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- Presentation
Overview of CertLink Updates, Structure, and Passing Standards for Dermatology Certification
Description
The transcript explains updates to the American Board of Dermatology’s CertLink continuing certification program starting in 2026. CertLink remains a formative, clinically relevant, open-book learning platform designed to support patient care rather than memorization. Diplomates receive 13 questions per quarter, typically including core visual-recognition items, selected-area questions, and article-based questions; specialists such as pediatric dermatology, Mohs, or dermatopathology diplomates receive a modified mix. Participants can take one quarter off each year, and if all four quarters are completed the lowest score is dropped from the annual pass calculation. The program also offers second chances on missed questions, immediate feedback with critiques and references, and enough CME/self-assessment credit to meet ABD requirements. A new five-year check-in is required by ABMS, but it is described as routine rather than punitive. The passing standard is now 73% over four years, based on 156 scored questions, and most participants who keep up will pass. If someone does not pass, there is a more exam-like catch-up assessment with about 150 questions over one week, no second chances, and no article-based questions. The speaker also shows how users select article topics, review images, and use support tools, emphasizing that feedback is welcome and used to improve the system.
View moreConclusions
- CertLink is designed as a formative, open-book longitudinal assessment that emphasizes learning and patient-care relevance over high-stakes testing or memorization.
- The updated system keeps the core structure largely intact while adding thoughtful changes such as more flexible quarter participation, resident practice use, and a five-year certification check-in.
- Most diplomates should be able to meet the new 73% passing standard if they participate regularly, since the scoring is criterion-referenced rather than curved.
- The quarterly format with a second chance on missed items and a dropped lowest score is intended to reduce pressure and support ongoing improvement.
- Different subspecialty tracks receive tailored question mixes, allowing CertLink to remain relevant across general dermatology and specialized practice areas.
- Immediate feedback, critiques, references, and clinical pearls make each item educational and help identify knowledge gaps in real time.
- The data presented suggest CertLink is efficient, with most questions taking less than a minute to answer and peer performance clustering well above the passing threshold.
- Even if a diplomate does not complete every quarter, the system is structured so that missed work can be absorbed without severe penalty if participation remains consistent.
- If someone fails the longitudinal pathway, the catch-up exam is more burdensome and less forgiving, reinforcing that routine participation is the easiest route to certification maintenance.
- ABD views user feedback as important and has already adjusted questions based on concerns, indicating an iterative improvement process for the program.
- American Board of Dermatology. CertLink Navigation, Performance Tracking, and Passing Standards.
- American Board of Dermatology – Employee; Elsevier Inc. – Book royalties.
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