Learn of Key Changes
Key changes to the CM program are listed here; most recent first. For changes made prior to 2009, see the ABIH History web page or contact ABIH.
- Other Professional Certifications phased out of Category 7 (2015)
- IH-Related Exams added to Category 7 (2014)
- Event review & CM point awarding service discontinued (2012)
- Fundamentals CM points converted to IH (2011)
- CIH (Ret) replaced with Voluntary Surrender (2011)
- Leave of Absence created for hardship cases (2011)
- One-time, temporary 54 month CM cycle established (2011)
- Additional 60 month CM cycle established (2011)
- Audit records required for worksheets submitted >3 months late (2011)
- De-certification for non-payment of fees (2011)
- CM credit discontinued when writing questions for other certification exams (2011)
- New ethics requirement & cap establised (2010)
- General management courses no longer eligible for CM credit (2010)
- Quiz no longer needed for Distance Learning events (2009)
- Cap eliminated for Distance Learning events (2009)
- CM Credit awarded per hour (2009)
| Area | Change (Effective) |
Implication |
| Other Professional Certifications | After January 1, 2015, CM credit for other professional certifications (like the CSP) can only be claimed using the rules for IH-Related exams in Category 7 (Jan 2015) | Passing an exam prior to January 1, 2015 will earn the maximum CM credit for the Diplomate |
| IH-Related Exams |
Passing an IH-related exam at any time during a CM cycle earns 0.167 point per exam hour in Category 7 (Jan 2014) | Many more exams for certification, registration and licensure are now eligible for CM credit |
| Event review service discontinued |
The CM point approval process for Category 4 education events was discontinued. Diplomates determine their own CM credit. All affected CM documents like worksheets were updated. (Dec 2011-Feb 2012). | CM point request forms not needed. Diplomates retain records of the CM credit analysis. CM approval numbers are no longer required on CM worksheets for any Category 4 event, past or future. |
| Fundamentals converted to IH | The Fundamentals CM Area in Category 4 events (education) was discontinued. All events previously assigned to the Fundamentals CM Area were converted to the IH CM Area in the ABIH online database. (2011). |
Events previously listed as Fundamentals on a Diplomate’s worksheet can be changed to IH CM credit. |
| CIH (Ret) replaced with Voluntary Surrender | The CIH (Ret) classification was replaced with a single new, Voluntary Surrender option. (2011) | The VS program offers better options for reactivation. Also, those in good standing are listed in the online roster (showing years of certification) unless they chose to opt out. |
| Leave of Absence created |
Established to accommodate Diplomates with extended hardship situations of 1- 2 years. (2011) | The CM minimum requirements are proportionately reduced during the cycle. |
| One-time 54 month CM cycle | A special, one time, 54 month cycle was created for ~ half of the Diplomates certified prior to 2011. (2011) | CM worksheets are submitted earlier than normal. The CM minimum requirements are proportionately reduced during the cycle. |
| Additional 60 month CM cycle |
An additional calendar period (July 1st to June 30th) was established for Diplomates who passed the spring exam in 2011 or thereafter. (2011) | Diplomates who passed the fall exam remain on the Jan 1 to Dec 31 CM cycle. |
| Worksheets submitted >3 months late |
Proof-of-participation records must be submitted if the CM worksheet is submitted more than 3 months after the end of the CM cycle. (2011) | Effective beginning with the 2007-2011 CM cycle group. |
| De-certification for non-payment of fees |
Diplomates who do not pay their annual fees for 2 years will be subject to decertification in the 3rd year. (2011) | Ensure that contact information is up-to-date so that ABIH may keep you informed of reminders. |
| Writing questions for other certification exams |
Points are not allowed after 2010 for writing exam questions or grading exams for the CSP, OHST, STS and ROH certifications. (2011) | Category 7 points for these activities can still be claimed prior to 2011. |
| New ethics requirement & cap | All Diplomates recertifying by CM worksheet must achieve at least 2 IH Ethics hours (0.33 points) during their CM cycle in Category 4 - Education. IH Ethics credit is capped at 30 hours (5 points) per CM cycle. (2010) | Diplomates can earn IH Ethics credit anytime during their CM cycle. |
| General management courses |
Must be taken before January 1, 2010 in order to receive Management CM credit in Category 4. (2010) | General management courses taken prior to January 1, 2010 are eligible for CM credit but still capped at 30 hours (5 points). |
| Distance learning - Quiz not needed | DL events do not need a test or quiz in order to be awarded Category 4 CM credit(2009) | All DL events are now eligible if they meet the time and subject matter criteria. |
| Distance Learning cap eliminated | The CM credit cap on Distance Learning events was eliminated. (2009) | More events eligible for CM credit. |
| CM Credit awarded per hour | CM credit for Category 4 events can be claimed on a per hour basis, one hour minimum. (2009) | More events eligible for CM credit. |