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Certification in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

Specialists in pediatric hematology/oncology have generally completed training in general pediatrics before entering their 3-year fellowship in hematology/oncology. They must be certified in general pediatrics, and thus must have passed the certification exam in general pediatrics before they are eligible to become board-certified in pediatric hematology/oncology.

Certification in pediatric subspecialties is administered by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and its sub board for pediatric hematology/oncology. The ABP administers the subspecialty certifying examination approximately every two years – generally in the spring of odd years. Typically, more than 75% of ASPHO members are board certified in pediatric hematology/oncology.

ASPHO supports members in preparing for initial certification as well as for Maintenance of Certification (MOC) by offering resources and education programs that are developed in accordance with the defined hematology/oncology content outline.

MOCA-Peds
Starting in 2022, the ABP began offering a new way to fulfill the MOC Part 3 (exam) requirement and earn Part 2 (Self-Assessment) points: the Maintenance of Certification Assessment for Pediatrics, or MOCA-Peds. MOCA-Peds is an online, non-proctored assessment platform, providing up to 20 timed, multiple-choice questions each quarter of the calendar year. These questions can be answered on a desktop computer, laptop, or smartphone. The four lowest-scored quarters will be dropped in each five-year MOC cycle and won't count against you.

If you prefer to sit for the proctored exam at a secure testing center, or if you aren't passing MOCA-Peds by the end of Year 4 of your five-year MOC cycle, you can choose to sit for the proctored exam instead. For more information, please refer to the ABP website.

ABP Content Outline
The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) updated the hematology/oncology content outline effective April 1, 2019. This content outline will be used for all pediatric hematology-oncology in-training, certification, and maintenance of certification examinations administered after this date. ASPHO has incorporated the new content outline into the 2021 ASPHO Review Course and KARE materials below.

ASPHO Educational Resources

  • ASPHO Review Course 
    • Offered every two years, the highly regarded live Review Course gives attendees a comprehensive review of the foundational topics in the specialty practice of pediatric hematology/oncology. The course is an invaluable immersive learning experience designed for:
      • physicians planning to take the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) examination for initial certification in pediatric hematology/oncology
      • experienced practitioners and fellows in training seeking a comprehensive review of the established standards of care
  • ASPHO’s KARE (Knowledge and Assessment REsources) Toolkit
    • KARE: Knowledge Assessment Rsource, 2021 Edition
      • Over 500 self-assessment questions on key aspects of practice
      • 33.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
      • 33.25 MOC Part 2 points available
    • PHO Review Course On Demand, 2021 Edition
      • Over 33 hours of on-demand lectures organized by the ABP content areas
      • up to 33.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ available
    • KARE Plus, 2021 Edition
      • Both resources above:
        • self-assessment questions
        • on-demand lectures
      • up to 66.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ and 33.25 MOC Part 2 points available
  • ASPHO Conference MOC Part 2 Post-Test (10 points)
    • Available for ASPHO Conference attendees to add to their conference registration.

For more information regarding ASPHO resources, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 847-375-4716.
For more information regarding the ABP and MOCA-Peds, please contact the ABP directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 919-929-0461.