Accreditation Standards for Online/Virtual Events

There are different types of credits your program can provide. Please take a look below to see what they are and what to consider when putting your program together.

Group Learning Programs - MOC Section 1 and/or Mainpro+ Level 1 Credits

Identical to MOC Section 1 and Mainpro+ accreditation standards for in-person or live events, all administrative, educational, and ethical standards are still required for virtual/online events. Additionally, the following points are required specifically for virtual/online events:

  • There must be an opportunity for interaction between participants and teacher/facilitator, and all participants must be able to observe the interaction of other participants with the teacher/facilitator.

  • Some acceptable methods to incorporate interactivity could be:
    • Discussion forums or chat groups
    • Virtual break out rooms
    • Email
    • FAQ board with regular updates

Points to Consider:

  • Certificates of attendance should only be given to participants if they have logged on to the interactive component for the program
  • Online activities must include disclosure of relevant financial relationships, even if the activity does not include live presenters. Some online options to present disclosures could be:
    • Onscreen slides before module begins
    • On screen acknowledgement slides at the end of a presentation
    • Video clips of disclosures
    • Disclosure tab to review
  • Sponsorship can be obtained for online events as long as:
    • The recognition of support uses the standard acknowledgement statement
    • Branding strategies are not reminiscent of sponsors logo, theme, colours, etc.
    • Exhibition halls or sponsored sessions are kept separate from certified materials

MOC Section 3 – SIM or SAP

All administrative, educational, and ethical standards remain the same for MOC Section 3 accreditation for virtual/online events.

Points to Consider:

  • The channel of communication between participants and teacher/facilitator must remain open for the duration of the program (ex: if program runs all year, then teacher/facilitator must frequently check the communication channel all year)

  • Creative options for Section 3 interactivity could be:
    • Multiple choice questions
    • Game based modules/immersive learning
    • “Choose your own adventure”
    • Simulations
    • Pause, reflect, record
    • Pre- and post-tests
  • If there are quizzes or tests, each item should be accompanied by an explanation of the answer with appropriate references

Questions? Clarifications? Please contact:
Philippe Leblanc
Accreditation and Website Coordinator
Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]

Ethics and Policies

Ethics and policies are integral to a sound CPD event. The references below identify practices and processes that are required.

Visit the Royal College for information about the National Standard for Support of Accredited CPD Activities. The intent of this Standard is to "safeguard the integrity of accredited CPD activities from the influence of sponsoring organizations that could lead to bias".

pen and paper

In addition to these, the University of Ottawa's Office of Continuing Professional Development also has a wide array of internal policies on the topics listed that can be found below.

OCPD Policies 2020

  • Policy on Privacy for Learners, Speakers & Patients
  • Policy on Copyright
  • Policy on Scientific Balance of Content for Accredited/Certified CPD Activities
  • Policy on Mitigation of Conflict of Interest
  • Policy on Professionalism within the Office of Continuing Professional Development Staff
  • Policy on Accreditation of Continuing Professional Development Events at the University of Ottawa
  • Policy on Audits
  • Policy on Modifications to Accreditation Criteria for Industry-Sponsored Events
  • Policy on Continuing Professional Development and Industry