| EMCC Frequently Asked Questions | |
The most frequently asked questions about Emergency Medicine Continuous
Certification (EMCC), including navigating your Personal Page on EMCC Online,
Lifelong Learning Self-Assessment (LLSA) requirements and testing, and
certification renewal, are answered in the topic groups below.
GENERAL EMCC QUESTIONS AND EMCC PARTICIPATION
ACCESSING EMCC ONLINE PERSONAL PAGE
LIFELONG LEARNING AND SELF ASSESSMENT (LLSA)
ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICE PERFORMANCE (APP)
CONTINUOUS CERTIFICATION (ConCert) EXAMINATION (CERTIFICATION RENEWAL EXAMINATION)
OTHER QUESTIONS
GENERAL EMCC QUESTIONS AND EMCC PARTICIPATION
Who should participate in EMCC?
I certified prior to the start of EMCC. Do I wait until after I renew
my current certification before I begin participation in EMCC?
What are my requirements for EMCC? Do I have to do anything before I
Renew my certification?
How does my level of clinical activity affect my EMCC requirements?
What is the difference between the LLSA test and the ConCert
Examination?
Can I choose to maintain my certification by either passing the LLSA
tests annually or just passing the ConCert examination every 10
Years?
Can I renew my certification early?
My certification has expired. What are my options to regain
certification?
How do I find out my specific EMCC requirements?
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ACCESSING EMCC ONLINE PERSONAL PAGE
What do I need to begin using my EMCC Online Personal Page?
How can I request my EMCC Online User ID and Password?
I am having problems signing into my EMCC Online Personal Page or
entering information once I sign in.
I was “timed out“ while taking an LLSA test and now I cannot get back
into my Personal Page.
What is a Cookie and what if I prefer not to set my computer to accept
Cookies?
I entered the wrong information about my medical license and now I
am unable to change it. What should I do?
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LIFELONG LEARNING AND SELF ASSESSMENT
(LLSA)
What process did the board use to select the LLSA readings?
Why did the board select these readings for the LLSA?
What is the purpose of the LLSA tests?
How do I find the lists of annual LLSA readings?
How do I obtain the LLSA reading articles?
Why doesn’t ABEM provide the LLSA articles?
When will the next LLSA test be posted?
Does completing the LLSA tests renew my certification?
Do I need to take any LLSA tests between now and when my
certification expires?
Do I need to complete the LLSA tests if I do not plan to renew my
certification when it expires?
I am a current diplomate: how long do I have to pass an LLSA test?
I am a former diplomate. How long do I have to complete an LLSA test?
Do I need to complete an LLSA test every year?
Will I still be able to view my past LLSA tests after the test reaches its posting expiration date?
How do I register for and take an LLSA test?
What LLSA test should I begin with?
Some of the LLSA tests say I am not authorized to take that test. Why?
Do I have to complete the LLSA test all in one sitting, or can I access
it multiple times?
Is there a time limit for taking an LLSA test?
What if I am disconnected from the internet or log out without
saving while taking an LLSA test?
Can I complete more than my required number of LLSA tests?
How do I print the LLSA test questions?
How can I go back to review an LLSA test I’ve previously submitted?
Why doesn’t ABEM tell me which LLSA test questions I missed?
How do I go back to print my LLSA test certificate or score report?
I can’t print my LLSA certificate.
After I pass the ConCert examination, can previously completed LLSAs
count toward my new LLSA requirement?
Can I get CME credit for passing the LLSA tests?
How do I obtain a receipt for my LLSA test payment?
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ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICE PERFORMANCE (APP)
Who must fulfill the requirements of component four, Assessment of Practice Performance?
How do I get started?
What are my requirements?
When are my attestations due?
What type of patient data may I use for APP?
What PI activities do I need to complete?
Must I use my own patients' data?
If I am in a non-hospital setting but I'm seeing patients, how do I fulfill my APP requirements?
How do I select a person to verify my APP activities?
How will I report my APP Activities?
What happens if I fail to submit all APP requirements on time?
What happens if my verifier does not completely confirm my APP activities?
I am a diplomate who wishes to maintain my certification, but I'm not treating patients. How do I complete my APP requirements?
What if my clinical activity status changes?
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CONTINOUS CERTIFICATION (ConCert) EXAMINATION
(CERTIFICATION RENEWAL EXAMINATION)
How do I renew my certification/recertify?
What is the ConCert examination?
What is the ABEM Computer-delivered Testing Experience?
How many times each year is the ConCert examination offered?
When will the ConCert examination be held?
When can I register for the ConCert examination?
How do I register for the ConCert examination?
How long is the ConCert examination?
Where do I take the ConCert examination?
How do I schedule an examination appointment?
Can ABEM schedule my ConCert examination appointment for me?
