ABIM Infectious Disease exam-day guide
ABIM Infectious Disease · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID required by the testing provider. Confirm acceptable forms and name matching with the provider; requirements vary by test center.
Scheduling confirmation and test-center details
Have your appointment confirmation, test-center address, and arrival time accessible (printed or on your phone). Confirm reporting time with the provider.
Admission ticket or authorization to test
If your exam requires a scheduling permit or authorization document, bring it. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is needed.
Know the ID and personal-item rules
Review the provider's rules on what can be brought into the testing room (phones, watches, notes, food, water). Lockers or storage may be provided; confirm with the provider.
Break and timing plan
Know the total appointment time, scheduled breaks, and whether breaks are optional. Confirm break policies with the provider.
Comfort items allowed by the provider
Layers, water, and snacks may be permitted only in designated areas. Confirm the provider's policy before relying on them.
Review high-yield ID content in the final days
Focus on core syndromes (sepsis, meningitis/encephalitis, endocarditis, HIV opportunistic infections, transplant infections, antimicrobial selection and stewardship, infection control). Use your own study materials.
Plan travel and arrival buffer
Arrive early to allow for check-in and security. Late arrival policies vary; confirm with the provider.
Medication and personal needs plan
If you need medication or accommodation during the exam, arrange it in advance. Confirm accommodation and break policies with the provider.
Rest and logistics the night before
Confirm transportation, set alarms, and prioritize sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming that disrupts rest.
Plan the day
Stop expanding to new resources. Review concise summaries of high-yield topics, practice question timing, and confirm exam logistics (location, ID, arrival time).
Light review only. Prepare documents and clothing, confirm transportation, eat regular meals, and aim for a full night's sleep. Avoid intensive new material.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate, arrive at the test center with required ID and confirmation, and follow check-in instructions. Keep calm and pace yourself.
Read each question carefully, manage time per question, flag uncertain items and return if time allows, and use scheduled breaks to reset. Do not rush the final minutes.
Rules to check
Follow all test-center conduct rules; unauthorized items may be prohibited in the testing room. Confirm specific rules with the provider.
Present valid identification as required; name and ID must match your registration. Confirm acceptable ID with the provider.
Breaks are typically available but policies on timing, duration, and access to personal items vary; confirm with the provider.
Scoring and reporting timelines are set by the sponsoring board; confirm score reporting and pass/fail policies with the provider.
Do not communicate with other examinees during the test and do not share exam content; test security rules apply.
If you need accommodations, request them well in advance through the provider's process; do not assume they will be available on exam day.