May 18, 2013

FAQs for Physicians

I want to attend a conference held in Canada, but I don’t know if it has been accredited for Section 1.

Contact the event’s sponsoring organization to confirm whether it has been approved for Section 1. You can also consult the RCPSC listing of approved Section 1 events online.

Programs that have been approved for Section 1 of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program by the Canadian Psychiatric Association are identified by the following statement:

This event is an accredited group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, approved by the Canadian Psychiatric Association.

Programs which have been codeveloped by the CPA are further identified by the CPA’s CPD logo on the program materials.

How can I find out which self-assessment programs have been accredited for Section 3 of the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program?

All accredited self-assessment programs are listed on the Royal College's website.

Can I earn Section 1 credits for participating in CPD activities outside Canada?

Yes, if the activity is accredited by a recognized national body, such as an accredited medical organization, academic institution, college or academy.

Online CPD activities sponsored by an organization outside Canada must be approved by a Royal College-accredited provider of the MOC program.

My opportunities for attending conferences are limited. How can I earn enough MOC credits?

Consider these options:

Online CPD.

Accredited self-assessment programs (three credits per hour under Section 3).

Personal learning projects (two credits per hour under Section 2).

Practice or chart audits (three credits per hour under Section 3).

All of these activities may be completed at your home or office.

How do I keep track of my CPD hours? Does the CPA do this for me?

No, you need to keep track of your own CPD hours by using the Mainport website. Simply log in to the site and enter the correct number of hours in the appropriate section. After the hours are submitted, they are automatically converted into credits so you can track your progress.

How do I find out many hours of CPD I’ve earned?

Log in to the Mainport website to view your credits online. You can also contact the Office of Professional Development at the RCPSC by phone at (800) 461-9598 or by e-mail.

How many credits must I have each year to maintain good standing in the MOC program?

During each five-year cycle, you must earn at least 400 credits that meet approval standards. At least 40 hours of CPD must be completed in each year of each cycle, and participants may earn up to 75 per cent of their required credits from any one learning section.. The deadline for submitting your hours to the RCPSC is Jan. 31 of the following year. For more information, visit the Royal College website.

What kind of paperwork do I need to keep on file to document my MOC credits?

The documentation varies by program section. For a complete list of what you need to keep, please consult the MOC Program Guide on the Royal College's website. You can also contact the Royal College's Office of Professional Affairs directly at (800) 461-9598 or send an e-mail.

Each year, three per cent of participants in the MOC program are selected for an audit. If you have been selected, please contact the Royal College directly at (800) 461-9598.