Earn Up to 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ Annually

By participating in the 2023 Quarterly CertLink® Assessment, you can accumulate up to 10 AMA PRA Category 1 CME Credits™ each year.

How Credits Are Awarded

For each quarter, earning a passing score of 70% or higher entitles you to 2.5 CME credits. Additionally, the completion of the mandatory annual 2023 ABCRS Course Evaluation by February 28, 2024, is a prerequisite for these credits. It’s important to note that these credits are considered self-assessment CME hours.

Credit Calculation Based on Participation

The credits you can claim are directly proportional to your level of participation in this activity. With a scoring system that awards 2.5 credits per quarter for scores above 70%, your annual credit accumulation directly reflects your quarterly performance. For instance, quarterly scores of 91%, 68%, 70%, and 84% would yield a total of 7.5 CME credits. It’s essential to remember that only quarters with scores of 70% or higher are eligible for CME credits, irrespective of the overall average score.

Certificate Issuance and Contact Information

Please be aware that the process of issuing CME certificates is not automated. They will be dispatched as promptly as possible from the email address CertLink@abcrs.org. Your patience and understanding in this matter are greatly appreciated.

For any inquiries or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to the Board office.

We are committed to supporting our diplomates in their continual professional development and recognize the value of your dedication and effort in this endeavor.

Ethics and Professionalism Policy

Unethical and unprofessional behavior is denoted by any dishonest behavior, including: cheating; lying; falsifying information; misrepresenting one’s educational background, certification status and/or professional experience; and failure to report misconduct. The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy toward these behaviors, and individuals caught exhibiting such behaviors risk being permanently barred from certification, reported to state medical boards, and/or legally prosecuted for copyright or other violations.

Unethical behavior is specifically defined by the ABCRS to include the disclosure, publication, reproduction or transmission of ABCRS examinations, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purposes. This also extends to sharing examination information or discussing an examination while still in progress. Unethical behavior also includes the possession, reproduction or disclosure of materials or information, including examination questions or answers or specific information regarding the content of the examination, before, during or after the examination. This definition specifically includes the recall and reconstruction of examination questions by any means and such efforts may violate federal copyright law. All ABCRS examinations are copyrighted and protected by law; the ABCRS will prosecute violations to the full extent provided by law and seek monetary damages for any loss of examination materials.

Continuing Certification

What does it mean when a physician is required?

Continuing Certification or Maintenance of Certification (MOC) is a process adopted by all 24 ABMS boards that assesses six core physician competencies approved by the ABMS and the ACGME throughout a physician’s career. The six competencies that have been identified as important to deliver quality care are communication skills, professionalism, medical knowledge, patient care, practice-based learning and improvement, which includes the ability to measure, and improve quality of care and system-based practice. All physicians certified after 1990 are required to participate in Continuing Certification.

What does it mean when a physician is required?

Prior to 1990, certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery was granted for life. These certified colon and rectal surgeons are not required to recertify or to meet the requirements of Maintenance of Continuing Certification in this area but are strongly encouraged to do so.