ABR Replaces Proctored MOC Exam with Online Longitudinal Assessment

The American Board of Radiology (ABR) recently launched its Online Longitudinal Assessment (OLA) for part 3 of Maintenance of Certification (MOC). OLA for the diagnostic radiology (DR) specialty certificate started on January 7, 2019. OLA for interventional/diagnostic radiology, medical physics, and radiation oncology is scheduled to begin in January 2020.

OLA’s online format will replace the ABR’s previous proctored MOC examination, which diplomates were required to pass every 10 years. OLA is aligned with three other parts of MOC that remain the same—part 1: state licensure; part 2: CME and self-assessment; and part 4: participation in practice quality improvement activities.

Webinar: Learn more about the new Online Longitudinal Assessment

Hear directly from ABR leadership as they provide an overview of the new ABR OLA program, which replaces the every-10-year MOC examination. Webinar participants will learn the basic elements of the ABR OLA program, how to participate in it, and how OLA impacts their MOC participation and status. This complimentary webinar is available online.

The OLA process allows diplomates to demonstrate their current knowledge base, skills, and understanding of their disciplines. Participants are not expected to need to study for the OLA, as all content is intended to be basic knowledge the average diplomate should already know. Katherine Maturen, ABR DR Certifying GU Committee chair, said in a news release: “There is no way that our residency and fellowship training can adequately prepare us for an entire career. We must continue to learn and grow professionally, and I do think patients and other stakeholders have a right to expect some external validation of that continuous learning.” She noted that OLA provides a more individualized assessment process that responds dynamically to the needs of each diplomate, eliminates costly travel, and integrates into daily practice rather than creating an artificial glut of studying once per decade. The benefits of OLA include: 

  • Participation flexibility: Questions can be answered at times convenient to participants.
  • Immediate feedback: Correct answers will be given immediately, with a brief discussion and reference information included.
  • No travel required: Questions can be answered at work or home on the participant’s own time, dispensing with the problems of time and expense associated with the travel previously required.

Participants in OLA will be required to answer a total of 200 questions, with a minimum of 52 questions answered each year. Evaluations for those who start OLA in 2019 and answer 52 questions per year will occur on March 2, 2023, although those who answer more than the minimum requirement of questions annually may have their first evaluation at an earlier date. 

For more information regarding OLA background and process as well as a list of FAQs, please consult the ABR website.