By Marta Petersen, MD*
The ABD is simplifying the Continuing Certification process so you will be able to focus more on acquiring and maintaining knowledge and experience – and less on data entry.
Starting in January 2026, all requirements will be combined into four parts: CertLink, Practice Improvement, Medical License, and Annual Fee.
Here are details of each:
CertLink
Much is unchanged:
- Build your annual assessment each January.
- Receive 13 new questions each quarter.
- No additional questions are required for subspecialty certifications.
- If you get a question wrong, you will have a chance to answer it again in the next quarter.
- You still have the option of taking a sabbatical for one quarter a year.
Here's what is new:
- CertLink is required – all board-certified dermatologists must participate.
- Your cumulative performance is assessed after four years of participation.
- If your cumulative score exceeds the passing standard of 73% correct at the end of Year 4, you “pass” CertLink! As a reward, you will get a one-year holiday in Year 5.
- If you do not pass CertLink after 4 years, you must take a Catch-Up Exam in Year 5.
- All Continuing Certification requirements for CME and self-assessment can be met through CertLink participation.
Practice Improvement (PI)
- There are no changes to this requirement.
- Each diplomate must complete one PI activity every five years.
- There is no additional charge for doing ABD’s focused practice improvement activities (fPIs).
- The ABD offers nearly 100 activities.
- New topics are added each year, and ABD regularly reviews many existing PI activities to ensure they continue to reflect the latest best practices.
- PI activities are available for diplomates who are not in clinical practice, such as those in administrative, faculty, or research positions.
Medical License
There is no change to this requirement.
- A current, unrestricted medical license, valid in the U.S. or Canada, remains a requirement for being certified by the ABD.
- Self-attestation will no longer be required.
- ABD staff members will work with the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) to verify licensure. If your license is not reported to us through the FSMB, our staff will notify you and ask for a copy.
Annual Fee
No increase since 2006
- The $150/year fee is all inclusive.
- There are no additional fees for CertLink activities, the CertLink Article Library, or Practice Improvement activities.
- Starting in 2027, you will not be able to start a new year of CertLink until the previous year’s fees are paid.
Please see recent perspectives and updated FAQs for additional information.
Simplifying, Streamlining Continuing Certification
CertLink: Assessment For Learning
If you have other concerns or questions specific to you, please contact us at Communications@abderm.org.
Also, the graphic below summarizes each part for easy reference.
