The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) board exam is a pivotal milestone for internal medicine physicians. It is instrumental in validating the skills, knowledge, and expertise of professionals in internal medicine. Here, we will explore the intricacies of the ABIM exam, offering insights, tips, and strategies to optimize your preparation and performance.
ABIM Exam Dates
| 2024 Standard Certification Exam Registration | December 1, 2023 - April 15, 2024 |
| 2024 Late Certification Exam Registration | April 16-28, 2024 |
| 2024 Standard Certification Exam | August 15, 20, 26, 28-29, 2024 |
Exam Features
The ABIM certification Exam is composed of 240 single-best-answer, standard multiple-choice questions that follow the ABIM Blueprint. Each question is in paragraph form with an answer set containing one correct answer and three or four incorrect answers.
The exam is divided into four sessions each lasting two hours, separated by scheduled breaks. The entire exam appointment takes approximately ten hours to complete; eight hours in front of a computer and another two in breaks.
Each section of the examination consists of both pictorial and non-pictorial multiple-choice questions. Pictorial questions refer to stimulus images such as photos of X-rays, ECGs, rhythm strips, pictures, etc. These images will be presented in a separate tab along with the relevant test question on the computer screen. You will need to interpret ultrasound images for pictorial questions on the certification exam. Two reference documents are available to you during the exam: a list of common abbreviations used in the exam, and a list of normal laboratory values.
Content Specifications
Exam content is determined by a pre-established blueprint, or table of specifications. The blueprint is developed by ABIM and is reviewed annually and updated as needed for currency. Trainees, training program directors, and certified practitioners in the discipline are surveyed periodically to provide feedback and inform the blueprinting process.
The primary medical content categories of the blueprint are shown below, with the percentage assigned to each for a typical exam:
See also: What Topics Are Covered Most Deeply on the Internal Medicine Exam
Strategizing Your Preparation
Comprehensive Study Material
Choose study resources that are aligned with the ABIM Blueprint, ensuring that you cover every topic in depth. Resources like Med-Challenger Internal Medicine offer tailored preparation with a vast question bank of constantly updated content.
Mock Exams and Simulations
Simulated exams, such as Med-Challenger's Board Exam Simulator, part of the Internal Medicine Boards Prep Course, are instrumental in gauging your preparation level. They offer insights into your strong areas and those requiring improvement, enabling a focused preparation strategy.
Time Management
The ABIM exam evaluates candidates under timed conditions. Practice with timed mock exams to enhance your time management skills, ensuring that you can navigate through the questions effectively and efficiently during the actual exam.
See also: How To Prepare for Internal Medicine Boards - 8 Tips to Pass ABIM Exam
Navigating the Exam Day
Stay Calm
It’s natural to feel anxious. However, staying calm and composed is crucial to think clearly and make informed decisions during the exam. Knowing what to expect by checking out What to Expect on Exam Day can also help put your mind at ease.
Pace Yourself
The exam is structured to evaluate a broad spectrum of your skills and knowledge. Pacing yourself is crucial to ensure that every section of the exam is attempted with equal focus and concentration.
Review Your Work
If time permits, review your answers. Sometimes, a second look can offer new perspectives and insights.
Post Exam Day
Notification of Examination Results
After the exam is given, it will be analyzed and evaluated to ensure the reliability of individual results.
Your results will be released within three months of the last date of the exam in that area. When your results are released, you will receive an e-mail notification with instructions on how to access your Score Report in PDF format in the My Assessments section of your ABIM Physician Portal. All score reports are provided electronically within your Physician Portal, not via postal mail.
To find a score report:
- Sign in to your ABIM Physician Portal.
- From the Menu at the top select "My Assessments."
- Click on the blue arrow next to the name of the exam/assessment.
- Select "View Score Report."
Passing Criterion and Scoring
The examination pass-fail decision is based on your performance on the entire examination. Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect; therefore, you should answer every question. The minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard that is independent of the performance of any group of candidates. The standard for each assessment is set by the designated ABIM Subspecialty Board or Test Committee.
Pass Rates
Med-Challenger can help with your Internal Medicine Boards Prep, as well as MOC needs with Med-Challenger Internal Medicine.
