ABFM Geriatric Medicine
ABFM Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Geriatric Medicine
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Geriatric Medicine is an added qualification credential offered by the American Board of Family Medicine in conjunction with the American Board of Internal Medicine. It recognizes a family physician's training and knowledge in the care of older adults. It is intended for family physicians who want to demonstrate focused expertise in geriatric medicine.
Candidates can pursue certification through two assessment routes. The one-day exam is offered jointly by ABFM and ABIM. For Diplomates seeking continued certification, the Geriatric Medicine Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) is available as an alternative to the one-day exam. ABIM administers the Geriatric Medicine exam, and the deadlines listed by ABFM are consistent with ABIM's requirements.
The exam addresses the breadth of care for the elderly. A practical preparation plan should cover normal aging changes, comprehensive geriatric assessment and functional status, falls and gait disorders, cognitive impairment and dementia, psychiatric and behavioral conditions, medication management and polypharmacy, common geriatric syndromes such as incontinence, pressure injuries, and sensory impairment, chronic illness and multimorbidity, rehabilitation, palliative and end-of-life care, ethics, and care coordination across long-term care and health-system settings. Review common geriatric principles, practice applying them to complex older patients, and plan your application early using the published ABFM and ABIM deadlines.
What you'll study
About ABFM Geriatric Medicine preparation
What is the Geriatric Medicine CAQ?
It is a Certificate of Added Qualification offered by ABFM in conjunction with ABIM. The credential recognizes a family physician's training and knowledge in care of the elderly. It is an added qualification that demonstrates focused expertise in geriatric medicine, not a separate residency or degree.
Who should consider it?
Family physicians who want to document added expertise in caring for older adults should consider it. The source describes the CAQ as recognizing training and knowledge in care of the elderly. Candidates should confirm current eligibility, application requirements, and deadlines directly with ABFM and ABIM before applying.
What exam formats are available?
ABFM and ABIM offer a one-day exam for Geriatric Medicine. For Diplomates seeking continued certification, the Geriatric Medicine Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) is available as an alternative to the one-day exam. Choose the route that fits your certification status and confirm details with ABIM, the exam administrator.
Who administers the exam?
ABIM administers the Geriatric Medicine exam. ABFM states that all deadlines listed for the Geriatric Medicine exam are consistent with ABIM, the administrator. That means ABIM's rules and deadlines should drive your planning, even when you apply through ABFM.
How long is the exam, and how many questions?
The provided ABFM source does not state a duration, item count, or pass score. Those details are set by ABIM, the administrator of the Geriatric Medicine exam. Confirm them in your ABIM candidate materials rather than relying on estimates or older figures.
How should I prepare?
Build a study plan around common geriatric problems rather than rare diseases. Review aging changes, geriatric assessment, falls, dementia, psychiatric symptoms, polypharmacy, incontinence, pressure injuries, sensory impairment, multimorbidity, rehabilitation, palliative care, ethics, and care coordination. Practice applying these principles to complex older patients and use ABIM's published deadlines to schedule your application.
What happens if I do not pass?
The source does not state a retake policy or waiting period. Because ABIM administers the exam, check ABIM's retake and reapplication rules directly. Do not assume a standard waiting period or fee; confirm the current policy before you register again.
How much does it cost?
The source does not list a fee. ABFM notes that ABIM administers the Geriatric Medicine exam and that the listed deadlines follow ABIM. Confirm the current fee, payment process, and any late-registration charge with ABIM or ABFM before applying.
When should I apply?
Begin your application early. ABFM's Geriatric Medicine deadlines are consistent with ABIM, the exam administrator, and ABFM advises beginning the application to avoid a late registration fee. Check both ABFM and ABIM for current dates before you submit.
What is a common study mistake?
A common mistake is studying only rare diseases or general internal medicine facts. Geriatric Medicine emphasizes common problems of older adults, including falls, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, incontinence, pressure injuries, sensory loss, multimorbidity, and palliative care. Spend more time on function, goals of care, and medication safety than on obscure diagnoses.