Understanding the ABIM Registration Cycle
ABIM typically opens registration for the following year’s Internal Medicine Certification Exam in December, several months before the examination is administered in August. This registration window stays open for a defined period and includes:
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Standard registration (the regular, on-time period)
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Late registration, which carries additional fees
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Scheduling of your testing appointment through Pearson VUE once registration is approved
Because ABIM posts all dates publicly, candidates should verify the current year’s deadlines on ABIM.org well before the window opens. The earlier you begin, the easier it is to secure your preferred test day and location.
Fees and Payment
ABIM lists all exam fees on its website, including:
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Initial certification exam fee, which applies during standard registration
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Late registration fee, added if you register after the standard period closes
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Pearson VUE rescheduling fees, which vary depending on how close you are to the appointment date
These fees are updated periodically, so ABIM advises candidates to review the most current fee schedule through their Physician Portal or on the ABIM fee page before submitting payment.
All fees must be paid during the registration process for your application to be considered complete. ABIM does not finalize your eligibility or allow scheduling until payment has been successfully processed.
Completing Registration Through the Physician Portal
The ABIM Physician Portal is the centralized system for:
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Checking your eligibility
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Registering for the exam
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Tracking deadlines
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Viewing exam confirmations
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Accessing score reports after exam administration
ABIM does ask candidates to pause before registering and make sure their training information is correct, that the program director attestation is in place, and that licensure requirements are met or on track. It’s also important that the personal information in the portal — especially your legal name — matches the ID you’ll present on exam day. Small discrepancies in name spelling or gaps in training documentation are some of the most common reasons registrations get held up.
After registering, the next step is building a strong study plan. Our ABIM Exam Preparation Guide explains how to create a blueprint-aligned study schedule.
Scheduling Your Exam Through Pearson VUE
Once ABIM approves your registration, you will receive authorization to schedule your exam appointment through Pearson VUE, the testing vendor that administers all ABIM initial certification exams.
Pearson VUE allows candidates to:
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Choose a testing center
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Select an available date within the ABIM exam window
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Confirm appointment details
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Modify or reschedule the exam (subject to ABIM and Pearson VUE policies)
ABIM notes that high-demand metropolitan locations fill early, especially for morning appointments, so registering and scheduling promptly increases the likelihood of securing your preferred site.
👉ABIM Test-Day Experience: What to Expect
Rescheduling Policies
ABIM publishes clear rules on rescheduling your exam:
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Rescheduling is handled entirely through Pearson VUE.
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Fees may apply depending on how far in advance you make the change.
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Changes closer to the testing date incur higher fees and may limit your choice of test centers.
If an emergency arises on or near exam day, Pearson VUE and ABIM have documented procedures for reporting issues, but these are evaluated case by case and are not guaranteed to result in fee waivers or alternatives.
Accommodation Requests
Candidates requiring accommodations for disability, pregnancy, or nursing must submit complete documentation well in advance of the exam window. ABIM emphasizes that:
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Documentation must meet specific criteria published on ABIM.org.
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Review and approval are not automatic.
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Candidates should wait for written approval before scheduling their exam appointment.
Submitting documentation early prevents last-minute delays that can affect your ability to select your preferred test date.
What Happens After You Register
When your registration is complete and your exam is scheduled, ABIM will post your exam status in the Physician Portal. Candidates should periodically check their portal for:
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Updated policies
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Exam-day reminders
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Any changes in exam administration procedures
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Post-exam result notifications
Closer to the exam date, Pearson VUE will send confirmation messages containing location, check-in instructions, and what to bring on test day.
Once you’re registered and ready to choose study resources, our guide to selecting the best ABIM question bank can help you compare options.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Most registration issues are preventable with early planning. Problems typically arise from:
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Waiting until late in the registration window, leading to fewer available test centers
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Name mismatches between ABIM registration and government-issued ID
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Unfinished training documentation
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Delayed accommodation requests
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Underestimating Pearson VUE rescheduling fees
By verifying eligibility early, aligning your documentation with ABIM’s requirements, and scheduling as soon as authorization is granted, you avoid the operational bottlenecks that cause stress for many first-time examinees.
Frequently Asked Questions: ABIM Registration and Scheduling
When does ABIM registration open for the Internal Medicine exam?
Registration generally opens in December for the exam administered the following August. Exact dates are posted annually on ABIM.org.
Is late registration available?
Yes. ABIM offers a late registration period with an additional fee. Deadlines and fee amounts are published each year on ABIM’s fee and scheduling pages.
Do I need to complete residency before registering?
You may register while still in training as long as your program director will attest to your completion and you meet all requirements before the exam date. ABIM outlines all eligibility rules on its website.
When can I schedule my exam appointment?
Pearson VUE scheduling becomes available after ABIM approves your registration. You cannot schedule until ABIM has confirmed eligibility and received payment.
How fast do test centers fill?
ABIM notes that centers in large metropolitan areas can fill quickly, especially for early-morning slots. Scheduling early is the easiest way to secure your preferred site.
What happens if I need to reschedule?
Rescheduling is handled through Pearson VUE, and fees apply depending on how close you are to exam day. ABIM publishes the rescheduling fee schedule and policies on its site.
Can I change my name after registering?
Your registration name must match the ID you bring on exam day. If you notice an error, ABIM instructs candidates to contact them immediately to correct the discrepancy before scheduling.
Do accommodation requests delay registration?
They can, which is why ABIM recommends submitting documentation well ahead of the exam window. You should wait for formal approval before scheduling with Pearson VUE.
Where can I find all official deadlines?
ABIM posts all exam windows, registration dates, and deadlines under the Examination Information and Registration sections of ABIM.org.
How can you prepare for the ABIM Exams? Med-Challenger Internal Medicine Boards Prep