How do I prepare for the ConCert examination?
Will the ConCert examination include the Lifelong Learning Self-
Assessment (LLSA) materials?
Can I get CME credit for passing the ConCert examination?
How do I obtain a receipt for my ConCert examination payment?
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OTHER QUESTIONS
Where do I find the Model of Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine?
Where do I find the EMCC Policies and Procedures Book?
How do I correct or update personal information on my Personal
Page?
How do I update my address with ABEM?
Is the EMCC online website secure?
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GENERAL EMCC QUESTIONS AND EMCC PARTICIPATION
WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN EMCC?
Emergency Medicine Continuous Certification (EMCC) is the program all
diplomates need to participate in to maintain their certification. Beginning
January 2004, all diplomates' certification (regardless of when it expires)
is governed by the rules of EMCC. The EMCC program is explained in
more detail on the ABEM public website under the heading
Emergency Medicine Continuous Certification.
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I CERTIFIED PRIOR TO THE START OF EMCC. DO I WAIT UNTIL AFTER I RENEW
MY CURRENT CERTIFICATION BEFORE I BEGIN PARTICIPATION IN EMCC?
No. All diplomates, regardless of when their certification expires, should
begin participating in Emergency Medicine Continuous Certification (EMCC)
now. You can find your requirements by signing in on the left side of the
ABEM public website using your User ID and Password to reach your Personal
Access Page, then click on “EMCC Online,” to reach your EMCC Online
Personal Page. From there, click on “EMCC Status,” and then on “EMCC
Requirements.”
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WHAT ARE MY REQUIREMENTS FOR EMCC? DO I HAVE TO DO ANYTHING BEFORE I
RENEW MY CERTIFICATION?
Your EMCC requirements depend upon when your certification expires.
You can find your EMCC requirements by signing in on the left side of the
ABEM public website using your User ID and Password to reach your Personal
Access Page, then click on “EMCC Online,” to reach your EMCC Online Personal
Page. From there, click on “EMCC Status,” and then on “EMCC Requirements.”
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HOW DOES MY LEVEL OF CLINICAL ACTIVITY AFFECT MY EMCC REQUIREMENTS?
Assessment of Practice Performance (APP) is designed for diplomates involved in
patient care activities. Therefore, clinically active diplomates must complete the
requirements of component four, APP.
Clinically inactive diplomates do not have an APP requirement.
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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE LLSA TEST AND THE CONCERT
EXAMINATION?
EMCC includes two different testing elements:
(1) The Lifelong Learning Self Assessment (LLSA) tests are annual, online,
unproctored, 32 - 40 question self assessment tests based on the Lifelong
Learning reading modules ABEM posts each year. The LLSA test corresponds
with the reading list of the same year. LLSA tests may be taken on any
computer from which you can access the ABEM EMCC Online website,
may be accessed as many times as you need for as long as they are
available to you, are not timed, and can be taken repeatedly.
(2) The ConCert examination is the proctored, five hour, approximately
200 question examination physicians must take to renew their certification
every ten years. The ConCert examination is offered over a series of
specified days each fall, at approximately 200 computer testing centers
located around the United States. In 2006 a small portion of the ConCert
examination will come from the concepts presented in the 2004 and 2005 LLSA
readings. The remaining questions will come from the test item bank used
for the former written recertification examination, covering the breadth of Emergency
Medicine. Questions are clinically focused. Eventually, approximately
25-40% of the ConCert examination will come from the concepts presented
in the previous nine years’ LLSA materials, with the remaining 60-75% coming
from the clinically focused written recertification examination test item bank.
An important distinction between LLSA tests and the ConCert examination
is that completing the required number of LLSA tests establishes eligibility
to take the ConCert examination to renew and maintain your certification.
Physicians who do not complete the required number of LLSA tests will have
different, more rigorous testing requirements to renew their certification.
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CAN I CHOOSE TO MAINTAIN MY CERTIFICATION BY EITHER PASSING THE LLSA
TESTS ANNUALLY OR JUST PASSING THE CONCERT EXAMINATION EVERY 10
YEARS?
No. Taking the LLSA tests alone will not renew your certification. EMCC
includes two testing components: the 32 - 40 question, annual, unproctored
LLSA tests you take from any computer where you can access your EMCC Online
Personal Page, and the approximately 200 question, proctored ConCert examination,
which is taken at a testing center. Passing the required number of LLSA tests
is one eligibility requirement to take the ConCert examination.
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CAN I RENEW MY CERTIFICATION EARLY?
Yes, you may renew your certification prior to the year in which it expires.
Check your EMCC Options by using the calculator found from your EMCC
Online Personal Page (click on “EMCC Status” and then “EMCC Options”)
to see the total number of LLSA tests you must complete to take the
ConCert in a given year. If you renew early your new certificate will be
dated to expire December 31, 10 years from the year in which you pass the
ConCert examination.
