The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) is preparing a new assessment option as part of their maintenance of certification (MOC) process. 

The new option will allow physicians to take more frequent but shorter tests online.  The ABIM is terming this the "longitudinal assessment option for Maintenance of Certification (MOC)". 

The goal of this change is to respond to feedback from physicians that the MOC process be more flexible with more choices to retain the certification.  The traditional (aka long-form) assessment remains an option. 

Defined by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as "Longitudinal assessment draws on the principles of adult learning combined with modern technology to promote learning, retention, and transfer of information. These approaches involve administering shorter assessments of specific content, such as medical knowledge, repeatedly over a period of time. Through a recurring examination process, concepts and information are reinforced so that knowledge is retained and accumulated gradually. Knowledge gained in this fashion can be more readily retrieved and applied to various situations."

Fiercehealthcare.com reports:

"The MOC process has been controversial among doctors. One survey last year found 65% of physicians said MOC adds no clinical value to the practice of medicine. Almost 55% of respondents said they want to see those controversial MOC requirements revoked, while 48.5% said they would prefer more continuing medical education hours to replace the current MOC recertification process."

You can view ABIM's letter to members here that appears to be their attempt to counter this dissatisfaction.