The ABCRS Continuing Certification program provides a framework for you to keep your working knowledge current, while also validating your growing expertise within this specialty. Our goal is to help identify knowledge gaps, reduce the risk of disciplinary actions, and emphasize the benefits of enhanced learning on a schedule that works with both your professional and personal demands.
All ABCRS Diplomates certified in 1990 or later are required to participate in the Continuing Certification process.
All Continuing Certification programs implemented by ABMS member boards measure the same six competencies within a four-part framework. Though there is some variation in the activities depending on speciality, these competencies are all built upon evidence-based guidelines, national clinical and quality standards, and specialty best practices.
Using these general competencies as a framework, our continuing certification program consists of four key components that measure competencies on a regular basis. Each component must be completed within a five-year cycle.
Note: With the implementation of a longitudinal assessment program (CertLink), we are transitioning to a five-year cycle for all requirements.
Submit a copy of your medical license to ABCRS during year five of the program, as well as a copy of the Staff Evaluation and Hospital Privileges Form signed by your Chief of Staff or Chief of Surgery (Form is located in the ABCRS portal. Please send to ABCRS via e-mail, fax, or mail.)
Answer 10-16 questions per quarter through CertLink for 16 quarters. CertLink is designed for flexibility in the face of life emergencies, life events, and long-term breaks. You can begin as soon as you are registered for continuing certification.
Report your clinical practice data in the ABCRS portal by the end of year five to confirm ongoing participation in a national, regional or quality assessment program.
10 Year Performance Summary 2008-2017
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ABCRS is no longer able to offer the Written Exam at Pearson Vue Testing Centers in Quebec, Canada.
ABCRS is no longer able to offer the Written Exam at Pearson Vue Testing Centers in Quebec, Canada.
ABCRS is no longer able to offer the Written Exam at Pearson Vue Testing Centers in Quebec, Canada.
ABCRS is no longer able to offer the Written Exam at Pearson Vue Testing Centers in Quebec, Canada.
CertLink is an online platform that delivers questions to ABCRS Diplomates quarterly. This procedure fosters growth in medical knowledge, continuous certification and professional development.
Participation in CertLink (Part III) is a requirement of the ABCRS Continuing Certification program for diplomates certified after 1990.
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.
