ABIM Adolescent exam-day guide
ABIM Adolescent · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired, government-issued photo ID. The name must match your registration exactly; confirm accepted ID forms with the testing provider before exam day.
Appointment confirmation and scheduling permit
Have your confirmation number and any permit or authorization the testing provider requires. Confirm whether a printed copy is needed or whether an electronic version is accepted.
Test center location and parking plan
Confirm the exact address, parking options, and building entrance in advance. Do a dry run or check traffic patterns so you are not navigating on the morning of the exam.
Arrival time window
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time, but confirm the exact check-in window and late-arrival policy with the testing provider; arriving late may forfeit your seat.
Exam format and timing review
Know the number of questions, number of blocks, and total seated time. Confirm current format details with the board or testing provider rather than relying on memory.
Exam tutorial and instructions
Review the testing platform tutorial and candidate instructions ahead of time so you do not spend exam time learning the interface.
Personal items plan
Expect to store bags, phones, watches, and notes in a locker or designated area. Confirm what is allowed at your seat; assume no personal electronic devices are permitted in the testing room.
Approved accommodations
If you have testing accommodations, confirm they are approved and documented in advance. Bring any approval letter or documentation the provider requires.
Medications, food, and hydration plan
If you need medication, food, or water during breaks, confirm the provider's policy in advance and pack only what is allowed. Plan a light meal that avoids a mid-exam energy crash.
Scratch paper and calculator policy
Confirm whether scratch paper, a calculator, or an on-screen tool is provided and whether you may bring your own. Do not assume any item is allowed.
Score reporting and results access
Know how and when results will be released and how to access your score report. Confirm the timeline with the board.
Backup plan for delays
Save the test center phone number and have a backup transportation plan. Confirm the provider's policy for equipment or scheduling disruptions.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Focus on high-yield weak areas, review summary notes, and complete one or two timed practice blocks to rehearse pacing. Confirm your appointment time, test center location, and ID requirements. Shift sleep and wake times toward your exam-day schedule.
Pack your ID, confirmation materials, approved accommodations documentation, and any permitted food or medication. Lay out clothes and plan transportation. Do only light review, avoid cramming, and aim for a full night's sleep. Reconfirm the arrival time and check-in window.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and arrive at the test center early. Use the restroom before check-in. Keep your phone off and stored; follow the proctor's check-in and security instructions. If you are running late, contact the test center immediately and confirm the late-arrival policy.
Read each question stem completely and watch for key qualifiers. Answer every question; there is no penalty for guessing unless the provider states otherwise. Pace yourself by block and flag uncertain items to revisit if the interface allows. Take scheduled breaks, move around briefly, and avoid reviewing answers with other candidates. If a technical problem occurs, raise your hand immediately and follow proctor instructions.
Follow the provider's instructions for ending the session and retrieving personal items. Do not discuss or share exam content. Confirm how and when results will be released.
Rules to check
Bring only approved items into the testing room. Phones, smartwatches, notes, and other personal electronic devices must be stored as directed; possession at your seat can be treated as misconduct.
Present valid government-issued photo ID. The name must match your registration; if your ID name differs, confirm the correction process with the board before exam day.
Follow all proctor and security instructions, including sign-in, identity verification, and any inspection of permitted items.
Do not discuss, reproduce, or share exam content before, during, or after the test. Exam materials are confidential.
Understand the break policy before you start. Confirm whether breaks are scheduled or unscheduled, whether the clock continues, and what you may access during breaks.
Testing accommodations must be approved in advance. Confirm documentation requirements and do not expect on-site adjustments.
Scoring is typically reported as pass or fail based on a minimum passing standard, with results released through the board's online system. Confirm current scoring and reporting details with the board, since policies can change.
If you arrive late, become ill, or encounter a technical problem, notify test center staff immediately and confirm the provider's incident-reporting and rescheduling policy.