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Read the Blog
Visit the Diplomate Digest blog for the latest certification information and ABO news.
Browse Recent Studies
Explore studies published in medical literature highlighting the value of certification and Continuing Certification.
Enroll in the Program
Two enrollment pathways are available to diplomates certified prior to 1992 or whose certificates have lapsed.

How to Get Started

Review and track your Continuing Certification program progress using your Status Page, where you can also:

  • Complete required Continuing Certification activities
  • Update your personal demographic and contact information
  • Access optional features, such as the Public Profile Generator and CME Tracker. 
10-Year Continuing Certification Program Cycle (Overview)
Frequency Activity How it Works Importance/Value
Every Year

Keep your medical license active and unrestricted.

The ABO receives quarterly licensure updates from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), so you will not be asked to manually update this information unless something is missing.

Requiring valid, unrestricted medical licensure keeps you in the company of board-certified colleagues who share your commitment to professional, ethical practice.

Submit a $200 annual fee.

View or download your current invoice on your ABO Status Page. Payment is accepted online or by check, and must be received prior to starting Continuing Certification activities.

Enables access to Continuing Certification activities, CME, and other content.

Five Times Per Cycle

Attest to earning an average of 50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ (every two years), including 16 credits that involve self-assessment/self-reflection.

Earn CME from the accredited providers of your choice. The ABO does not require you to upload course certificates or CME transcriptslog in to the ABO website and attest to completion of CME every two years.

Enhances your knowledge about the topics that best serve you and your patients.

Meet the passing standard on the Quarterly Questions® program.

Questions may be answered online, on-demand. New content is available annually and released in quarterly segments. Questions fall into two categories: knowledge-based questions pertaining to everyday clinical practice knowledge and questions based on peer-reviewed journal readings.

Demonstrates clinically relevant practice knowledge in the subspecialty area(s) of your choice and builds new knowledge through “must-read” peer-reviewed journal articles.

Two Times Per Cycle

Choose an activity option from the Improvement in Medical Practice Menu and attest to completion.

The ABO recommends completing your first activity between Years 1-5 and the second activity between Years 6-10.

Opens a window into your practice patterns and patient outcomes.

One Time Per Cycle

Complete one Patient Safety-focused activity and attest to completion.

Read patient safety articles as part of participation in the Quarterly Questions program or choose a patient safety activity from the ABMS Continuing Certification Directory.

Facilitates learning about ways to protect eye care patients from errors, injuries, accidents, and infections.