Preparing for the ABP General Pediatrics Certifying Exam is much easier when you understand the timing of everything involved. The exam cycle includes specific dates for registration, accommodations, documentation, scheduling, licensure, and the exam itself. Once these pieces fall into place, the rest of your planning becomes far more manageable. The goal is to stay ahead of the administrative curve so you can focus your energy on studying rather than scrambling.
The ABP releases its exam schedule in advance, and the 2026 cycle includes several deadlines that every resident must meet. Below is a high-level look at the dates provided by the ABP.
The ABP General Pediatrics Certifying Exam will be administered on October 13, 14, or 15, 2026. Candidates are assigned one of these dates after scheduling through Prometric.
Rescheduling rules are controlled by Prometric and may involve restrictions or fees.
The regular registration window is January 14 - March 31, 2026. Submitting your application during the regular window keeps your timeline predictable, reduces the risk of last-minute problems, and provides:
Late Registration Window: April 1 – May 14, 2026. Late fees apply. Portfolio corrections or missing information often cause delays that push residents into the late window. A quick review of your Portfolio before applying is an easy way to avoid this.
International medical graduates must ensure that all required ECFMG documents reach the ABP by June 30.
If confirmation is still pending in mid-June, contacting both ECFMG and the ABP can prevent delays that affect your exam admission.
All candidates must hold an unrestricted medical license by October 1. Limited, provisional, or encumbered licenses do not meet ABP requirements.
State medical boards vary widely in processing times, so beginning your licensure application early in PGY-3 is almost always a wise move.
You may schedule your appointment at Prometric only after the ABP approves your application. This often happens in late spring or early summer.
Prometric sites differ in capacity. Locations in major metropolitan or residency-dense regions often fill quickly.
Early scheduling improves your chances of securing:
Scheduling early gives you more flexibility and reduces stress as exam day approaches.
If appointment slots are limited, you may:
Availability may still be limited depending on demand.
The ABP provides accommodations related to disabilities, breastfeeding, and certain personal medical items. Each category has non-negotiable deadlines.
All ADA accommodation documentation must be submitted no later than the ABP registration deadline.
Reviews may require back-and-forth clarification, so submitting materials early in the registration period is one of the most reliable ways to prevent delays.
Requests must be submitted at least 90 days before your scheduled exam date.
Requests for medically necessary items such as inhalers or glucose supplies must be approved before exam day.
Submitting these requests early helps prevent unnecessary complications at the testing center.
The ABP allows candidates to withdraw from the exam, and refund amounts vary by when the request is made.
Unexpected rotation demands, illnesses, or personal circumstances may shift your plans quickly. Knowing the refund deadlines ahead of time gives you more control over your registration investment.
If deadlines have passed, refunds may not be issued, and your full exam fee may be forfeited.
Aligning your schedule with required ABP deadlines prevents administrative tasks from interrupting your study flow. A typical exam-year structure looks like:
Creating your personal timeline early helps you avoid stacking administrative and study responsibilities in the same narrow window.
Several predictable pitfalls can interfere with an otherwise smooth exam year:
Setting digital reminders and aligning deadlines with your residency calendar is one of the easiest ways to stay organized.
The ABP exam cycle feels complex until you see how the pieces fit together. Once you understand the structure, the administrative tasks become much easier to manage. Organizing your deadlines and building margin into your schedule protects your eligibility and helps you stay focused on learning rather than logistics.
Internalizing the pattern—registration early in the year, scheduling in summer, exam in October—gives you a clear mental framework for planning both study time and personal responsibilities.
When is the 2026 ABP General Pediatrics Exam?
The exam will be administered on October 13, 14, or 15, 2026.
When does regular registration end?
Regular registration ends at 8 p.m. ET on March 31, 2026.
When does late registration end?
Late registration ends at 8 p.m. ET on May 14, 2026.
What is the licensure deadline?
The licensure deadline is October 1, 2026.
When should I schedule my Prometric appointment?
Scheduling opens after ABP approval. Scheduling early helps secure your preferred test center and time.
What happens if ECFMG documentation is late?
Missing the June 30 deadline prevents exam admission.
If you are getting ready to register:
Review your ABP Portfolio and verify all information for accuracy.
If you are awaiting ABP approval:
Check email regularly and ensure licensure paperwork is current.
If you are planning your study period:
Align your study plan with exam deadlines so administrative tasks do not interfere with learning.
If your exam date is approaching:
Confirm your Prometric appointment, gather required identification, and review ABP policies.
If you anticipate needing accommodations:
Submit documentation early to allow adequate time for review.