By Stanley J. Miller, MD*
When you log in to your ABD portal for the first time in 2026, you’ll see that we have added a Diplomate Dashboard, to make it easier to see your status in Continuing Certification. More details about the dashboard are available here. The new dashboard replaces the CCP table.
When you take a close look at the box on your new dashboard that includes your name, you’ll see “Start Year 2026.”
You’ll also see the date you were initially certified, and the date of any subspecialty certifications.
What does “Start Year 2026” mean?
As CertLink now evolves from a pilot program to a verified learning and assessment tool, everyone will start fresh. When you click on your CertLink button, you’ll see that your progress has been reset. Your participation in 2020-2025 was part of the pilot program that helped the ABD to demonstrate the validity of CertLink and determine a passing standard.
Continuing Certification is just that – continuing. As long as you meet continuing certification requirements, your certification remains valid.
Beginning in January 2026, CertLink participation is required and your progress toward meeting the CertLink passing score is assessed every 5 years.
If you reach the passing score after 4 years, you get to take Year 5 as a CertLink holiday. Otherwise, you will take a Catch-up Exam in Year 5.
Is there a new start for Practice Improvement requirements?
Yes. Everyone will have five years from their Start Year to complete one activity.
But if you have an overdue Practice Improvement requirement from 2020-2025, you must complete two Practice Improvement activities within the next 5 years.
What about overdue fees?
Overdue fees from 2017-2025 will carry over to your new dashboard. They must be paid by the end of 2026, or you will lose access to your Continuing Certification tools, including CertLink, until the balance has been submitted. More details on fee requirements are available here.
Still have questions?
Check out the links below to FAQs, Perspectives and Announcements to get details. If you don’t find the information you need, contact us at Communications@abderm.org or (617) 910-6400. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
The Bottom Line: Continuing Certification Changes in 2026
Simplifying, Streamlining Continuing Certification
CertLink: Assessment For Learning
Continuing Certification Fees are not Optional
Video: ABD’s streamlined Continuing Certification Program
Video: Exploring the ABD's New Diplomate Dashboard
*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.
