ABFM Sleep Medicine
Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Sleep Medicine
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certificate of Added Qualification (CAQ) in Sleep Medicine is a subspecialty credential offered by the American Board of Family Medicine in conjunction with the American Boards of Internal Medicine, Psychiatry and Neurology, Pediatrics, and Otolaryngology. It recognizes fellowship training and knowledge in the diagnosis and management of clinical conditions that occur during sleep, that disturb sleep, or that are affected by disturbances in the wake-sleep cycle. Candidates must continuously maintain their family medicine certification, complete at least 12 months of full-time training in an ACGME-accredited Sleep Medicine fellowship with verification of completion, submit an online application with associated fees, and achieve a passing score on the Sleep Medicine one-day exam. Certification is maintained through ongoing family medicine certification, annual CAQ fees, an application, and a passing score on the Sleep Medicine Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA) or the one-day exam. Physicians who previously held the CAQ can regain it through a passing score on the one-day exam or LKA, though enrolling in LKA after a lapse means certification is not regained until a passing score at the end of year five. Preparation should center on the three published content areas, with structured review of sleep-related clinical conditions and familiarity with both exam formats.
What you'll study
About ABFM Sleep Medicine preparation
What are the eligibility requirements for the Sleep Medicine CAQ?
You must continuously maintain your family medicine certification, complete a minimum of 12 months of full-time training in an ACGME-accredited Sleep Medicine fellowship and submit verification of completion documentation, and submit an online application with associated fees. A passing score on the Sleep Medicine one-day exam is then required.
What does the Sleep Medicine CAQ exam cover?
ABFM describes the credential as recognizing knowledge of the diagnosis and management of clinical conditions that occur during sleep, that disturb sleep, or that are affected by disturbances in the wake-sleep cycle. Those three areas form the natural organizing framework for your study plan.
What format are the assessments?
Two assessment routes exist: a Sleep Medicine one-day exam and a Sleep Medicine Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment (LKA). The one-day exam is required for initial certification. Either the LKA or the one-day exam can be used to maintain or regain certification. Consult ABFM's Important Dates page for current scheduling.
How do I maintain my Sleep Medicine CAQ once certified?
Maintenance requires continuously maintaining your family medicine certification, submitting annual CAQ certification fees, submitting an online application with associated fees, and achieving a passing score on the Sleep Medicine LKA or one-day exam. Plan fee and assessment deadlines into your annual calendar rather than treating maintenance as a one-time event.
Can I regain a lapsed Sleep Medicine CAQ?
Yes, if you previously held the CAQ. You must continuously maintain family medicine certification, submit an online application with associated fees, and achieve a passing score on the one-day exam or LKA. Note that enrolling in LKA while lapsed means you will not regain certification until you complete the assessment with a passing score at the end of year five.
How should I sequence my study time?
Start with the domain you handle least in practice, since the three content areas are weighted evenly in ABFM's published description. Build a question-driven baseline early, then spend concentrated blocks on weak areas, and reserve the final weeks for mixed practice that alternates among conditions occurring during sleep, conditions disturbing sleep, and wake-sleep cycle effects.
What are common failure modes on sleep medicine assessments?
Candidates often over-study sleep-disordered breathing and under-prepare for insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, parasomnias, and pediatric or medication-related content. Another frequent problem is misreading question stems that ask for the next best step versus the diagnosis. Practicing with timed, mixed-topic sets exposes both weaknesses before exam day.
Where do I apply and who do I contact with questions?
Access the online exam application under "Added Qualifications" in your MyABFM Portfolio. For additional information, ABFM directs candidates to contact [email protected]. Confirm your current status and CAQ eligibility in the portfolio before applying, and check the Important Dates page for upcoming one-day exam and longitudinal assessment deadlines.
Is this page affiliated with ABFM?
No. This is independent study material and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Board of Family Medicine. Always verify eligibility, fees, dates, and requirements directly with ABFM, since policies and deadlines change.