Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance of Certification

• What is Maintenance of Certification?

  The Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program is a Royal College educational initiative designed to support, enhance and promote the continuing professional development activities of its nearly 30,000 Fellows, as well as continuing education participants.

• How many hours do I need?

  The MOC Program is based on a five-year cycle, the first cycle beginning January 1 of the year following admission to the program. You must complete a minimum of:

  • 25 credits per year, and
  • 250 credits over each five-year cycle

  Beginning with new (or next) MOC cycles starting on or after January 1, 2014, all Fellows will be required to complete a minimum of 25 credits in each section of the MOC Program during their five-year cycle.

• What is My MOC?

  MOC Program participants self-report their participation in approved learning activities through My MOC, a web application developed by the Royal College

• What are the sections of the MOC program?

  There are three sections:

  • Group learning
  • Self learning
  • Assessment
• Which section(s) require accreditation?

  Section 1 – Group learning (accredited activities)
  Section 3 – Feedback and improvement

• Is there a fee to submit a MOC application?

  Yes. The application fee is:

  • Program with no funding: $500 + HST
  • Program with funding: $1000 + HST

  The Society charges a non-refundable accreditation fee to review all MOC applications. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with reviewing the program.  Applications received without payment will not be processed.

• What payment methods are accepted?

  Credit cards only (VISA, MasterCard and AMEX).

• When should I submit my MOC application?

  Applications should be submitted at least eight (8) weeks prior to the start of the education activity. If sent later, a rush fee of $300 will apply or the application may not be accepted.

• What is a “rush fee” for the submitted application?

  $300 “rush fee” is added to applications received less that 8 weeks prior to the start of the education activity.

• How long will it take for the application to be processed?

  The usual turnaround time is 2-3 weeks, depending on the complexity of the educational activity.

• How will I know whether my event has been accredited?

  Once the application has been reviewed, the CPS Education Department will send an email confirming whether the activity has been approved or not. If approved, you will receive a letter and approval form including the number of credit hours and the accreditation text that must be included on all activity materials. The assessment result will be sent to the planning committee chair.

• What supporting documents must be included with the application?

  Along with the completed MOC application form, the following supporting documents must be provided:

  • Event program, including detailed schedule and learning objectives for the overall event and specific sessions
  • Detailed budget
  • Sample evaluation tool(s)
  • Sample conflict of interest/disclosure form
  • Sample certificate of attendance
• Should the learning objectives be printed on the program brochure?

  Learning objectives that address identified needs must be created for the overall event and individual session. The learning objectives must be printed on the program brochure AND/OR handout materials.

• Does the planning committee chair have to be a physician? A CPS member?

  Yes, the planning committee chair must be a physician.

  No, the planning committee chair does not have to be a CPS member.

• Does faculty have to be confirmed before submitting the application?

  No, as long as the learning objectives for the presentations remain the same.

• What should be included in the event program?

  The event program must include a detailed schedule, including time set aside for Q&A and/or discussion periods, and learning objectives for all presentations.

• Who will be receiving the assessment result?

  The assessment result will be sent to the planning committee chair.

• Can we refer to MOC credit in the conference brochure prior to the actual accreditation received?

  No reference may be made to CPS or MOC accreditation prior to approval. Do not also state “MOC credit applied for” or similar wording.

• How long is the accreditation for?

  Accreditation is valid for one (1) calendar year from the date of the notification. If the organization plans to have the similar event in the next calendar year, a new application must be submitted.

• Should we identify all of the sponsors in the budget?

  Yes, all sources of revenue must be included in the budget. Please refer to the budget template.

• How are credit hours calculated?

  One credit per educational hour is assigned to Accredited Group Learning Activities (Section 1). Educational time can include lectures, seminars, Q&A periods, workshops, etc. Activities that are not eligible include exhibits, meal times, health breaks, receptions, social activities, etc.  Credit hours are rounded to the nearest quarter hour (e.g. 4.75 credits).

• What is the accreditation process for the non-physician organization?

  Non-physician organizations wishing to co-develop educational activities with the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) must approach the CPS before the start of planning. The CPS will not become involved or accredit programs that have already been developed.