Self-Assessment

Assess Your Knowledge, Plan to Improve

Self-assessment (SA) is a unique type of Continuing Medical Education (CME) activity in which you learn material, self-test to identify knowledge gaps, and then make plans to improve or test again. Participation in Longitudinal Assessment for PM&R (LA-PM&R) counts not only for the assessment requirement for continuing certification, but also earns three (3) self-assessment CME credits for every quarter of full participation. See below for more details, and as always, sign in to view your Certification Dashboard for information and progress on your requirements.

Self-Assessment Options

ABPMR–Approved Self-Assessments

Starting in 2020, ABPMR diplomates can earn self-assessment CME (SA-CME) just by participating in Longitudinal Assessment for PM&R (LA-PM&R). This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Minnesota Medical Association and the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR). The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The MMA designates these enduring activities for a maximum of 12 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Diplomates who answer all questions for each quarter will claim three self-assessment CME per quarter, or up to 12 credits per year. Full participation in LA-PM&R earns enough credits to fulfill the CC program’s SA-CME requirement.

If you need additional SA-CME credits beyond what you earn using LA-PM&R, there are two ways to find ABPMR-approved self-assessment activities:

  • ABMS Continuing Certification Directory

    Browse the ABPMR board page on the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Continuing Certification Directory. This central repository of Continuing Certification activities is searchable by specialty area or CC requirement, including a link to search for ABPMR–approved self-assessment activities only.

    If you are certified in more than one specialty, this portal gives you access to other boards' approved activities as well—and remember, the ABPMR's reciprocity policy allows you to claim self-assessment credit for any SA activity you complete for a different board certification.

    Browse ABMS Directory

  • Activities Submitted Directly to ABPMR

    Below is a list of approved self-assessment options that have been submitted directly to the ABPMR. Please note:

    • Some of the activities below have also been submitted to the ABMS Continuing Certification Directory and will be listed in both locations.
    • Credit for activities listed in the table below, regardless of whether it is also listed in the ABMS Continuing Certification Directory, will either be automatically reported to the ABPMR from the sponsoring organization or require the submission of a self-assessment award certificate. Please review the ‘Details’ section for more information.
    • If you complete an activity approved through the ABMS Continuing Certification Directory, or an activity listed in the table below that requires you to self-report the completion, you must email a copy of your self-assessment award certificate to certificationservices@abpmr.org to get SA credit.
ABPMR-Approved Options Available CME Details Related Links
AAPM&R Self-Assessment Exam for Practitioners (SAE-P)

Multiple topics available

 Varied - typically 8
  • SAE-Ps are available via AAPM&R's online learning portal
  • Instant feedback including the answer, commentary, and references for each self-assessment item
  • AAPM&R will provide the ABPMR with verification of completed SAE-Ps
AANEM Self-Assesment Examinations (SAEs)

Multiple topics available

 Varied
  • The SAEs are offered in varied format including a yearly proctored setting and online all year
  • AANEM will provide the ABPMR with verification of SAEs
Application of Quality Improvement: Tools and Methods

Silver Level Knowledge Assessment

 10
  • Mayo Application of Quality Improvement aims to evaluate the physician's knowledge in quality improvement concepts and methods
  • AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ will be awarded if the participant achieves a score ≥80% correct answers on either Test A or Test B
  • Mayo will provide the ABPMR with verification of completion
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Open School Patient Safety Curriculum
 10
  • The IHI Patient Safety Curriculum is an 8-module, self-paced course that provide fundamental background and essential knowledge about the science of patient safety, systems thinking and design, measurement and outcomes, risk management, policy and regulatory matters, and other relevant topics
  • The modules are aligned with educational standards for patient safety competencies and anchored by didactic audio/PowerPoint lectures given by a distinguished faculty of patient safety leaders and experts
  • Also included are recommended readings, videos, and quizzes to focus learners on key patient safety principles
  • By completing all modules of the course, physicians may earn CME credits. SA credit will be applied by contacting the ABPMR and supplying your CME award certificate
FluoroSafety courses on the safe use of fluoroscopy

FluoroSafety

 From 2 - 10 SAE credits or 1/Self-Assessment per course
  • These courses teach radiation management for the safe use of fluoroscopy in an image-rich, clinically-relevant format. Topics such as the physics of fluoroscopy, radation biology, radiation safety, advanced techniques for radiation dose management, Image Gently and Image Wisely, and special patient consideration are covered
  • Verification of completion will be provided directly to the ABPMR. You must provide your ABPMR certificate # when prompted to enter your ID.
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Accredited Self-Assessment Program

Multiple Topics Available

 Varies
  • Several SAE activities are available on the RCPSC website in different formats
  • SA credit will be applied by emailing ABPMR and supplying your CME award certificate

Self-Assessment Reporting

How to Report Completed Self-Assessments

If the SAE you completed is on our list of options above, the sponsoring organization automatically notifies the ABPMR of your work and then we update your Certification Dashboard.

Organization Data Reporting

If the SAE you completed is on our list of options above, the sponsoring organization automatically notifies the ABPMR of your work, then we update your Certification Dashboard. NOTE: The one exception is the National Patient Safety Foundation activity, which needs to be self-reported.

Remember to allow ample time for the notification to reach ABPMR; reporting frequency varies per organization.

Self-Reporting

If you found an ABPMR-approved SAE through the ABMS Continuing Certification Directory and it is not on the list above, you must email a copy of your self-assessment certificate to certificationservices@abpmr.org. Once we confirm the certificate, we will update your Certification Dashboard.