In 2000, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and the 24 medical specialty boards it represents adopted Maintenance of Certification as the new standard for recertification of specialty physicians, including dermatologists. MOC places emphasis on lifelong learning and professional development to ensure that physicians deliver the highest quality patient care throughout their careers. Instead of focusing on acquired knowledge alone, MOC stresses continuous improvement around six core competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning, systems-based practice, professionalism and interpersonal and communications skills. The requirements for professional development center around a 10-year cycle of activities, ending with a recertification exam.