Preparing for MyEMCert Key Advance Questions

You’re probably familiar with ABEM's four requirements for maintaining board certification:

• Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (LLSA);
• Improvement in Medical Practice;
• MyEMCert™ Examination; and
• Professionalism and Professional Standing.

Now that the ConCert exam was administered for the last time in October 2022, MyEMCert modules are—officially—the only pathway to maintaining certification. Each module corresponds to one of eight content areas, and emergency physicians must pass four modules in each 5-year certification cycle. 

Moreover, the LLSA exams are being absorbed into a new category of MyEMCert assessment questions called Key Advances. Although the EM LLSA Reading Lists are still being updated at this time, they will be phased out in the coming years, and the Key Advances will eventually replace them.

In each MyEMCert exam, there are up to 50 questions, 20% of which are based on Key Advances in emergency medicine. These Key Advances contain clinical policy alerts, including many ACEP Clinical Policies, emergency medicine practice advances, and suggestions from the literature. According to ABEM, they are intended to:

• Facilitate learning;
• Amplify medical discoveries to improve patient care;
• Leverage the most popular aspects of the current LLSA exams; and
• Highlight some of the most clinically relevant emerging literature.

Emergency physicians are more burned out than ever, so you’re likely relieved to learn that the MyEMCert modules are open book. You can also choose between available content areas and take the modules in any order. But, of course, just because they’re open book doesn’t mean they’re easy: Each MyEMCert module has a 4-hour time limit, only three attempts are allowed in a given year, and collaboration is not allowed. Additionally, you may be surprised by the Key Advance questions because they often do not match the module’s topic; these questions can be drawn from any Key Advance designated by ABEM. View a sample Key Advance question here.

As the knowledge from Key Advances is incorporated into the field and the newest practices are adopted, prior Key Advances will be absorbed into the core content of the modules. Because this innovation happens so rapidly, it’s always wise to stay up to date with current research. Luckily, PEERcert+ for MyEMCert is here to help you prepare and stay informed. PEERcert+ for MyEMCert is a great way to assess your knowledge and earn CME credit at the same time. PEERcert+ modules are designed to be a convenient personalized tool to improve your practice.

PEERcert+ for MyEMCert simulates each of the eight topic modules with core content questions, board-style case series questions, and of course, Key Advance questions. Each of these categories closely mimics the types of questions you will encounter when you complete ABEM’s MyEMCert exams. All PEER questions are written and reviewed by multiple practicing emergency physicians to simulate real-life cases and cover the topics ABEM designates as crucial for your continuing medical education. Learning and implementing these Key Advances will help you provide the best possible care and improve patient outcomes. 

ACEP is committed to providing high-quality educational materials to keep you apprised of the latest innovations in the field of emergency medicine; Key Advance questions from PEERcert+ are one small part of that mission. All eight PEERcert+ for MyEMCert modules, complete with Key Advance questions, are available for purchase on the ACEP OLC. No matter which content area you choose to tackle first, PEERcert+ and ACEP are here to help you maintain your certification and keep providing cutting-edge emergency care in this ever-changing specialty and these unprecedented times.