Maintenance of certification and keys to passing the recertification examination

The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery requires that each board-certified orthopaedic surgeon recertify every 10 years. This formal procedure of demonstrating competence as a surgeon, which used to be known as recertification, has been replaced by a more comprehensive process termed maintenance of certification (MOC). Even an experienced orthopaedic surgeon may find achieving MOC a daunting prospect. Simply preparing for and taking the recertification examination is an enormous challenge, but it is important to remember that the examination is merely one aspect of maintaining certification. Prior to sitting for the examination, each physician is required to complete the other MOC requirements, including amassing continuing medical education credits, compiling a case list, and soliciting peer recommendations. Familiarity with the MOC process, understanding the details of the examination, and proper preparation techniques will help orthopaedic surgeons gain insights into how to approach MOC.