. There you will be able to read the full list of questions that have been submitted regarding MOC, as well as responses to those questions.