ABFM Sports Medicine exam-day guide
ABFM Sports Medicine · 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 the specific accepted ID types with the provider before test day.
Scheduling confirmation / admission ticket
Bring a printed or digital copy of your appointment confirmation if the provider issues one. Confirm whether it is required for entry with the provider.
Know your test center location and arrival time
Confirm the address, parking, and required arrival time (often before the scheduled start) directly with the testing provider; policies vary by site.
Review the provider's permitted-items list
Confirm what you may bring into the testing room (e.g., whether a locker is provided for personal items). Do not assume; check with the provider.
Know the break policy for your exam
Confirm the number, length, and rules of breaks (e.g., whether the clock stops, whether you can access food/medication) with the provider.
Plan for food, water, and medication
If breaks allow access to personal items, plan a snack and any needed medication; otherwise confirm storage rules with the provider.
Confirm scoring and result-reporting method
Know how and when results are released and what score you need. Verify pass standards and reporting with the certifying board.
Confirm allowed aids (calculator, scratch paper, etc.)
Do not bring these unless the provider explicitly permits them; confirm the allowed-aids policy with the provider.
Get a full night's sleep and eat normally
Avoid last-minute cramming the night before; arrive rested and hydrated.
Plan your travel buffer
Build in extra time for traffic, parking, and check-in so a delay does not cost you your seat.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Do focused review of your weakest high-yield topics using your own notes. Confirm your appointment time, location, ID requirements, and permitted items with the testing provider.
Light review only; pack your ID and confirmation, lay out clothes, plan meals and travel, and set two alarms. Confirm any break/medication policy. Aim for a normal, full night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate, arrive early with your ID and confirmation, and follow check-in instructions. Leave personal items per the provider's rules.
Read each question fully, watch your pace against the clock, flag and move past hard items, and use breaks as permitted. Answer every question if the format has no penalty for guessing-confirm the scoring rule with the provider.
Rules to check
Bring only the ID and items the testing provider explicitly permits; confirm the permitted-items list in advance.
Your name on your ID must match your registration; confirm acceptable ID with the provider before test day.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's conduct rules; unauthorized items or behavior can void your exam-confirm specifics with the provider.
Confirm the break policy (timing, clock behavior, access to personal items) with the provider and plan accordingly.
Confirm the scoring method and any guessing penalty with the certifying board before test day.
Confirm how and when results are reported and what constitutes a passing score with the certifying board.
If you need test accommodations, confirm approval and logistics with the provider well before test day.
If you feel unwell or cannot attend, contact the provider about rescheduling per their policy-confirm the policy in advance.