The next stage-maintenance of certification.

1. Errol Alden, MD* 2. Robert Perelman, MD† 1. 2. *Deputy Executive Director 3. 4. †Director, Department of Education, American Academy of Pediatrics, Elk Grove Village, IL Since 1993, the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) has provided its Program for Renewal of Certification (PRCP) as an at-home, computer-based examination, with an optional written version also available. While praised by some as an examination approach that also fostered learning, the at-home test drew criticism based on perceived and procedural shortcomings. In short, there was no guarantee that the person submitting the completed examination was the person who actually took the test, making some state licensure boards uncomfortable. This was clearly a vulnerability of the take-home examination system. Concerns about public perception …