By Stanley J. Miller, MD*
Thanks to all who have read our messages about upcoming changes in 2026 to our Continuing Certification Program.
Some of you have reached out with questions. We’ve added them and our answers to the FAQs. Here’s a look at the most common questions:
My cycle ends in 2025 and I’m behind in my requirements. What do I need to do to start the new program in 2026?
If your cycle ends in 2025, you must be up to date on your fees and Practice Improvement requirements by the end of the year or your certification will lapse. This is not a change from past years.
What happens if I’m currently behind with Continuing Certification requirements?
Continuing Certification exists to help you stay up to date with dermatology knowledge and skills. As we transition to the new (and improved) Continuing Certification Program we will reset everyone’s Continuing Certification table. You will begin anew in January 2026.
Everyone will have until 2031 (five years) to meet the new CertLink passing score (73% correct).
You will receive all the CME the ABD requires by actively participating in CertLink, and additional Self-Assessment is no longer required.
Also, you have five years to complete a Practice Improvement Activity. However, if you have an overdue Practice Improvement activity at the end of 2025, you will have to complete two PI activities in the first five years (by 2031).
(If you have unpaid fees, we will contact you separately about catching up.)
What happens if I’m not meeting the passing standard now?
Your past performance will not count toward your future score. Beginning in January 2026, everyone will have five years to meet the cumulative passing score of 73% correct.
Based on everyone’s performance since CertLink’s rollout in 2020, we anticipate that the vast majority (more than 99%) of board-certified dermatologists will meet the passing standard if you actively participate in at least 3 quarters yearly. The most common reason for not meeting the passing score is not actively participating in CertLink.
If you are not passing, you may want to review your participation record. If you are answering all questions at least three quarters each year and your percentage of correct answers is still below 73%, you can contact us at Communications@ABDerm.org. We will help you review your CertLink report and confirm your understanding.
If you do not meet the passing standard after four years, you will have an opportunity to take the Catch-Up Exam in the fifth year.
I took the MOC Exam in 2016 (or later). Didn’t that ensure that I am certified for the next 10 years?
No. The old MOC exams were the culmination of your previous 10-year cycle, much like a final at the end of course work or your initial certifying exam, which you took at the end of training. It did not satisfy future Continuing Certification requirements.
We are evolving away from cycles to continuous certification because research shows this approach is better for adult learning. You will continue to be certified as long as you are meeting the requirements of Continuing Certification, most of which can be accomplished through active participation in CertLink.
For that reason, all certified dermatologists must actively participate in ABD’s Continuing Certification Program beginning in January 2026.
Why is the ABD focusing so much on CertLink?
The ABD is simplifying the Continuing Certification process so you will be able to focus more on acquiring and maintaining knowledge and experience. Data from the CertLink pilot supports using this platform to effectively and efficiently streamline the Continuing Certification program. The changes reflect our commitment to maintaining high standards in dermatology while supporting lifelong learning and continuous improvement.
Additionally, end-of-year surveys show that diplomates are overwhelmingly satisfied with CertLink. In the last three years, more than 90% said they are satisfied with CertLink. Additionally, more than 90% of respondents said that CertLink has helped them address their knowledge gaps and has helped them stay current in their specialty.
Will I still do CertLink the same way I’ve been doing it?
Yes. If you’re already participating in CertLink, you won’t do anything differently in January 2026.
· You will build your assessment (chose articles and focus for the year) each January.
· You will continue to receive 13 new questions each quarter.
· Questions answered incorrectly will be repeated the following quarter.
· Sabbaticals (one quarter each year) may be taken.
· If you don’t take a sabbatical, but answer questions in all four quarters, then your lowest scoring quarter will not count toward your cumulative score.
Will I have separate requirements to continue my subspecialty certification?
No. You have one set of Continuing Certification requirements for your general dermatology certification as well as any subspecialty certifications you hold, as you do now. No additional activities are required for your subspecialty.
Please keep your questions coming. We will be happy to provide answers to you individually and pass the information along to everyone in our FAQs.
Click here for our contact information.
*About the Author
Dr. Miller is the ABD Associate Executive Director for Continuing Certification. He was in private practice in Towson, MD and affiliated with the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center from 2002-2024. Previously, he spent 10 years as a full-time faculty member at Johns Hopkins Hospital. His experiences in both academic medicine and private practice have prepared him to lead the ABD’s continuing certification program. During the nine years he served on the ABD board of directors (plus two additional years as a CertLink consultant), he led the development of the CertLink platform.