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MY CERTIFICATION HAS EXPIRED. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS TO REGAIN
CERTIFICATION?
If you took the required number of LLSA tests before your certification
expired, you will have three years to regain certification by passing the
ConCert examination.* In each of the first two years you must either
attempt the ConCert examination, or, if you do not attempt the ConCert
in a given year, you must pass an LLSA test that calendar year to keep
the ConCert examination as your renewal option for the remaining years
in your three-year window. Former diplomates who are in the process of
regaining their certification must also be in compliance with the
Policy on Medical Licensure.
If you do not pass the ConCert examination within that three year window
after your certification expires, or if you miss a year of testing within that
span, where you neither take the ConCert examination nor pass an LLSA
test in that calendar year, you will lose the ConCert as an examination
option and must pass both initial certification examinations to regain
your certification.
*For former diplomates whose certification expired prior to 2004, that
three year window began January 1, 2004 and ended December 31, 2006.
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HOW DO I FIND OUT MY SPECIFIC EMCC REQUIREMENTS?
Your EMCC requirements can be found by signing into the ABEM public
website with your User ID and Password, and then click on EMCC Online
to reach your EMCC Personal Page. From there, click on “EMCC Status.”
All currently certified physicians have EMCC requirements. In general,
diplomates with certification ending after 2012 must complete eight LLSA
tests if they intend to take the ConCert examination to renew in the year
their certification expires. Diplomates with certification expiring prior to 2012
complete a lesser number of LLSA tests, depending on their year of
certification expiration, in order to be able to renew in their year their
certification expires.
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ACCESSING EMCC ONLINE PERSONAL PAGE
WHAT DO I NEED TO BEGIN USING MY EMCC ONLINE PERSONAL PAGE?
To access your EMCC Online Personal Page, you must have an
ABEM-assigned User ID and Password. User IDs and Passwords have
been sent to all current and former diplomates. With your User ID and
Password you can sign in on the left side of the ABEM public website,
then click on “EMCC Online” to access your EMCC Online Personal Page.
If you do not have your User ID and Password, see HOW CAN I REQUEST
MY EMCC ONLINE USER ID AND PASSWORD? for further information.
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HOW CAN I REQUEST MY EMCC ONLINE USER ID AND PASSWORD?
We now have an automated system to quickly provide user IDs and passwords.
To receive your User ID and Password, please go to the ABEM public website
homepage, http://www.abem.org. Below the User ID and Password input area
in the left side of the screen, click on the link, “Need User ID and Password?”
You will be prompted to answer questions (first and last name as listed with ABEM,
date of birth, and the last four numbers of your social security/social insurance number)
which will allow us to identify you via the automated system. If the information
matches our system, you will have the opportunity to have your login information
emailed to you immediately.
If the information you input does not match the information we have on file, or
if you do not have an email address to send your information, you will be given
the opportunity to supply information via an online form so your user ID and
password can be sent to you manually via email, or via first class mail.
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I AM HAVING PROBLEMS SIGNING INTO MY EMCC ONLINE PERSONAL PAGE
OR ENTERING INFORMATION ONCE I SIGN IN
The most commonly seen reasons for error messages and other problems
when logging into, navigating your Personal Page, registering for a test
or examination, or taking the LLSA test are corrected by following the steps below.
Before beginning, make sure you are entering your ABEM User ID and Password
correctly and completely. If you are using another organization's User ID and Password
(such as an ACEP User ID and Password), they will not work to access your ABEM
Personal Page. You should now sign in on the ABEM public website, http://www.abem.org.
If you are a Macintosh computer user, click here for instructions.
For Windows Users:
1. If you are using a Windows-based PC, you will need Internet
Explorer 5.5 or higher, or Netscape 6.2.3 or higher (Internet Explorer
can be obtained free at the Microsoft website. Netscape can be obtained
free at the Netscape website).
2. First, delete your temporary Internet files. If you are using Internet
Explorer, on the top menu bar of your browser select Tools, then Internet
Options, and on the General tab, under the grouping titled Temporary
Internet Files, choose “Delete Files.” This process can be very brief or
take up to several minutes to perform.
3. Next, within the Internet Options box in Internet Explorer, on the
General tab, under Temporary Internet Files, click on the “Settings” button.
In the dialog box that opens, under “Check for Newer Versions of Stored
Pages,” select “Every visit to the page.” Click OK to close this box.
4. Your browser must be set to trust the ABEM website to not harm
your computer. While still in the Internet Options window of Internet
Explorer, click on the Security tab at the top, then click on the Trusted
Sites icon (a green circle with a check-mark inside). A button labeled
Sites will appear below the icons. Click on the Sites button and then
type the ABEM URL (https://www.abem.org) into the line that
allows you to add specific sites. Click the Add button, and then click
OK to close.
