FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION (MoC)/ MAINTENANCE OF LICENSURE (MoL) and VOLUNTARY RECERTIFICATION BY ABP - June 5, 2013

Sep 21, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions explain the American Board of Pathology voluntary recertification process and how it relates to Maintenance of Certification (MoC) and Maintenance of Licensure (MoL). The content clarifies eligibility for diplomates holding non-time-limited (lifetime) certificates, timing for enrollment, and availability limits for subspecialties. It also outlines a proposed modular Neuropathology MoC examination structure and discusses credentialing and licensure implications, including expectations for high passage rates.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Frequently Asked Questions

Voluntary Recertification Program

Enrollment deadline and enrollment process

Availability for combined AP/NP certification

Proposed Neuropathology MoC examination format

Credentialing implications and MoC vs MoL

Cross-acceptance of Canadian Maintenance of Competency credits

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF CERTIFICATION (MoC)/ MAINTENANCE OF LICENSURE (MoL) and VOLUNTARY RECERTIFICATION BY ABP June 5, 2013 This is particularly applicable to board -‐ certified pathologists who hold non-‐time limited (i.e., “lifetime”) certificates. Anyone who holds a LIFETIME certificate will NOT be jeopardized by participating (or for NOT participating) in either the Voluntary Recertification or MoC process. 1) What is the Voluntary Recertification Program of the American Board of Pathology? The ABP offers a process for recertification that enables its diplomates to demonstrate continued competency in the practice of pathology. This voluntary recertification process is designed to evaluate the basic parameters of a pathologist’s practice and assure a current review of credentials, leading to a certificate of recertification. Voluntary recertification is available only to diplomates of the ABP who hold non-‐time-‐limited certificates in one of the primary disciplines of pathology and who meet the stated requirements. Voluntary recertification in subspecialties is not available. Each applicant successfully completing the recertification process will receive a certificate of recertification as a diplomate of the ABP dated January 1 of the year following completion of the process and effective for ten years. 2) What is the deadline and process for enrollment in the Voluntary Recertification Program of the American Board of Pathology? The Voluntary Recertification Program ends on June 30, 2013, so anyone wishing to participate must apply by that date through the American Board of Pathology following the instructions on the website at [http://www.abpath.org/VoluntaryRecertification.htm. As](http://www.abpath.org/VoluntaryRecertification.htm. As) of July 2013, Voluntary Recertification will no longer be available. After this date, a diplomate with a non-‐time limited certificate who wants torecertify or is required to pass a secure examination for licensure will have to do so through the MOC process. 3) If an individual holds combined certification in Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology (AP/NP), is the voluntary recertification program available for both, or for AP only? Voluntary recertification is not specialty specific; the certificate states that the diplomate has recertified. Voluntary recertification is available with and without an examination. If the diplomate is in need of an examination for licensure purposes, the exam will be AP, or AP/CP if applicable. The examination is very general and very practical with a very, very high passage rate. 4) What is the proposed Neuropathology MoC examination going to look like? The examination will be modular with two modules for each of the following: 50 question GENERAL 25 question NEUROMUSCULAR 25 question DEVELOPMENTAL/PEDIATRIC/CONGENITAL 25 question NEURODEGENERATIVE 25 question NEOPLASTIC The diplomate must complete ONE 50 question GENERAL module. The remainder of the examination can be any combination of the other modules that total 150 questions. The examination will be gradedas a whole, without requiring that each individual module be “passed”. The examination will be very practical, need to know, day-‐to-‐day knowledge; not the high bar necessary to “pass” the primary certification examination. 5) Could the ABP provide “pluses and minuses” for the membership regarding voluntary recertification, or MoC enrollment, or to do nothing new – just stick with the time unlimited certificate? Once voluntary recertification ends on June 30, 2013, hospital credentialing committees, The Joint Commission, payers, external stakeholders etc. will see recertification/MoC as evidence that the physician is demonstrating continued competency in their chosen field. In 2013 and 2014, there is also an MoC-‐PQRS Bonus payment from CMS of 0 . 5% . The CAP has additional information at its PQRS Resource Center

FAQs

Who is eligible to participate in the ABP voluntary recertification program?

Eligibility is limited to ABP diplomates who hold non-time-limited certificates in one of the primary disciplines of pathology and who meet stated requirements. Voluntary recertification in subspecialties is not available.

What is the enrollment deadline for the Voluntary Recertification Program?

The program ends on June 30, 2013. To participate, applications had to be submitted by that date through the American Board of Pathology as instructed on the ABP website.

How is the proposed Neuropathology MoC examination structured?

The examination is modular, with one 50-question GENERAL module plus a combination of other modules totaling 150 questions. It is graded as a whole, without requiring each individual module to be passed.

Sep 21, 2026

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