Continuous Certification - A commitment to lifelong learning

UCNS continuous certification (C-cert) provides diplomates with a relevant, effective, timely, and convenient way to meet the needs of lifelong learning and self-assessment. New diplomates begin the C-cert process to maintain their certification the year following their initial certification exam. Diplomates certified prior to 2020 began the C-cert process for maintaining their certification in 2020.

Continuous Certification Requirements

General eligibility requirements for C-cert include:
  • Must possess an active, unrestricted license to practice medicine
  • Be certified by an ABMS certifying board, AOA, or RCPSC
  • Pay $175 annual C-cert administrative fee (discounted fee of $150 if paid by May 31, 2023)
    • C-cert fees are billed annually in the spring of each year
    • All fees are per subspecialty certification
  • Read the annual designated subspecialty journal articles
    • C-cert articles will be posted annually starting in January of each year
  • Complete and pass annual online assessment quiz
    • Online quizzes will be available annually in the spring of each year
    • Access to online quizzes dependent upon payment of annual C-cert fee(s)
  • Deadline for Completion of C-cert Requirements: December 1, 2023 

Certification Status

Diplomate status is updated annually to reflect compliance with annual C-cert requirements and can be verified in the Diplomate Directory. Diplomates must meet annual maintenance of certification (MOC) requirements for C-cert. The diplomate status of meeting the MOC requirements for C-cert is updated annually or as outstanding requirements are met.
  • Certified-Meeting Requirements: Meeting the annual MOC requirements for C-cert
  • Certified-Not Meeting Requirements: Not meeting the annual MOC requirements for C-cert
Diplomates who do not meet the C-cert requirements for two consecutive years are no longer considered certified and must take and pass the initial certification examination to regain their certification. 

Annual C-cert Fee Payment Instructions

The annual C-cert administrative fee is billed to each diplomate’s online profile account where it is available for online payment.  
 
Payment Instructions
  1. Sign in with your username and password towards the upper right corner of the page
  2. Once signed in, click on "Hi, <your name>" to go to your diplomate profile
  3. The blue "Pay Now" button will be on the left side of the profile page
  4. Go to Website Help for additional assistance and instructions on how to print a payment receipt

UCNS accepts VISA, MasterCard, and American Express for payment. Fees must be paid in US currency.

Relevant Subspecialty Learning

Each subspecialty engages in identifying the most important and relevant developments in their field to assist UCNS diplomates in keeping current in their subspecialty.

Effective Knowledge Assessment

Short annual online quizzes replace high-stakes recertification examinations.
  • 25-question quizzes assess knowledge of article-based content from the annual reading list
  • Real-time feedback provided on incorrect answers to close the knowledge gap
  • Diplomates have up to 6 months to complete online quizzes
  • 100 minutes allotted for online quiz completion
  • 80% pass rate required
  • Three attempts allowed to pass online quizzes

Benefits of C-cert

The new C-cert process provides a timely, convenient, and affordable way for diplomates to maintain certification.
  • Peer-submitted and selected topics facilitate continuous lifelong learning
  • Convenient annual online quizzes provide ongoing self-assessment of subspecialty expertise
  • Affordable, inclusive annual fee makes it easier to budget other professional development activities
  • Opportunity to earn AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM and ABPN self-assessment credits
  • Patients are assured that UCNS-certified diplomates are staying up-to-date in their subspecialty field

Staff Contacts

Bryan Hagerla, Continuous Certification Manager
[email protected]
(612) 928-6326