5. Your Privacy settings must be set to accept cookies from the ABEM
website. While still in the Internet Options window for Internet Explorer,
click on the tab labeled Privacy. If, near the bottom of the window you
have a grouping labeled “Websites: To override cookie handling ...”
click on the Edit button. If that group is not present, look near the
middle of the window for a grouping labeled “Settings,” and a button
labeled Sites. Click on the Sites button. Either route will take you
to a place where you should type https://www.abem.org into
the line that allows you to add specific sites. Click the Allow or
Add button. Click OK to close.
5. Pop-up blockers must either be turned off or configured to allow for
pop-ups from the EMCC Online website. If you have Windows XP and
Internet Explorer, while still in the Internet Options window for Internet
Explorer, click on the tab labeled Privacy. Either uncheck the “Block
Pop-ups” box (if it is checked), or click on the sites button to designate
that you wish to allow pop-ups from the ABEM website,
https://www.abem.org. If you also have a third-party pop-up
blocker on your computer (such as in your antivirus software or
stand-alone software to block pop-ups), disable it or designate that
you wish to allow pop-ups from the ABEM website.
6. Now close completely out of your internet browser, then reboot
your computer (choose the Start button in the lower left, and then “restart”).
When your computer reboots, open your browser and go back to
the ABEM website to sign in.
7. If you have additional anti-virus, privacy or security software installed
on your computer, you must also make sure that it is set to allow your interaction
with EMCC Online's interactive website by accepting cookies, not blocking
pop-ups and trusting the ABEM website.
If you find that these steps do not correct the problem, you should contact
your Internet Service Provider and ask them to help you diagnose the settings
on your browser and computer so that your computer communicates properly
with an interactive website.
For Macintosh Users:
The ABEM website is compatible with Windows-based PCs. Although
the system is not designed to be used with a Mac using Safari as the
browser, some Mac users using Internet Explorer for the Mac have been
successful using the ABEM website. Firefox for the Mac has also worked
for Mac users, and may be obtained for free from Mozilla.
If you need additional assistance, you may contact ABEM at 517.332.4800 (Press 1
for EMCC staff) during our regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET,
Monday through Friday.
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I WAS “TIMED OUT“ WHILE TAKING AN LLSA TEST AND NOW I CANNOT GET BACK
INTO MY PERSONAL PAGE.
If this happens you should close out of your internet browser completely.
Wait five to ten seconds, then reopen the browser. Before attempting to
sign into your EMCC Online Personal Page again, follow the instructions
listed above to be sure that your browser settings will allow you to correctly
access and interact with the EMCC Online Personal Page.
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WHAT IS A COOKIE AND WHAT IF I PREFER NOT TO SET MY COMPUTER TO ACCEPT
COOKIES?
Cookies are text files that help store information about your interaction
with a specific website, so that you can better interact with that website.
Cookies only store data that you have already entered on that specific
website. They cannot gather other information you have stored on your
computer, cannot execute any commands on your computer system,
do not transmit viruses or act maliciously. They can be deleted at any
time. If your PC is not set to accept cookies from the EMCC Online website,
you will not be able to enter information on your Personal Page, register for
or take a test from that computer.
You do not have to accept cookies from all websites to accept cookies
from EMCC Online. To set Internet Explorer to accept cookies from EMCC
Online, go to the menu bar on the top of your browser, click on Tools,
and then Internet Options. Click on the “Privacy” tab, and then the Edit
button. (If the Privacy tab does not show the option to designate specific
websites for cookie handling, click on the Security tab, then click on the
Trusted Sites icon, and then on the Sites button.) Type the EMCC Online
URL (https://www.abem.org/) into the line that allows you to add
specific sites from which you will accept cookies. Click on the button that
says “Accept” or “Add.” Click “OK” to close Internet Options. Then close
completely out of your Internet browser. After closing the browser, wait
a few seconds before reopening, and then go to EMCC Online. Your
browser will only be accepting cookies from the ABEM site by doing so.
If you do not wish to accept cookies from the EMCC Online site on your
computer, you must use another computer that can accept cookies.
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I ENTERED THE WRONG INFORMATION ABOUT MY MEDICAL LICENSE AND NOW I
AM UNABLE TO CHANGE IT. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You should contact the ABEM office by one of the following means: phone
at 517-332-4800 extension 383, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday – Friday,
Eastern Time; fax to 517-332-4853; or email to emcc@abem.org. Give
your name (if leaving a message, be sure to include the spelling) and
date of birth. Indicate that you incorrectly entered licensure information
regarding your medical license, and state the error that was made. We
will delete the incorrectly entered medical license information from your file.
