MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION

Beginning in 2001, the certificates issued by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS) are valid for 10 years. The ABFPRS’s program for Maintenance of Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® (MOC in FPS®), which includes the annual longitudinal assessment program FACEforward, offers diplomates, whose certificates are time-limited (those certified in 2001 and beyond), renewal of their certification. The program encourages surgeons to engage in, and measure up to, a comprehensive set of standards designed to help them maintain high professional standing, participate regularly in continuing medical education, remain current in critical knowledge areas, and perform well in their surgical practices. The program validates applicants’ efforts to meet these standards through a rigorous process of peer review and longitudinal assessment via an online program.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about the Maintenance of Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® program.

All ABFPRS diplomats, even those holding lifetime certificates, are encouraged to participate.

Step ONE: Complete FACEforward every year

FACEforward® online longitudinal assessments must be completed between March 31 (12am eastern time) and October 31 (12am eastern time) of a given year.

Step TWO: Complete a Credentials Questionnaire Every Five Years

Beginning in 2024, an online questionnaire will be required every five years before entering the FACEforward modules for that year.

Step THREE: Complete an Acceptable MOC in FPRS® Application

All requirements are spelled out in the ABFPRS Maintenance of Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ® Booklet of Information. The Booklet of Information is part of the Application for Maintenance of Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, which also includes the Sequential Operative Log. These materials are available online.

• Booklet of Information
• Application
• Sequential Operative Log Form

Examples

To help clarify what the ABFPRS Credentials Committee may accept or reject as an operative report or correct Sequential Operative Log, you may download:

• Sample Operative Reports
• Operative Report Standards
• Sample Self-Generated Sequential Operative Log
• MOC in FPRS ® Standardized Letter of Recommendation Form

 A Standing Offer

Maintenance of Certification in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® applicants are invited to call the ABFPRS office before they start to complete the application. Staff is familiar with the application process and can help ensure that applications are completed in a full and timely manner.

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 American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. AAFPRS is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing education for physicians.

AAFPRS designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 15.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Surgeons who successfully complete the ABFPRS FACEforward® program every year are eligible to receive 15 CME credits each year if they are a member of the AAFPRS in good standing. Please contact [email protected] at AAFPRS with any questions. FACEforward® is designed to allow attendees to apply new knowledge into practice and demonstrate competence in clinical assessment in the field of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.