ABEM EM exam-day guide
ABEM EM · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID the testing provider requires; the name must match your registration. Confirm acceptable ID types and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
Admission/authorization confirmation
Have your scheduling confirmation or authorization-to-test number accessible (printed or digital). Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Know your test center location and arrival time
Verify the address, parking/transit options, and the arrival time the provider specifies. Confirm with the provider whether early arrival is required for check-in.
Review the provider's security and personal-item policy
Many testing centers restrict phones, watches, and notes and may require storage. Confirm the specific rules with the provider rather than assuming.
Plan your break and hydration strategy
Confirm with the provider how breaks work and whether they count against your time; plan food/water around that policy.
Layered clothing
Test centers can vary in temperature; dress in layers and confirm whether the provider restricts certain clothing items (e.g., outerwear, hoods).
Confirm scoring and results timeline
Know how the exam is scored and when/how results are released. Confirm specifics with the provider; do not rely on secondhand reports.
Rest and logistics plan for the night before
Arrange travel, lodging, and sleep so you arrive rested; avoid last-minute cramming that disrupts sleep.
Backup plan for transportation or tech failure
Have a contingency (alternate route, contact number) in case of delay; confirm the provider's late-arrival and rescheduling policy.
Read the full candidate agreement/handbook
Review the provider's candidate rules on conduct, prohibited items, and irregularities. Confirm any unclear points directly with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm test center logistics, ID requirements, and arrival time with the provider. Do a final light content review focused on high-yield topics; avoid learning new material. Protect sleep.
Pack ID and confirmation, lay out clothing, confirm transportation, and set multiple alarms. Do a brief, low-stress review only. Eat a normal meal and prioritize sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive with time to spare per the provider's instructions, and bring only permitted items. Re-check ID and confirmation before leaving.
Read each question carefully, manage your pace against the clock, and use breaks per the provider's policy. If a question is unclear, make the best-supported choice and move on; flag/review only if the interface allows and time permits.
Note how and when results will be released per the provider, and keep your confirmation materials in case follow-up is needed.
Rules to check
Bring only items the provider permits; confirm the prohibited-items list (phones, watches, notes) with the provider before test day.
Present the exact government-issued photo ID required, with a name matching your registration; confirm acceptable ID and name-match rules with the provider.
Follow all test-center security and check-in procedures, including any screening or storage requirements; confirm specifics with the provider.
Understand the break policy before you start, including whether breaks are timed or optional; confirm with the provider.
Understand how the exam is scored and what constitutes a passing result; confirm scoring details with the provider rather than relying on unofficial sources.
Do not discuss, record, or share exam content; adhere to the provider's candidate agreement and confidentiality rules.
If a technical or testing irregularity occurs, notify test-center staff immediately and follow the provider's reporting process; confirm the reporting steps with the provider.