ABIM Cardiology

The examination lasts one and a half days. One day is four two-hour multiple-choice sessions, up to 60 questions each, lasting approximately 10 hours. A separate day has an electrocardiogram session of up to two hours and 35 cases and an imaging studies session of up to two hours and 15 minutes and 37 cases, approximately five hours total.

Most questions are multiple-choice with a single best answer, and the overwhelming majority use a patient-based clinical stem. A small number test a specific knowledge point without a stem. Some questions require interpretation of electrocardiograms, radiographs, or photomicrographs. The second day is entirely case-based electrocardiogram and imaging studies sessions.

ABIM lists a maximum of 60 questions per two-hour session across four sessions on the multiple-choice day. The page does not state a single total question count. The separate case day allows up to 35 electrocardiogram cases and up to 37 imaging studies cases.

ABIM does not publish a numeric passing score on this page. It states that the pass-fail decision is based on performance on the entire examination and that the minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard set by the designated ABIM Specialty Board or Advisory Committee, independent of any candidate group's performance.

Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect. Because the pass-fail decision uses the entire examination, leaving items blank only lowers your score. Answer every question, even when uncertain, and manage the optional breaks so you do not lose testing time you need for the final session.

Final results are released within three months of the last date of the exam in that area. You receive an email notification with instructions for accessing your score report through the Physician Portal. Questions about results must be submitted in writing within six months of the release date.

You may request a rescore for a $250 fee. Submit a written request within six months of the results' release date, including your name, ABIM ID, the examination to be rescored, and a check payable to the American Board of Internal Medicine. Rescore results are mailed within eight weeks of receipt.

The ABIM page does not state a retake policy, attempt limit, or waiting period. It also does not publish a retake fee here. Candidates who do not pass should review ABIM's certification policies and their Physician Portal for the applicable rules before registering again.

Start with the ABIM cardiovascular disease blueprint, which defines content categories and target percentages. Then use the official tutorial, sample cases, and laboratory reference ranges. Build a schedule that includes image interpretation for electrocardiograms and imaging studies, and practice answering every question within the session time limits.

Register through the Physician Portal during the open registration window, then schedule with Pearson VUE. Appointments are first-come, first-served. Late registration is available but requires a non-refundable fee. All deadlines are 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the listed dates, and it is the candidate's responsibility to meet them.