If we have your email address, we will email you when the incorrect
information is deleted. Once the incorrect information is deleted you will
need to return to your Personal Page and enter the correct information
for all medical licenses you hold. ABEM cannot enter medical licensure
information for you.
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LIFELONG LEARNING SELF-ASSESSMENT
(LLSA)
WHAT PROCESS DID THE BOARD USE TO SELECT THE LLSA READINGS?
ABEM Board members serving as LLSA test editors perform the initial
selection of LLSA readings, drawing from a pool of readings submitted by
EM organizations and ABEM diplomates. The final list of LLSA readings is
reviewed at several levels of the Board of Directors, and any controversial
readings are discussed and agreed upon.
More information about the LLSA reading selection process and the
criteria that the Board uses to select the annual readings can be found
on the ABEM public web site. Click on the “Policy Index” option on the
left-hand navigation bar and see the following policies: Solicitation
and Selection of Readings for Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment Tests,
and Criteria for Lifelong Learning Readings.
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WHY DID THE BOARD SELECT THESE READINGS FOR THE LLSA?
The primary goal of LLSA tests is to promote continuous learning by
diplomates. The selected LLSA readings are designed as study tools and
should be read critically. They are not intended to be all-inclusive and
are not meant to define the standard of care for the clinical practice
of EM. Given the Board’s focus on recent EM literature, the LLSA lists may
contain readings about new developments or treatments that are currently
the focus of discussion or debate within the medical community. The
Board believes it is important that its diplomates have an informed
opinion about such readings, and assumes that ABEM diplomates will
review such readings from a critical perspective. The Board designs and
develops the LLSA tests to promote these goals.
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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LLSA TESTS?
The primary goal of LLSA tests is to promote continuous learning by
diplomates. Completing and passing the required number of LLSA tests
is also an eligibility requirement for taking the ConCert examination to
renew your certification. The readings are designed as study tools and
should be read critically. They are not intended to be all-inclusive and
are not meant to define the standard of care for the clinical practice of
Emergency Medicine.
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HOW DO I FIND THE LISTS OF ANNUAL LLSA READINGS?
The lists of LLSA readings, with links to most of the articles, can be
accessed through your EMCC Online Personal Page. Sign in with your
User ID and Password, then click on EMCC Online to enter your EMCC
Online Personal Page. From there, click on View Reading List. You can also
find the reading lists on the ABEM public website. Starting at the left-hand
navigation bar, click on Emergency Medicine Continuous Certification (EMCC),
then, from the list that appears on your screen, EMCC Lifelong Learning
and Self Assessment (LLSA), then LLSA Reading Lists, then the list for the
specific year you would like to see. There may be a charge from the
individual publisher to access the article online.
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HOW DO I OBTAIN THE LLSA READING ARTICLES?
One way to access the LLSA reading lists, with links to many of the
articles, is through your EMCC Online Personal Page. Sign in with your
User ID and Password, then click on EMCC Online to enter your EMCC
Online Personal Page. From there, click on View Reading List.
You can also find the reading lists without signing in on the ABEM public
website. Starting at the left-hand navigation bar, click on Emergency Medicine
Continuous Certification (EMCC), then choose EMCC Lifelong Learning
and Self Assessment (LLSA), then LLSA Reading Lists, and then the list
for the specific year you would like to see. There may be a charge
from the individual publisher to access the article online.
ABEM is aware that third party providers are using the LLSA reading
list as a basis for CME activities. This is one way that physicians can
access all the articles from one source. ABEM has no objection to
physicians participating in such activities. ABEM does not participate
in the preparation of any such courses, has no financial interest in these
programs, and does not make any specific recommendations regarding
CME courses. Completion of a CME activity based on the ABEM reading
lists does not satisfy a physician's LLSA requirements with ABEM.
The easiest way to find a list of CME providers may be to go to an internet
search engine such as Google and type “LLSA Reading List” in the
search field. That should bring up a list that would include those who
are providing the LLSA reading list and/or using the LLSA readings
as a basis for CME activities.
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WHY DOESN’T ABEM PROVIDE THE LLSA ARTICLES?
Journal articles are copyrighted and access to them is regulated by the
journals in which they appear. ABEM has chosen to allow diplomates to
secure the articles in the manner in which they feel is most appropriate
for them, rather than unilaterally increasing the cost of the program
significantly to provide for access to those journals that would charge ABEM
a fee to allow access to their articles.
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WHEN WILL THE NEXT LLSA TEST BE POSTED?
Each April a new LLSA is posted, and it will remain posted for
three years (e.g., the 2008 LLSA is available from April 1, 2008 through
March 31, 2011). If you are a currently certified physician this allows
for flexibility in how often a test must be completed, but you must
complete them frequently enough to complete the full number of LLSA
tests required of you prior to registering for the ConCert examination.
