MyEMCert Exam Subscription

The American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) has developed MyEMCert as the alternative to taking the ConCert Exam and completing LLSAs for ABEM MOC and recertification.  Yes, there are now two "tracks" to ABEM recertification.  The newest track is called MyEMCert and it is designed to improve the recertification process, quality of practice knowledge, and quality of life for ABEM diplomates.

MyEMCert Summary:

• Content consists of eight (8) presentation-based, topic-specific modules:
  • Abdominopelvic
  • Abnormal vital signs and shock
  • Trauma and bleeding
  • Thoracorespiratory
  • Neurology
  • Social and behavioral health
  • Head and neck
  • Nontraumatic musculoskeletal
• Content will also include recent advances, which could be on any topic - think ConCert + LLSA content in any mix.
• You must complete (pass) one module every year.
• Three "versions" of a module will be available each year - one chance on each version (if you need it).
• You must pass at least one of the three.  If not, you have to wait until next year.
• Grading is pass / fail, results and feedback information will be delivered through your ABEM profile account
• Physicians will be able to access the exam remotely, via computer, tablet, etc most days of the year.
• Once started, a module must be completed within the allotted time - you can't stop the timer.
• Physicians may use any reference materials they like.
• Physicians must take the assessments alone, without any collaboration.
• If you participate in MyEMCert, you no longer have to take the ConCert exam -or- complete LLSAs
• The MyEMCert path is not required, but once you pick, you must stick to your chosen path and complete it.
• If your certification expires in 2021, you must still complete the ConCert exam and LLSAs.
• If your certification expires in 2022 or later, you can participate in MyEMCert for recertification.

Keep reading for more details about the exam, answers to common MyEMCert questions, and how to prepare for MyEMCert.

MyEMCert modules will consist of eight (8) short assessment modules of 30 - 50 questions each.  Each module addresses a category of common patient presentations in the emergency department.

Four modules must be completed every five years (x2) - a total of eight modules required in each ten-year certification cycle.  

Each module includes recent advances in Emergency Medicine (that may or may not be related to the category of patient presentation). Therefore, if you participate in MyEMCert you do not also have to take LLSAs.

However, diplomates who have less than ten years remaining on their current certification and who choose to participate in MyEMCert will have less time to complete eight modules before their certification expires.

However, diplomates who have less than ten years remaining on their current certification and who choose to participate in MyEMCert will have less time to complete eight modules before their certification expires.

There will be three versions of each MyEMCert module available in any given year.

One module registration fee will cover three attempts of the same module. If the third attempt within that year is unsuccessful, the physician will need to wait until the following year, when a new version becomes available.

Questions will be accessible remotely using computers or tablets.

Physicians can select the order in which they take the modules. There is no particular order in which topics must be covered.

The modules are designed to assist your learning.

You can take a module without studying since you can attempt each module multiple times. Three attempts are available for each registration. Remember that ABEM never discloses your pass/fail information without a signed release from you.

You can take MyEMCert modules at home at specific times of the day, most days of the year.

Note: The exact available times are yet to be determined.

Although MyEMCert must be taken alone—without collaboration—you can look up information of your choice—for example, textbooks or online resources to which you subscribe—while completing a module.

Each MyEMCert module must be completed within a set amount of time. Test takers can take breaks during the exam, but the test clock will not stop. It will continue to run so plan ahead. Modules cannot be saved and revisited later. Once started, a module will count as an attempt even if it is not completed.

Physicians will be informed about whether they passed or failed shortly after the module is submitted.  Feedback will be provided after the module has been submitted for scoring and will include the correct answer and the rationale for the correct answer.

Although the modules are designed to be taken without studying - some portion of ConCert board exam review and LLSA article review is recommended to ensure first-time passing scores.  You are supposed to already have a fairly comprehensive knowledge of the information.  Looking up too much information on the spot may cost you too much time and may jeopardize the completion of all questions.

If one version of a module is not passed, a different version of the same module can be re-attempted immediately.  There are three versions of each module - and thus, three chances to pass.  ABEM states feedback about the modules could be used to identify possible knowledge gaps before the physician retakes a different version of the module.

If your certification ends in 2021.

You will not be able to recertify by participating in MyEMCert.  You must first pass the traditional ConCert exam, complete your LLSAs, and attest to completion of practice improvement activities by your current certification expiration date to renew certification.

Once you recertify, you will be able to begin participating in MyEMCert for your new recertification cycle.

If your certification expires in or after 2022.

You may choose to participate in MyEMCert to recertify starting when MyEMCert becomes available in 2021.

You will need to complete eight MyEMCert modules by the end of your current ten-year certification, as well as practice improvement activities and having all medical licenses in compliance with ABEM’s Policy on Medical Licensure.

However, you will not have a LLSA requirement.

If you have already completed several LLSAs.

If choose to participate in MyEMCert,  you will receive monetary credit for any LLSAs that you have registered for since your certification start date. The credit can be used toward payment for MyEMCert modules.

Completed LLSAs do NOT count as completed MyEMCert modules.

MyEMCert modules are an alternative to successfully completing the ConCert Exam and LLSAs. An LLSA is therefore not equivalent to a MyEMCert module.

You are NOT required to participate in MyEMCert once it is implemented.  It's a choice.

MyEMCert is an alternative path to ABEM recertification via the ConCert + LLSAs path.

For now you will be able to continue in the ConCert track if you prefer, with the same LLSA, practice improvement, and ConCert requirements that are currently in place.

How to let ABEM know you want to participate in MyEMCert.

Starting in 2021, if your certification expires in or after 2022, you will be able to choose MyEMCert when you sign in to your ABEM Personal Page.

You pick, but whatever path you start - complete it. 

If you participate in MyEMCert, but am unable to complete eight modules by the time your certification expires you will NO LONGER be certified.  However, ABEM always provides ways for previously certified physicians to regain certification. 

What's yet to be determined or published...

• The specific requirements if you were in the MyEMCert track when your certification expired are still to be determined.
• ABEM has not indicated if you fail the ConCert exam and lose certification, can you immediately participate in MyEMCert to recertify.
• The exact fees for the modules.
• The exact time limits on modules.

Visit the ABEM MyEMCert webpage.