In the face of increasing government, public, and media scrutiny, continuing medical education professionals must demonstrate competence in developing effective and independent programs for physicians. That was one strong theme that emerged from the National Task Force for CME Provider/Industry Collaboration conference, held last month in Arlington, Va.

Toward that end, the National Commission for Certification of CME Professionals announced that it has contracted with Schroeder Measurement Technologies, a developer of validated testing instruments for credentialing examinations, to help develop a credentialing program for those in the CME industry. SMT will pilot an examination in May 2008, with the final version scheduled for release in June. After the pilot has been validated, NC-CME will determine the timeline and process for administering the exam.

To take the exam, CME professionals will have to complete an application process that will detail their formal education, continuing education, employment history, and other experiences related to the field.

"We believe that competent CME professionals need to be able to do more than pass an exam," said Jack Kues, PhD, president, NC-CME, in a press release. "We are working on a point system that will document their general knowledge and experience with educating practicing physicians."

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