For an LLSA test to be counted toward your requirements it must be
scored and passed prior to its posting expiration date and prior to
registering for the ConCert examination.
Former diplomates should note that they have specific requirements which
may include taking and passing an LLSA test prior to the end of a calendar
year.
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DOES COMPLETING THE LLSA TESTS RENEW MY CERTIFICATION?
No. The LLSA tests do not replace passing the proctored continuous
certification (ConCert) examination. Passing the required number of LLSA
tests is an eligibility requirement to take the ConCert examination to
renew your certification. You can find your requirements for renewing
your certification on EMCC Online: sign in on the left side of the ABEM
public website, and click on “EMCC Online” to reach your EMCC Online
Personal Page. From there, click on “EMCC Status,” and then on
“EMCC Requirements.”
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DO I NEED TO TAKE ANY LLSA TESTS BETWEEN NOW AND WHEN MY
CERTIFICATION EXPIRES?
All diplomates should participate in EMCC, regardless of when their
certification expires. Through 2012, the EMCC phase-in period,
LLSA testing requirements vary depending upon the year in which you
attempt the ConCert examination to renew your certification. To check
your specific LLSA test requirements, sign in on the left side of the ABEM
public website, and click on “EMCC Online” to reach your EMCC Online
Personal Page. From there, click on “EMCC Status,” and then on “EMCC
Requirements.”
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DO I NEED TO COMPLETE THE LLSA TESTS IF I DO NOT PLAN TO RENEW MY
CERTIFICATION WHEN IT EXPIRES?
The Board encourages all diplomates to complete the annual LLSA readings
and tests; however, if you do not intend to renew your certification when
it expires, you are not required to complete the LLSA tests to maintain
your certification.
All physicians currently certified by ABEM must be in compliance with
the Policy on Medical Licensure throughout their certification to maintain
certification.
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I AM A CURRENT DIPLOMATE: HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PASS AN LLSA TEST?
If you are a current diplomate, the amount of time you have to pass
an LLSA test depends on your specific requirements. In general,
each LLSA test will be posted on April 1 and will be posted for three years;
you may access it as many times as needed during that time. However,
you must pass the required number of LLSA tests prior to registering for the
ConCert examination.
You can find your EMCC requirements on EMCC Online. Sign in on the left
side of the ABEM public website, and click on “EMCC Online“ to reach your
EMCC Online Personal Page. From there, click on “EMCC Status,” and then
on “EMCC Requirements.”
Former diplomates should note that they have specific requirements which
may include taking and passing an LLSA test prior to the end of a calendar
year (see I AM A FORMER DIPLOMATE. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO
COMPLETE AN LLSA TEST?)
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I AM A FORMER DIPLOMATE. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE AN LLSA TEST?
Former diplomates have different LLSA testing requirements than currently
certified diplomates.
If a former diplomate is in the first or second year of his or her three-year
window to use the ConCert examination as the means of regaining certification,
and does not take the ConCert examination in that year, he or she must
pass an LLSA test in that calendar year.
Former diplomates in their third year of their three-year window must take
and pass the ConCert examination that year. Former diplomates who do not
pass their ConCert examination by the end of the third year in their three year
window will no longer have the ConCert examination as their certification renewal
option.
Former diplomates who are still in their three-year window may check their
specific requirements for renewing their certification on EMCC Online by
signing into the the ABEM public website, then clicking on EMCC Online to
reach their EMCC Online Personal Page. From there, click on “EMCC Status,”
and then “Former Diplomate EMCC Requirements.”
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DO I NEED TO COMPLETE AN LLSA TEST EVERY YEAR?
Each LLSA test will be posted for three years. Although a new LLSA
test is posted each year, and ABEM anticipates that diplomates will choose
to complete approximately one per year, a currently certified physician may
choose to complete one each year, or may complete two or even three
LLSA tests in a year and then not complete an LLSA test in other years.
However, physicians should not wait so long to complete the LLSA tests
that they do not have enough tests available to pass before registering
for the ConCert examination to renew their certification.
Former diplomates have specific requirements which may include taking
and passing an LLSA test prior to the end of each calendar year. See
I AM A FORMER DIPLOMATE. HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE
AN LLSA TEST? Former diplomates should be sure to check their specific
requirements from their EMCC Online Personal Page by clicking on “EMCC
Status,” and then “Former Diplomate EMCC requirements.”
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WILL I STILL BE ABLE TO VIEW MY PAST LLSA TESTS AFTER THE TEST
REACHES ITS POSTING EXPIRATION DATE?
Yes, LLSA tests you have completed will still be available to
view after the test reaches its posting expiration date.
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HOW DO I REGISTER FOR AND TAKE AN LLSA TEST?
