Abim board certification demonstrates that physicians have completed internal medicine and subspecialty training and have met rigorous standards through intensive study, self-assessment and evaluation. Additionally, certification encompasses the six general competencies established by the accreditation council for graduate medical education (acgme) and sets the stage for continual professional development through values centered on lifelong learning. In order to be certified, a physician must:* complete the requisite pre-doctoral medical education * meet specific training requirements * meet licensure requirements and procedural requirements * pass a certification examination abim administers its certification process by: (1) establishing requirements for training and self-evaluation; (2) assessing the professional credentials of candidates; (3) obtaining substantiation by appropriate authorities of the clinical competence and professional standing of candidates; and (4) developing and conducting examinations and other assessments. Initial certification by abim signifies a physician is ready to practice in internal medicine or one of its subspecialties. abim's maintenance of certification (moc) credential means something different from initial certification. It speaks to the question of whether or not an internist is staying current with knowledge and practice in his/her discipline. Abim issues a binary consequential moc credential that is anchored in whether a physician is meeting a performance standard. Abim issues that credential based upon objective, fair, defensible psychometrically rigorous standards. Participation in moc means that a physician is demonstrating that s/he is engaged in certain continuous learning and education activities. Program service accomplishments: participating abim board certified physicians regularly (at least every two years) complete approved moc activities through a structured framework created by their peers for keeping up with the latest scientific developments and changes in practice and in specialty areas. They need to earn moc points every five years, and take a secure examination in their discipline every ten years. Most diplomates certified prior to 1990 are strongly urged to participate in moc but are not required to do so to remain certified. For all diplomates, in addition to reporting board certification, abim will report if they are participating in the moc program (i. E. , engaging in moc activities frequently). Participation in moc and continued certification by abim signifies a physician is staying current in his or her discipline.