In September, the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) announced the details of its redesigned Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program, known as MOCA 2.0.

One of the biggest changes from the current MOC program is that diplomates will no longer have to take an MOC exam every 10 years in order to maintain certification. Instead, participants will be evaluated quarterly through an interactive online learning application called MOCA Minute. Quiz questions will be sent weekly via email, and will also be accessible online and through an app. Each year, participants must answer 30 questions every three months to fulfill the “Part 3: Assessment of Knowledge, Judgment, and Skills” certification requirement. The cost of the program hasn’t changed, but ABA has moved from charging a $2,100 fee every 10 years to an annual fee of $210.

The MOC program changes were driven by feedback from ABA diplomates, particularly concerns over the cost and time commitment of the 10-year MOC exam, and criticisms that the exam didn’t provide an accurate assessment of their knowledge.

“We are committed to creating a maintenance of certification program that is relevant to everyday practice and will help board-certified anesthesiologists enhance their knowledge so that throughout their careers they continue to deliver high-quality patient care,” James Rathmell, MD, secretary for the American Board of Anesthesiology said in a press release announcing the revised program. “We want physicians engaged in learning every day they are in practice. We’ve worked with our physicians to create a top-notch program that will help anesthesiologists improve clinical outcomes and patient safety.”

The ABA’s MOCA 2.0 will launch in January 2016.