ABFM MC-FP Entry and Re-entry Requirements

Beginning in 2012, any physician that does not successfully pass the MC-FP examination within the three calendar years following the year in which he/she completes residency training will be required to satisfy the MC-FP entry process in order to take the exam and gain initial certification status.

In addition, any physician that has been previously certified, and has never entered the MC-FP process, will need to complete the MC-FP re-entry process in order to take the examination and regain certification status.

MC-FP Entry and Re-entry requirements:

• 50 MC-FP points (including at least one Part II and one Part IV activity)
• 150 CME credits
• Successful completion of the MC-FP examination
• A valid, full, and unrestricted license

If a physician does not anticipate being able to complete the MC-FP requirements for entry/re-entry by the deadline to clear application deficiencies, he/she may want to wait until the next examination period to apply. However, once a physician starts the entry/re-entry process, all components must be completed within three (3) years; otherwise, the process will have to be restarted.

For questions regarding MC-FP Entry and Re-entry requirements, Diplomates may contact the ABFM Support Center: 877-223-7437 or mail to:help@theabfm.org

Updated 3/5/2012
Several revisions are being made by the ABFM and we will strive to keep you all updated
A variety of entities have in the past (hospitals, health systems etc) use the term "Board Eligible" in their classification of a physician. For the first time, the ABFM has decided to define this category as:
The first 7 years following graduation from an ACGME – certified residency program without successful completion of board exam

The first 7 years after loss of certification

To be eligible to re-enter as a diplomate after losing your board certification the ABFM defines it this way:
Greater than 3 years from loss of certification the physician must complete a "stage" plus MC-FP board exam

Greater than 7 years from loss of certification the physician will lose their "board eligible" status and must complete a "stage" AND re-enter training and complete an additional year of training PLUS MC-FP board exam.

The ABFM has implemented a new iPhone, iPad, iTouch app for the ABFM exam prep. They have also started a SAM Forum for those interested in Web chatting. Diplomates are able to comment on the SAM they have just completed to promote discussion regarding the medical content, correct and incorrect answers to questions, and the critiques encountered in the SAMs.

 Another change made by the ABFM is the requirement to earn 50 MC-FP points per 3 year stage. In order for a diplomate to be current they must:
• Meet ABFM licensure requirements (Part 1)
• Have performed successfully on the exam within the previous 10 years (Part III) and
• earn 50 MC-FP points per 3 year stage (diplomates will continue to receive CME credits for this activity)

We encourage each of you to go to the ABFM Web site (theabfm.org) for more information on these changes.