COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Update

Due to COVID-19 safety measures, please note that members of staff are working remotely until further notice.

ABAI leaders are closely monitoring events and impact of COVID-19 on diplomates, patients, families, other stakeholders and the many candidates seeking board certification as they finish their training programs this year. Based upon these findings and the urgency of the moment, the ABAI Board of Directors has approved the following actions effective immediately:

Initial Certification (2021 Update):

  • 2021 Certification Exam scheduled for 4-8 October (registration & requirements deadlines on website; no current plan to modify exam window unless required due to testing site availability)
  • Continue one-time increase from 8 to 10 weeks for maximum time away from training for 2020 & 2021 fellowship graduates
  • Continue board eligibility extension from 7 to 8 years for 2020 candidates and add the same eligibility extension for 2021 candidates (clock not reset)
  • Continue to provide personal assistance with Pearson VUE scheduling as needed
  • Continue to accept case by case exception requests for missing requirements
  • Continue to support COVID-19 education & activities inclusion in fellowship curricula

Continuing Certification (2021 Update):

  • 2021 Blocks 1 and 2 will proceed as scheduled
  • All CAP Participants given full credit for canceled 2020 Block 2
  • Extension of 2020 certificate expiration date to 12/31/2021 remains in place
  • Extension of deadline for all MOC requirements (Parts I-IV) due in 2020 to 12/31/2021 remains in place
  • Extension of 2020 MOC annual fee deadline to 12/31/2021 without penalty remains in place
  • COVID 19 practice improvement activities remain eligible for part IV alternative path

ABAI diplomate and certification candidate safety and well-being are paramount. Your ABAI Board of Directors and office staff are hard at work assessing the impact of COVID-19 on the practicing allergist and clinical immunologist and those in training. I am both proud and humbled by their dedication, compassion and initiative ensuring that diplomates are supported and informed. I am equally proud of our small but mighty ABAI office staff who have seamlessly transitioned to remote operations and continue to provide such highly acclaimed professional services with a personal touch. Please note the revised office hours of 8am to 4pm EST Monday-Friday. Be aware that it will take some time to reprogram individual portal pages to reflect these changes.

ABAI would also like to commend our specialty societies and sponsors, the AAAAI, ACAAI and CIS for providing timely and informative specialty specific COVID-19 resources. ABAI will continue to work with specialty society leaders to assist diplomates in their pursuit of keeping up to date and providing the highest quality care to their patients.

We hope these actions enable diplomates to put themselves, their patients, families and practices above all else in this unprecedented international crisis. We felt it was important to paint a clear picture of the way ahead in a time of uncertainty. We are in this together and it is crucial that we hear from you about how ABAI can best support you. Please email us at abai@abai.org with your suggestions on how ABAI can support you and your practice. ABAI will continuously monitor COVID-19 impact and use your feedback to periodically update programs and requirements.

Thank you for your extraordinary service to our patients and the profession now and always,