Knowing what will happen at Prometric removes most of the stress from exam day. This guide walks you through the entire process step-by-step, from check-in and security procedures to breaks, accommodations, and what the test room actually feels like. Understanding the flow of the day allows you to focus on the ABP General Pediatrics Certifying Exam rather than worrying about logistics.
Your ABP exam-day experience begins the moment you arrive. Prometric requires a valid, government-issued ID, and the name on that ID must match your ABP Portfolio exactly. Staff will verify your identity, assign you a locker, complete security procedures, and guide you to your workstation.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Giving yourself extra time protects you from traffic delays, check-in bottlenecks, and the anxiety of feeling rushed before a high-stakes exam.
Prometric accepts these forms of ID:
The ID must have your photograph and signature.
If your ID name does not match your ABP Portfolio, you may be denied entry. Check your Portfolio well before exam day and correct mismatches early to avoid last-minute problems. It’s a good idea to bring a hard copy of your confirmation.
The check-in sequence is standardized across testing centers and documented in your ABP Exam Day materials. You will complete:
All personal belongings must go into your locker, including:
No personal item may enter the testing room unless it has been approved through the ABP accommodation process.
Knowing each step ahead of time helps the check-in feel routine rather than intimidating.
Prometric test centers are designed to protect exam integrity.
You may also be asked to repeat certain steps after breaks.
None of this is personal — these procedures apply to every candidate and are part of standard high-stakes exam delivery.
Your workstation includes:
Some centers provide laminated note boards and markers, depending on available materials.
Personal earplugs and personal headphones are allowed only if approved as an accommodation.
Take your time with the on-screen tutorial. Becoming comfortable with the navigation tools helps you settle into the exam more confidently.
Prometric and the ABP list permitted and prohibited items clearly.
Allowed items include:
✔️A valid ID
✔️Locker key
✔️Center-provided headphones
Allowed with prior ABP approval:
Strictly prohibited:
❌Phones
❌Watches
❌Bags, wallets, and purses
❌Study notes
❌Food or drink inside the testing room
If you need an exception for medical reasons, submit your ABP accommodation request as early as possible.
The ABP exam contains four timed sections. Breaks occur between sections, and break time counts toward your total seat time.
During breaks, you may:
✔️Access your locker
✔️Eat and drink
✔️Use the restroom
You may not:
❌Use your phone
❌Leave the testing center
❌Review study materials
❌Discuss exam questions
Plan your breaks. Even a short moment to move, hydrate, or reset your breathing can make the second half of the exam feel far more manageable.
Your ABP files outline accommodations for disabilities, medical needs, and breastfeeding.
Accommodation rules include:
Prometric staff prepare your workstation accordingly.
Arrive early so the team can confirm your setup and ensure everything is correct before your exam begins. Bring a hard copy of your accommodation approval notice to avoid any miscommunication.
The room is quiet, but not silent. You may notice:
Noise-reducing headphones help limit distractions. If your focus drifts, take a moment to reset — most people regain concentration quickly with a brief mental pause.
At the end of the final section, you will complete a brief exit survey. After signing out:
Prometric does not provide scores. The ABP releases results after scoring analysis and validation.
Expect to feel mentally drained. Give yourself the rest of the day to recover.
If your exam day is approaching:
Review your confirmation email, check your ID, and plan your route to the testing center. Print out a copy of your confirmation email to bring with you.
If you want to reduce uncertainty:
Practice one or two full-length timed sessions to get a feel for pacing, break timing, and mental stamina. Lay out everything you need the night before your test. Make sure you know where the test center is and how long it will take you to get there, where to park, and if there are any traffic concerns.
If you have accommodations approved:
Bring a hard copy of your accommodation confirmation. Arrive early and verify that your test station is set up correctly before beginning the tutorial.
If you want structured practice as you approach exam day:
Some study platforms offer timed question sets that help you simulate the Prometric experience. Tools such as Med-Challenger support question-based preparation and pacing practice during the final phase of studying.