ABIM ACHD exam-day guide
ABIM ACHD · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired ID with your name matching your registration exactly. Confirm accepted ID forms with ABIM or the test provider; needs_review.
Appointment confirmation or scheduling permit
Have your appointment details available. Confirm whether the test center accepts electronic confirmation or requires a printed copy; needs_review.
Test center address and travel plan
Verify the address, parking, transit, and building entrance using the provider's current location information. Do not rely on memory or an old email.
Reporting-time plan
Confirm your required arrival time with the test provider. Plan a buffer for traffic and security screening; needs_review.
Eligibility and authorization check
Log in to your ABIM portal before exam day to confirm the exam is authorized and there are no holds. Contact ABIM promptly if anything is unclear; needs_review.
Personal-item plan
Know which items are prohibited at the workstation and whether secure storage is available. Confirm locker or storage rules with the test center; needs_review.
Break supplies
If breaks are permitted, plan water, a snack, and any allowed medication. Confirm break timing and whether the exam clock stops; needs_review.
Comfortable clothing
Dress in layers for variable room temperature and avoid accessories or items that may trigger security questions.
Accommodations confirmation
If you have approved testing accommodations, bring any required confirmation and follow the provider's instructions exactly. Confirm procedures in advance; needs_review.
Provider contact information
Save the test center or provider phone number and your emergency contact so you can reach them if travel or check-in problems occur.
Plan the day
Re-read your appointment confirmation and the official ABIM/test-provider exam-day instructions. Confirm your ID, reporting time, test center location, and any break or storage rules.
Check your ABIM portal for authorization or scheduling issues. Resolve any name mismatch or eligibility question before travel day; needs_review.
Assemble your ID, confirmation, accommodation paperwork if approved, and a simple travel plan. Avoid last-minute changes to medication or sleep routines.
Shift from cramming to consolidation: review high-yield ACHD concepts briefly, then protect sleep. Do not start new, low-yield material.
Confirm travel time, weather, parking, and transit. If you are driving, scout the route or plan for backup parking. Pack your bag and set out clothes.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, avoid excess alcohol, and aim for a full night's sleep. Set two alarms and keep your ID in a fixed, visible place.
Eat a normal breakfast, take usual medications unless instructed otherwise, and leave with a generous travel buffer. Carry only what the provider permits.
At check-in, present your ID and confirmation, follow security screening, empty your pockets, and use the restroom before entering the testing room.
Read the instructions and pacing information carefully. Answer each question, flag uncertain items for review if the interface allows it, and monitor your remaining time.
Use breaks only as permitted. If a computer or headset problem occurs, raise your hand and notify the proctor immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
If anxiety rises, pause briefly, breathe, and return to a structured approach: stem, key finding, diagnosis, next step. Do not rush the final minutes.
Rules to check
Bring the required government-issued photo ID. Your name must match your registration; confirm accepted ID forms with ABIM or the test provider before exam day.
Follow all ABIM and test-center conduct rules. Do not bring unauthorized materials into the testing room, and do not use phones, smartwatches, or other electronics at the workstation.
Breaks are allowed only under the provider's rules. Confirm in advance whether the exam clock stops, what you may access during breaks, and how to re-enter the testing room; needs_review.
Testing accommodations must be approved before exam day. Follow the provider's check-in instructions for accommodations and do not assume retroactive approval.
Do not record, photograph, discuss, or share exam content. Treat all exam material as confidential and report any irregularity to the proctor.
ABIM reports a pass/fail result after scoring; do not expect a numeric score at the test center. Confirm result timing and reporting details with ABIM.
Arrive at your assigned reporting time. Late arrival may limit or forfeit testing opportunity depending on provider policy, so confirm the late-arrival rule in advance; needs_review.
Cooperate with security screening and proctor instructions. If you have a medical need or disability-related concern, contact ABIM or the provider before exam day rather than resolving it at check-in.