What is CertLink®?
CertLink is an assessment platform that combines longitudinal assessment and lifelong learning. Some of the items cover new information, based on recent scientific publications. Others provide a review or reminder of essential dermatology information. The process is both educational and evaluative. There is no additional cost to participate.
CertLink delivers small batches of questions at periodic intervals through an online portal to assess diplomates’ clinical knowledge and helps fill knowledge gaps through real-time feedback. It is an ongoing, lifelong learning exercise that continues through a diplomate's career.
CertLink’s longitudinal approach to assessment allows physicians to spend a few hours each quarter answering questions, at a convenient time and place of their choosing, to demonstrate their proficiency in their specialty and any subspecialty. It’s an approach supported by contemporary adult learning theory: learning is best fostered through a continuous assessment of knowledge.
CertLink provides a process that is both educational as well as evaluative.
- It includes questions based on top articles from the recent dermatology literature. It addresses the reality that knowledge in our specialty advances at a rapid pace.
- As in actual clinical practice, written references and online resources may be used while answering the questions. However, colleagues may not be consulted.
- Immediate written feedback is provided about the correct answer and the incorrect alternatives, whether the diplomate answers the question correctly or not.
- Over the year, CertLink provides each diplomate with variants of important questions that he or she missed, allowing each participant to document learning.
CertLink allows diplomates to:
- Answer test questions in smaller batches over time;
- Utilize written references and online resources while answering questions;
- Assess knowledge of content relevant to their practice;
- Answer article-based questions that keep them up-to-date with the best available, practice-changing publications;
- Access the platform via computer. (Tablets and smartphones are not compatible with the CertLink platform, but will be in the future.);
- Complete test questions at times and locations that are convenient;
- Compare performance to that of peers;
- Identify areas of deficiency that can be addressed over time;
- Get immediate, focused feedback and guidance to resources for further study; and
- Use a personal dashboard to see areas of strength and knowledge gaps.
