ABA Research Finds Strong Participation and Learning Gains With MOCA Minute

Raleigh, N.C. (June 23, 2026) — A recently published study shows that board-certified anesthesiologists participating in the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA)’s longitudinal assessment for continuing certification demonstrate substantial improvements in learning and knowledge retention on repeat questions.

In 2016, MOCA Minute replaced the conventional high-stakes exam with a flexible, ongoing assessment that incorporated learning science and technology to meet board-certified anesthesiologists where they are. The goal was to improve public health and enhance patient outcomes by ensuring that anesthesiologists keep their medical knowledge up to date.

The study analyzed two years of MOCA Minute data from over 25,000 board-certified anesthesiologists and found that more than 94 percent of participants completed all required questions each year. While most board-certified anesthesiologists completed their MOCA Minute questions in the last several days preceding deadlines, they typically answered questions across eight to 12 different sessions at their own pace, spending less than 30 seconds on average per question.

When questions were repeated after an incorrect response, participant performance improved, with correct answers increasing from an initial 68 percent to 76 percent over time. Board-certified anesthesiologists rated 95 percent of questions as relevant to clinical practice. The median interval between the original and first repeat presentation of a question was 314 days.

“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of MOCA Minute, this important research suggests that the longitudinal assessment may drive meaningful learning.,” said ABA Secretary John E. Fiadjoe, M.D., MBA. “MOCA Minute allows board-certified anesthesiologists to identify persistent knowledge gaps, stay current and connect missed questions to cited sources they can apply in practice.”

A decade after the ABA launched MOCA Minute, all 24 medical specialty certifying boards within the American Board of Medical Specialties community now offer longitudinal assessment in their continuing certification programs.

Read the study abstract here.

The study’s authors include former ABA Director of Psychometrics and Research Huaping Sun, Ph.D., MBA; ABA Senior Psychometrician Youngjun Lee, Ph.D.; Chief Assessment Officer Ann E. Harman, Ph.D.;  ABA Vice President Stacie G. Deiner, M.D.; ABA Director Alex Macario, M.D., MBA;  ABA Director and Assessments Committee Chair Mohammed Minhaj, M.D., MBA; David A. Cook, M.D., MHPE; David O. Warner, M.D. The study will be published in the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ June print edition of Anesthesiology.

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About the American Board of Anesthesiology
The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) has served as the certifying body for anesthesiologists since 1938, partnering with physicians to elevate the specialty. Our mission is to advance the highest standards of the practice of anesthesiology. We administer initial and subspecialty certification exams and the MOCA continuing certification program, which facilitates lifelong learning with a focus on quality and safety.

The ABA’s work extends far beyond assessment. We prioritize innovation, research, technology and programming that promote exceptional patient care and clinical outcomes. Our dedicated staff collaborates with more than 700 board-certified anesthesiologist volunteers who develop exam and MOCA content, inform policy, serve as examiners and provide critical feedback. Their contributions across numerous committees and task forces drive the ABA’s strategic progress and help shape the future of the specialty.

Based in Raleigh, NC, we are a nonprofit organization and a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).