To register to take an LLSA test you should use your ABEM User ID and
Password to sign in at the ABEM public website on the left side of the
screen to reach your Personal Access page. From there, click on the
“EMCC Online” button to reach your EMCC Online Personal Page. Click
on the link “Register or Take a Test,” choose the LLSA test you wish to
take, and complete the online registration. You will need your medical
licensure information.
Once your registration is complete, you will be able to access the
LLSA test, which is based on the corresponding year’s LLSA reading list. Your
registration gives you the opportunity to take and submit that LLSA test
up to three times to achieve a passing score, provided it is completed before
the posting expiration date of the LLSA test. An LLSA test can be from
32 - 40 questions in length, and a passing score is correctly answering
90% of the total test questions. If you are unable to pass the test within
that registration's three attempts, you may re-register for another three
attempts and so on.
If you are a current diplomate you will be able to access that test until it
reaches its expiration date three years after it was first posted online by
ABEM, or until you take the ConCert examination, whichever comes first.
If you are a former diplomate, access to an LLSA test may be limited.
View the Policy on Regaining Certification for an explanation of LLSA
availability for former diplomates.
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WHAT LLSA TEST SHOULD I BEGIN WITH?
You should begin with the LLSA test that follows the year you certify or
renew certification. LLSA tests from the year of and prior to your
most recent certification or certificate renewal cannot be counted toward
your current requirements and you will be blocked from taking those LLSA
tests. LLSA tests are posted on April 1.
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SOME OF THE LLSA TESTS SAY I AM NOT AUTHORIZED TO TAKE THAT TEST. WHY?
You should begin with the LLSA test that follows the year you certify or
renew certification. LLSA tests from the year of and years prior to initial
certification or certificate renewal cannot be counted toward your most recent
ConCert examination requirement and you will be blocked from taking those LLSA
tests. If you fall into either of these categories, you should have access to the
LLSA tests posted beginning the year following certification or renewal. LLSA tests
are posted on April 1.
Phyicians who are not in compliance with ABEM's Policy on Medical Licensure will
also be blocked from taking a test or examination.
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DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE THE LLSA TEST ALL IN ONE SITTING, OR CAN I ACCESS
IT MULTIPLE TIMES?
You can access an LLSA test as many times as you need within the
three year window that test is available online, and within the eligibility
requirements to access specific LLSA tests, and you must fulfill your
LLSA requirements within the time limit given you.
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IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR TAKING AN LLSA TEST?
Each LLSA test will be posted from April of the year it is first posted
through March 31, three years later. You are allowed to access the LLSA
test as many times and for as long as you need to within the time the LLSA
test is posted, as long as you complete your LLSA test requirements. You
should consult your EMCC requirements by logging into your EMCC Online
Personal Page, then click on “Check EMCC Status,” and then on “EMCC
Requirements.”
In addition, LLSA tests are available according to your certificate cycle, and
only those LLSA tests posted after your must recent certification and recertification
will be available to you.
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WHAT IF I AM DISCONNECTED FROM THE INTERNET OR LOG OUT WITHOUT
SAVING WHILE TAKING AN LLSA TEST?
LLSA test answers are automatically saved and will not be lost. If the test
site stays idle too long, you will automatically be logged out for your own security;
however, your answers will still be saved.
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CAN I COMPLETE MORE THAN MY REQUIRED NUMBER OF LLSA TESTS?
Yes, you may take more LLSA tests than the number required of you.
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HOW DO I PRINT THE LLSA TEST QUESTIONS?
LLSA test questions can be printed one at a time by using the keyboard
shortcut appropriate for the computer you are using. For Windows-based
computers, while viewing a question, hold down the CTRL and P keys at
the same time. The “Print” menu box should come up on your screen.
For Macs, hold down the Command and P keys at the same time.
Another way to print any view on the screen is to use the “Alt + Print Screen”
keys on your keyboard. The “Print Screen” key is often found on the top row
of your PC keyboard, to the right of the F keys. The Alt key is on either side
of the space bar. First, hold down the “Alt” key and then press the “Print
Screen” key once. Then open a new page in a word processing program,
such as Word or WordPerfect. Click your cursor on the page and then use the
Paste command in that word processing program. A graphic of the screen
will be pasted into the page. You can then print that page, and even save the
view or several views of screen shots as a document file.
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HOW CAN I GO BACK TO REVIEW AN LLSA TEST I’VE PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED?
From your EMCC Online Personal Page, click on the Quick Link button labeled
“Review the Results of Past Tests” or the button labeled “Test History,”
then click on the “View” link next to the test you wish to review.
To review the score report from a previously taken test, go to the test,
click on “Score Test,” then click on “Score Report.”
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WHY DOESN’T ABEM TELL ME WHICH LLSA TEST QUESTIONS I MISSED?
