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CPD Accreditation Application Course Overview
This course is designed to support applicants in completing the accreditation application form. Each section corresponds to a specific part of the application and provides instructions, tips, and supporting resources to help prepare responses.
Users may work through the sections in order or navigate directly to specific areas as needed. Each section includes guidance and supplementary materials. Applicants are encouraged to review these resources while completing their application.
Starting and Submitting Your Application
Applicants are required to create an applicant account on the ECME website to access the application form. After selecting the link to [APPLICATION FORM], follow the prompts to register for an applicant account. Once registered, you may log in at any time to begin, save, and return to your application.
To complete and submit your application:
- Log in to your applicant account on the ECME website.
- Complete all required sections of the application form.
- Refer to the guidance provided throughout this course to support your responses.
- Upload all required supporting documentation within the application form.
- Review your application to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Submit your application through the ECME website.
Following submission, your application will undergo a review process. You may receive comments or requests for revisions and will be able to log in to update and resubmit your application as required.
Important Information Before You Begin Your Application
Are you a Physician Organization?
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada will only accredit continuing professional development (CPD) activities that have been developed by a physician organization. New definition updated on October 21, 2021. Please check on the definition of ‘Physician Organization’ before preparing your application.
Application Timelines and Deadlines
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is submitted well in advance of the learning event start date.
- Applications submitted within 6 weeks (30 business days) of the learning even will be subject to a late fee.
- MOC 1 applications submitted within 3 weeks of the learning event will not be reviewed.
- MOC 3 events submitted within 4 weeks of the learning event will not be reviewed.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for review and potential revisions prior to the event date.
Learning Events
Learning Events cannot be accredited retrospectively.
Statements on any promotional materials indicating that an activity is “pending approval” are strictly prohibited. Applications submitted within 6 weeks (30 business days) of the learning event will be levied a late fee. MOC 1 Applications submitted within three weeks and MOC 3 Applications submitted within four weeks of the learning event will not be reviewed. Additional fee payments may apply for complex application reviews. The CME & PD Office reserves the right to ask for additional documentation to verify administrative, educational and/or ethical standards have been met.
1. Learning events developed by Physician Organizations can be reviewed and approved by the Office of CME & PD for:
- RCPSC MOC Section 1 group learning activities
- RCPSC MOC Section 3 self-assessment programs
- RCPSC MOC Section 3 simulation activities
2. If you are a physician organization seeking to co-develop a program with The Office of CME&PD, contact cme.accredit@ucalgary.ca
3. If you are a University of Calgary applicant seeking assistance with accreditation for CFPC Mainpro+, click here for criteria.
4. If you are not a University of Calgary applicant and are seeking accreditation for CFPC Mainpro+, click here.
Types of Activities
There are 3 types of activities that you can seek accreditation for. Please consider each activity type and read their descriptions below before continuing with your application:
- Group learning is an important development activity for physicians and provides an opportunity to confirm or expand areas of knowledge or practice management, to identify potential new therapies or approaches for practice, and to share practice issues or experiences with peers.
- Activities include conferences, symposia, seminars, and workshops
- Activities are approved for a maximum of one year from the start date of the activity.
- Refer to the Royal College CPD Accredited Standards Group Learning Activities (Section 1) as you complete this application and prepare the attachments.
MOC Section 3: Self-assessment Program
- Self-assessment programs assess knowledge or the application of knowledge in specific areas, topics, or domains
- Self-assessment programs use structured formats, such as multiple-choice questions, and require participants to select the appropriate response.
- Participants receive feedback on the answers to provide opportunities to identify areas for improvement and future learning.
- Activities are approved for a maximum of three years from the start date of the activity.
- Refer to the Royal College CPD Accredited Standards Self-assessment program (Section 3) as you complete this application and prepare the attachments.
MOC Section 3: Simulation-based Activity
- Simulation approximates real-life situations. Simulation-based learning activities allow participants to demonstrate (and receive feedback on) their scientific and tacit knowledge, clinical reasoning, and skills in communication, problem-solving and teamwork.
- Simulation Activities must provide learners with a strategy to assess their knowledge, skills, clinical judgement, and attitudes, in comparison to established evidence (scientific or tacit). All simulation programs must enable learners to demonstrate their abilities across the key areas of the scenario(s), topic(s), or problem(s)
- Activities are approved for a maximum of three years from the start date of the activity.
- Refer to the Royal College CPD Accredited Standards simulation-based learning activity (Section 3) as you complete this application and prepare the attachments.
Additional Considerations
Accreditation will not be granted retroactively.
The organization that developed the activity is responsible for maintaining all records (including attendance records) for a 5-year period.
The national standard for support of accredited CPD activities (the “National Standard”) guides the ability of accredited CPD providers and other parties in Canada to safeguard high-quality CPD from commercial influence, outline a clearly defined role for sponsors of CPD activities, and standardize the development and delivery of CPD activities for both family physicians and specialist physician audiences.
The standards contained within this application must be met and supporting documents provided in order for an educational event to be approved under Section 1 of the MOC program. The Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development, University of Calgary will determine if your event meets these standards.
The Royal College has also created a CPD activity toolkit to help developers of educational activities.
- Conducting a Needs assessment
- Establishing Learning Objectives
- Educational Delivery Methods
- Gathering Participant Feedback
- How to Avoid Conflicts of Interest
- Planning Committees
The Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development Office (CME & PD Office) has created helpful resources: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/cme/accreditation
Accreditation Resources
National Standard for Support of Accredited CPD Activities – Visit
RCPSC – CPD Accreditation Resources – Visit
CFPC – CPD Accreditation Resources – Visit
Guide to Grand Round Accreditation – Download PDF
ACFP – CPD Accreditation Resources – Visit
Guide to Writing Multiple Choice Questions – Download PDF
What to Expect After You Submit Your Application
Once your application had been submitted, it will enter the review process.
- Receipt of your application will be confirmed, and an initial review for completeness will be conducted.
- Your application will be assessed for accreditation requirements. You will receive email notifications when updates are available and may log in at any time to monitor progress and review feedback.
- If your application is approved, a formal letter of approval will be issued.
- The Office of CME & PD will notify the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) of your accredited learning event.
- Your are responsible for preparing and distributing Certificates of Attendance to participants in accordance with accreditation requirements.
Applicants are responsible for monitoring their account regularly and responding to any requests for additional information or revisions in a timely manner.
Contact
For questions regarding application requirements, accreditation criteria, or completing specific section of the form, please contact cme.accredit@ucalgary.ca.
For assistance with account access, system navigation, or technical issues with the application form, please contact ecme@ucalgary.ca.