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Breadcrumb trail:

Knowledge Check-In

ABIM offers a two-year assessment option, called a Knowledge Check-In (KCI), for many physicians to provide them with more convenience in meeting the assessment requirement of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. KCIs take about three hours, and include access to UpToDate® during the exam without the need for a personal subscription.

Physicians choosing the KCI can take it in either a test center or online, such as from their home or workplace. If taking it in a test center the experience is similar to the traditional 10-year MOC exam, with the main difference being the shorter testing format.

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Compare the Knowledge Check-In to the Traditional MOC Exam

Eligibility and Registration

Registration opens for all 2020 ABIM assessments on December 1, 2019. Find more information about your specialty, including KCI exam dates, content (blueprint), tutorial and scoring.

You can try the KCI if it is offered in your specialty. If you are not currently certified, or you are in a grace period, you can regain certification by passing two consecutive KCIs and completing any outstanding MOC points requirements. If you are in the grace period for the 10-year MOC exam, you can meet your assessment requirement by passing two consecutive KCIs.

The first year a KCI is offered in a specialty it is considered “no consequences”, meaning that if a physician is unsuccessful on one or more attempts of the KCI, they will get another opportunity to take and pass the KCI 2 years later. They will continue to be publically reported as certified as long as they are meeting all other MOC requirements.

When is the Knowledge Check-In available in my specialty?

Review the rollout schedule below to see when the Knowledge Check-In is available in your specialty. The Knowledge Check-Ins will be offered every other year from the year they are first offered within a specialty. For example, Knowledge Check-Ins that start in 2019 will be offered again in 2021.

Get MOC assessment information in your specialty, including dates, scheduling, content (blueprint), tutorial and scoring.

What if I find that the Knowledge Check-In doesn’t work for me? Can I switch back to the traditional 10-year MOC exam?

In the example above, this physician passed. Her next assessment is due in 2022. In 2022, she decided to switch back to the 10 year pathway. Her original assessment due date of 2023 was restored. She attempted the 10 year MOC exam in 2023 and passed. She is certified and her next assessment is due in 10 years.

Can I take multiple assessments in one year?

You may be able to take multiple Knowledge Check-Ins and/or 10-year MOC exams in the same year

*Exam availability varies depending on size of specialty population. Please see the MOC Assessment page for more information.

Physician A has an assessment due in 2020. She attempted the KCI in the spring of 2020 and failed. She re-attempted the KCI in the fall of 2020 and passed. She is Certified, and her next assessment will be due in 2022.

Physician B also has an assessment due in 2020. He attempted the KCI in the spring of 2020 and failed. He chose to switch to the 10 year MOC exam and passed in the fall of 2020. He is certified, and his next assessment will be due in 10 years.

Tips for all physicians taking the KCI

  • Take the exam tutorial to practice using UpToDate® and become comfortable with the interface.
  • Review the exam blueprint to gain a better understanding of the content that will be covered. All KCIs are currently breadth of discipline.
  • Sign in to your Physician Portal and review your appointment time.
  • Familiarize yourself with the exam day schedule.
  • You may have the option to receive your exam results immediately. All physicians will receive their complete score report within three to four weeks of taking the KCI.

If choosing the online option there are a number of things physicians can do to help the exam day experience go well.

Before Exam Day (Online)

  • Complete the System Check using the same computer and in the same location you'll be using on exam day. It may be helpful to take the System Check before registering to make sure your equipment is compatible with the exam software.
  • Please watch this video from Pearson Vue to learn more about the check-in process.
  • Review the FAQs for more detailed information about computer requirements and security.

On Exam Day (Online)

  • Sign in to your Physician Portal and start your exam 30 minutes early to allow for any troubleshooting.
  • Make sure you are using the same computer you used to complete the System Check.
  • Prepare your testing space: desk cleared, door closed and webcam/microphone functioning.
  • You’ll need to present a valid ID during the check in process.
  • Use a hardwired internet connection instead of WiFi to improve connectivity.
  • Need help? Pearson VUE staff are available to assist you via chat.

After Exam Day

  • Physicians may have the option to receive their exam results immediately.
  • All physicians will receive their complete score report – highlighting how they performed in different areas of the exam – within three to four weeks of taking the KCI.