The purpose of LLSA is learning. While there is value in knowing which
test items are missed, ABEM does not want to encourage diplomates to
“game” the test by simply guessing at answers. The LLSA score report
provides the number of correctly answered questions by specific reading.
By doing so, the Board hopes to identify for diplomates those readings
that warrant their further review.
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HOW DO I GO BACK TO PRINT MY LLSA TEST CERTIFICATE OR SCORE REPORT?
Sign into your EMCC Online Personal Page, click on the Quick Link button
labeled “Review the Results of Past Tests” or the button labeled “Test History,”
then click on the “View” link next to the test you wish to access. After
the test comes up, click on the "Score Test" button, then "Score Report.”
Scroll to the bottom of the Score Report page that comes up and select
either “Certificate” or “Email Certificate.” You may print the certificate
from there, or email it to any email address you choose.
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I CAN’T PRINT MY LLSA CERTIFICATE.
Be sure you have the most current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader
installed on your computer. If you do not have the current version
of Adobe Acrobat Reader, you may download it for free from the
Adobe website. Download directions are provided on their website.
Once you have done this, sign into your EMCC Online Personal Page, click
on the Quick Link button labeled “Review the Results of Past Tests” or
the button labeled “Test History,” then click on the “View” link next to
the test you wish to access. After the test comes up, click on the
“Score Test” button, then “Score Report.”
Scroll to the bottom of the Score Report page that comes up and select
either “Certificate” or “Email Certificate.” You may print the certificate
from there, or email it and open it from the email.
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AFTER I PASS THE CONCERT EXAMINATION, CAN PREVIOUSLY COMPLETED
LLSAs COUNT TOWARD MY NEW LLSA REQUIREMENT?
Passing the ConCert examination resets your LLSA test count to zero.
Previously completed LLSA tests, and LLSA tests from the year of and
the years prior to certification or certificate renewal, regardless of if they
were previously begun, cannot be counted toward a future ConCert examination.
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CAN I GET CME CREDIT FOR PASSING THE LLSA TESTS?
ABEM is not authorized to confer CME credit for successful completion
of the any of its tests or examinations.
ABEM is aware that third party providers are using the LLSA reading
lists as a basis for CME activity. ABEM has no objection to physicians
participating in such activities; however, ABEM does not participate in
the preparation of any such courses, has no financial interest in these
programs, and does not make any specific recommendations regarding CME
courses. Completion of a CME-granting course based on the reading lists
does not satisfy a physician's LLSA requirements with ABEM.
One way to find a list of CME providers is to use an internet search
engine, such as Google, and type “LLSA Reading List” in the search field.
That should bring up a list that would include those who are providing the
LLSA reading list and/or using the LLSA readings as a basis for CME activity.
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HOW DO I OBTAIN A RECEIPT FOR MY LLSA TEST PAYMENT?
Sign into the ABEM website with your User ID and Password, click on
EMCC Online to reach your EMCC Online Personal Page. Click on
the Quick Link labeled “Payment History.” On the Payment History page,
click on the “Print Receipt” button next to the test or examination for
which you wish a receipt. You may print the receipt using your browser's
print button.
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ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICE PERFORMANCE (APP)
WHO MUST FULFILL THE REQUIREMENTS OF COMPONENT FOUR, ASSESSMENT OF PRACTICE PERFORMANCE?
APP is designed for diplomates involved in patient care activities. Clinically inactive diplomates
will not be required to participate in APP.
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HOW DO I GET STARTED?
First, identify a practice improvement (PI) program in both skill areas; patient care and communication/
professionalism. Select programs in which you are currently participating, that may be available to
you, or that you would develop.
Second, decide when in your 10-year EMCC cycle you will attest to your PI activities for each skill area.
Third, identify and confirm who will verify your attestation.
Fourth, go to EMCC Online. Attest that you have completed each of the programs and identify your
verifier.
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WHAT ARE MY REQUIREMENTS?
Clinically active diplomates must attest to completing two patient care PI activities and one activity that
provides feedback on the skill of communication/professionalism.
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WHEN ARE MY ATTESTATIONS DUE?
Beginning in 2011, the first patient care attestation is due by the end of the 4th year of your 10-year
EMCC cycle, and the second by the end of your 8th year. You may attest any time within the two
4-year timeframes.
One communication/professionalism activity attestation is due by the end of the 8th year of your
10-year EMCC cycle. You may attest any time within the 8-year timeframe.
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WHAT TYPE OF PATIENT DATA MAY I USE FOR APP?
Four categories of patient data are acceptable for use in your Patient Care PI program:
-
Patient clinical care processes
-
Patient satisfaction related to patient care
-
Patient outcomes
-
Patient access to care, e.g., time for through-put, left without being seen (LWBS)
You may use any communication/professionalism patient feedback that measures your
ability to do the following: