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Kidney Self-Assessment Program (KSAP)

KSAP: Frequently Asked Questions

What is KSAP?

KSAP is a self-assessment program that reviews the essentials of nephrology for fellows preparing for initial certification, practicing nephrologists preparing for recertification, and practitioners hoping to renew and refresh their clinical knowledge, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills. This case-based question and answer study tool is based on the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Examination Blueprint.

ABIM Blueprint Pathway

Medical Contents Category % of Exam
Sodium / Water7%
Acid-Base / Potassium9%
Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Stones4%
Chronic Kidney Disease/ESRD25%
Hypertension10%
Tubular, Interstitial and Cystic Disorders4%
Glomerular / Vascular Disorders11%
Kidney Transplantation10%
Pharmacology5%
Acute Kidney Injury / ICU Nephrology15%
Total100%


What is the purpose of KSAP?

The purpose of KSAP is to help participants prepare for the Nephrology Board Certification and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Examinations.

Is CME credit offered?

  • 25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ are awarded.

Are Maintenance of Certification (MOC) points offered?

25 MOC points are awarded.

Respondents must meet the following criteria:

  • Be certified by ABIM in internal medicine and/or nephrology and enrolled in the ABIM-MOC program
  • Enroll in the ABIM MOC program via the ABIM website (www.abim.org).
  • Take the self-assessment examination within the timeframe specified in this issue of KSAP.
  • Enter your (ABIM) Candidate Number and Date of Birth.

MOC points will be applied to only those ABIM candidates who have enrolled in the MOC program. It is your responsibility to complete the ABIM MOC enrollment process.

How long will it take for MOC points to be added to my record after submission?

It will take about 2 days after submission. You will receive an email from ABIM when the points have been added to your record.

How long do I have to complete the examination and claim CME credit and MOC points?

  • Termination date for KSAP V7, M1 is February 28, 2024 at 11:59 ET
  • Termination date for KSAP V4, M1, Update is June 30, 2024 at 11:59 ET
  • Termination date for KSAP V7, M2 is September 30, 2024 at 11:59 ET
  • Termination date for KSAP V5, M1, Update is February 28, 2025 at 11:59 ET
  • Termination date for KSAP V8, M1, is June 30, 2025 at 11:59 ET
  • Termination date for KSAP V8, M2, is September 30, 2025 at 11:59 ET
  • Termination date for KSAP V9, M1 is October 1, 2026 at 11:59 ET
  • Termination date for KSAP V9, M1 is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 ET
  • Termination date for KSAP V9, M2 is September 30, 2026 at 11:59 ET

How do I participate?

Complete the KSAP online self-assessment examination.

Each participant is allowed two attempts to answer each question to pass the examination with a passing score of 76% or greater for CME credits and MOC points. Answers and explanations are provided with a passing score or after the second attempt.

How do I print or download the KSAP questions?

To maintain the integrity of the exam, the answers and explanations are available online ONLY. These are available to view at the eLearning Center for three years from the date the module is published.

How many questions are in each module?

There are 75 questions in each module.

Are the modules different?

Each module is designed to include content from each of the ten ABIM nephrology blueprint categories and target the same content distribution as the exam. Questions in each module are unique and address different competencies within the blueprint categories to explore the breadth of material that may be encountered on the secure exam.

Each module is updated after 3 years. Questions are updated and replaced to address feedback and standards of care.

When will the next KSAP Modules be available?

  • Volume 7, Module 1 will be available in March 2024
  • Volume 10, Module 1 will be available in July 2024
  • Volume 7, Module 2 will be available in October 2024

What's the difference between KSAP and NephSAP?

Each issue of NephSAP is dedicated to a specific theme, i.e., to a specific area of clinical nephrology, hypertension, dialysis, and transplantation, and consists of an editorial, a syllabus, and self-assessment questions, to serve as a self-study device. Over the course of 24 months, all clinically relevant and key elements of nephrology are reviewed and updated.

KSAP is composed of clinically oriented questions based on case vignettes. Unlike NephSAP, KSAP does not have a syllabus. Each question includes a detailed response that outlines both the approach to the clinical scenario at hand and the best answer. References are provided from either recent well-done reviews from major and easily accessible journals or the classic original reference.

What's the difference between KSAP and BRCU practice examination?

BRCU exam is an in depth review of the basic core of the practice of nephrology led by experts (faculty) in each component of the ABIM nephrology examination blueprint.

KSAP is also based on the ABIM nephrology examination blueprint but is a self-paced activity that uses case vignettes to allow learners to review the basic core of the practice of nephrology.

What is the cost of each module?

All modules are free to ASN members. Non-members can access each module for $200.

For questions, contact the Education Team at education@asn-online.org.