Transition to C-Cert
When did C-cert begin?
The transition to C-cert for all diplomates began in 2019 with a one-time continuing medical education (CME) attestation requirement for all diplomates. C-cert activities officially began January 1, 2020.
Why is UCNS discontinuing the 10-year certificate and recertification process?
We listened to our diplomates. Advances in medicine are ongoing and change happens quickly. The previous 10-year, time-limited certification cycle did not provide a timely assessment of whether diplomates were staying up to date on the latest science, treatments, and therapeutics relating to their subspecialty. C-cert is designed to be more convenient, flexible, current, and practice-related. The goal is to support diplomates in improving the care they provide, while upholding the high standards of UCNS certification. Supported by the findings of a 2017 UCNS diplomate survey, the C-cert model was preferred over the previous high-stakes recertification examination model.
Why wasn't UCNS C-cert offered as a pilot program?
The UCNS reviewed 13 different C-cert pilot programs during the development process of the UCNS program. The C-cert process launched by the UCNS meets the life-long learning and assessment criteria of many American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) pilot programs but is scaled to meet the unique needs of the UCNS and its diplomates while maintaining respected certification standards. Due to the size of the UCNS subspecialties, running pilot programs concurrently with the former program are not financially or administratively possible. The UCNS is committed to ongoing assessment and improvement of the new C-cert process and will seek ongoing feedback from its diplomates.
My certificate shows a future expiration date so do I have to participate in the C-cert requirements?
Yes, the C-cert process replaces the previous recertification process and all certificate holders, regardless of expiration date, must participate and meet the annual C-cert requirements beginning in 2020 to be considered “Certified – Meeting Requirements.” With the new C -cert process, diplomate certification will be continuous as long as the annual requirements are met. Certification status will be updated annually and can be verified online in the Diplomate Directory . Diplomates who met all C-cert requirements as of March 20, 2021 were mailed new certificates with initial certification issue dates and no expiration contingent on meeting annual C-cert requirements.
Are there fees for C-cert?
Beginning in January 2020, diplomates will pay an annual fee as part of their C-cert requirements. The annual $175 administrative fee is used to offset the cost of administering the C-cert process. Diplomates can pay online by signing into the UCNS website and navigating to their profile page. With the smaller annual fee, versus the large recertification examination fee, diplomates will find it easier to budget other life-long learning opportunities relative to their subspecialty and practice.