Maintenance of Certification: What's to Know

The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program administered by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons applies to all Fellows of the Royal College including dermatologists. It is mandatory for those who wish to maintain their fellowship in the Royal College and can be critical for maintaining licensure requirements. Residents can take advantage of the program before becoming Fellows of the Royal College. Fellows and MOC Program participants in the Royal College MOC Program must complete a minimum of 400 credits during a 5-year cycle and a minimum of 40 credits in each year of the cycle. Credits are available for a wide range of CPD activities which the Royal College divides into three sections in its MOC Framework: Section 1, group learning; Section 2, self-learning; and Section 3, assessment. Many activities associated with involvement in Canadian Dermatology Association activities or involvement with the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery (JCMS) are eligible for MOC Program credits. Failure to satisfactorily meet the requirements of the MOC Program in a 5-year cycle can result in loss of Fellowship in the Royal College.