Evidence of Self-Assessment and CME

Self-Assessment: Diplomates are required to participate in ABPN-approved broad-based self-assessment (SA) activities. SA requirements may be fulfilled by multiple SA activities. Each SA activity must cover new knowledge and/or current best practices in one or more of the competency areas and provide feedback that can be used by the diplomate as the basis for focused CME, lifelong learning, and/or career development. That feedback must include the correct answer and recommended literature resources for each question, and comparative performance to peers.

Credits required:

• 16 SACME credits per three-year CC block

Diplomates can choose SA activities most relevant to them from the Approved Products List.

An average of eight CME credits per year should involve SA.

CME from SA activities counts toward total CME credits per year.

The ABPN also allows a portion of the self-assessment requirement to be filled by non-CME activities.

• The ABPN will waive eight SA CME credits for the completion of a non-CME SA activity.
• The ABPN will waive a maximum of 16 SACME credits for two different non-CME SA activities per three-year CC block.
• Diplomates in CC must complete the approved non-CME SA activity during the block for which they are earning non-CME Self-Assessment credit.
• The options for non-CME self-assessment activity credit include:
  • Passing an ABPN certification or recertification examination.
  • Approved scientific grant application (funding not required), with documented peer review/feedback. Individuals seeking credit must maintain evidence of grant submission, statement of approval, and peer review/feedback, and attestation to a significant/major contribution to the grant writing*.
  • Peer-reviewed journal article publication, indexed in the MEDLINE database.
  • Non-CME self-assessment examinations that are part of patient safety courses and done post residency*.
  • Four hours of peer supervision with written feedback about the diplomate’s clinical performance, medical knowledge and patient care.*
  • Formal institutional peer review committee written feedback about the diplomate’s clinical performance, medical knowledge and patient care.*

*Must be submitted to ABPN for pre-approval.

CME: Diplomates are required to complete an average of 30 specialty or subspecialty CME credits per year. Continuing Medical Education must be relevant to the specialty and/or subspecialties in which the diplomate practices. Acceptable CME credits are Category 1 CME accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), Category 1A CME accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), or Category 1 CME accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

• Diplomates must accrue an average of 30 Category 1 CME credits per year (averaged over three years).
• CME does not need to be preapproved or come from the Approved Products List.
• Continuing Medical Education must be relevant to the specialty/subspecialty in which the diplomate practices.

What is AACAP doing for its members to assist with the self-assessment and CME requirements?
To assist members in completing this CC requirement, AACAP has prepared the following educational opportunities:

Lifelong Learning Modules

A compilation of approximately 35 journal articles, chosen by the Lifelong Learning Committee, that serve to educate individuals on important topics in child and adolescent psychiatry. Included in each module is a pre- and post-test that allows individuals to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and ABPN-approved self-assessment activity credits.

• Module 22 (expires 8/31/2028)
  • 38 CME credits, 8 of which count towards self-assessment
  • Electronic Version: $189 for members, $259 for non-members
  • Print version: $248 for members, $299 for non-members

• Module 21 (expires 8/31/2027)
  • 38 CME credits, 8 of which count towards self-assessment
  • Electronic Version: $180 for members, $220 for non-members
  • Print version: $248 for members, $288 for non-members

• Module 20 (expires 8/31/2026)
  • 38 CME credits, 8 of which count towards self-assessment
  • Electronic Version: $180 for members, $220 for non-members
  • Print version: $248 for members, $288 for non-members

Order your Modules online.

Download the AACAP publication order form.

Annual Meeting Self-Assessment Exam
The Annual Meeting Self-Assessment Exam is designed to help users assess their level of knowledge regarding current psychiatric practice and clinical advances in the field. Feedback from the exam can be used to guide selection of sessions at the Annual Meeting or future CME activity planning. Registration for this activity is open from August-November each year.

Annual Meeting Self-Assessment Workshops
These workshops allow participants to engage in live multiple choice question-based discussions lead by expert clinicians. These workshops will also let participants document strengths in specific practice areas, identify opportunities for improvement, and focus on goals and form a framework for a professional development plan, all while earning ABPN-approved SA and CME credit. Check the Annual Meeting program schedule for more information.

Upcoming Meetings

Online CME

CC Part 3 - Cognitive Expertise