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Board Certification Examination

Am I eligible to sit?

Begin Your Application Now!

2026 Examination Dates

Earn ABPM Board Certification by successfully completing a two-part examination designed to assess both knowledge and clinical decision-making.

Candidates must pass both sections to achieve certification.


Didactic Section

125 multiple-choice questions

 

This section covers core knowledge and is primarily designed to assess a candidate’s breadth of knowledge. The didactic section consists of multiple-choice questions and clinical scenarios. Key words in the question stem, such as most, least, only, or except are highlighted to facilitate comprehension.


Case Section

9 clinical scenarios

This section presents a series of cases for candidates to work through using provided patient information. Each case is scored in parts, with credit given for steps such as history and physical exam, selecting appropriate tests, making a diagnosis, and determining a treatment plan. Scoring criteria vary by case.

How the Exam Works

1. Apply

  1. Submit your application and required documentation

  2. 2. Get Approved
    Your credentials are reviewed by ABPM
  3. 3. Schedule Your Exam
    Select your preferred testing date and location
  4. 4. Take the Exam
    Complete both sections during your scheduled session
  5. 5. Receive Results
    Results are released approximately 6-8 weeks following exam completion

What to Expect

  • Administered at designated Pearson testing centers countrywide
  • Completed in a single 400-minute exam session*
  • Includes both didactic and case sections
  • Exam timing and instructions are provided after approval

*Approved accommodations may modify exam timing or scheduling. View accommodations information.

For a detailed breakdown of exam topics and subject areas: View Exam Content Outline!

Eligibility Requirements

The ABPM adheres to guidelines required by CPME 220 for Certification.

To qualify, you must complete at least three years of CPME-approved residency training. You are able to sit for Board Certification as soon as the Fall after residency graduation. After graduating from your residency, you have eight (8) years in which to apply for Board Certification. Extensions to this application phase are available in certain circumstances.

For full details, visit www.cpme.org and review the “Specialty Boards” section.

Not sure if you qualify? Click here.

Examination Pricing

The ABPM Board Certification Examination fee is $1,750.00. A non-refundable application fee of $250 is due upon submission. The remaining balance becomes non-refundable after August 17, 2026. Candidates who miss their scheduled examination will be subject to a $150 rescheduling fee.

 

Rescheduling fees may be waived at the discretion of ABPM in cases of documented, unforeseeable circumstances.

Start your application

Am I eligible to take the ABPM Certification exam?

Have you attempted the ABPM certification exam before?

2026 Certification Examination Dates

The 2026 ABPM Certification Examination Application will be available from:

Monday, June 2nd, 2025

Friday, August 15th, 2025

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

All eligible candidates must sit and pass both parts of the same exam in the same year to become Board Certified with ABPM.

 

The 2026 ABPM Certification Examination will be administered on the following dates:

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

Friday, October 9th, 2026

Examinations will be administered at Pearson Testing Centers.