ABMDI Board (F-ABMDI) exam-day guide
ABMDI Board (F-ABMDI) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring a valid, unexpired photo ID (driver's license or passport). The name must match your ABMDI registration exactly; confirm the accepted ID types and name-match rule with the testing provider before exam day.
Exam appointment confirmation / authorization to test
Bring the confirmation email or authorization document issued when your application was approved and your exam scheduled. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Exact testing location and arrival instructions
Write down the address, parking/transit plan, and check-in time the day before. If testing remotely, confirm the platform, link, and system check requirements with the provider.
Arrival buffer
Plan to arrive at the site well before your scheduled start time so that ID verification and check-in do not eat into exam time. Confirm the provider's late-arrival cutoff.
Knowledge of what is prohibited in the testing room
Assume phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials are not allowed at the workstation. Confirm the provider's rules on personal items, lockers, and permitted items.
Comfort items that comply with testing rules
Layers of clothing for temperature control and any permitted medication or medical accommodation. Arrange accommodations in advance with the provider; do not assume they will be granted on the day.
Snack and water for before/after the exam
Eat a normal meal beforehand. Whether food or drink is allowed at the workstation varies; confirm with the provider rather than assuming.
Review of the exam content outline and your weak domains
Use the ABMDI content outline to target last-minute review; do not attempt to learn new material in the final 24 hours.
A calm, final review of test mechanics
Know how to navigate questions, flag items for review, and submit. Confirm with the provider whether question review/change of answers is permitted and whether there is a hard time limit.
Backup plan for technology or transportation failure
Have the provider's contact number and a backup transport plan. For remote testing, have a backup internet option and know the provider's technical support contact.
Confirmed understanding of scoring and retake policy
Know the passing standard and retake/ waiting-period rules in advance so you are not surprised. These are set by ABMDI and the testing vendor; confirm the current policy directly with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment date, time, and location (or remote-testing setup) in writing. Re-read the ABMDI content outline and your own summary notes. Stop cramming new material. Protect sleep. Confirm ID name matches registration and resolve any discrepancy now, not on exam day.
Do one or two short, timed practice sets to rehearse pacing, then stop. Review only high-yield weak areas you have already studied.
Lay out ID, confirmation, and clothing. Charge devices; if remote, run the provider's system/equipment check. Confirm transportation and parking. Eat a normal dinner, avoid alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time.
Do not attempt a full-length practice exam or a late-night study session. A brief review of mnemonics or outline headings is enough.
Eat breakfast, hydrate modestly, and arrive at the site with buffer time. Leave prohibited items in the car or at home. Do a final check that your ID is with you.
If testing remotely, complete the provider's check-in steps early, close unnecessary applications, and have your ID and workspace ready for the proctor.
Read each question fully, watch for words like 'most likely' or 'first,' and answer every item. Flag uncertain items and return to them only if time permits. Use breaks as allowed by the provider; note that unscheduled breaks may be recorded or may not stop the clock - confirm the provider's break rules.
Pace yourself against the total item count and time. If you fall behind, shorten deliberation on items you cannot resolve and move on. Submit only after confirming you have answered all items.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID; the name must match your registration. If your legal name has changed, contact the provider before exam day to correct your record.
Arrive early. Late arrival may result in forfeiture of your seat and fee; the exact cutoff is set by the testing provider, so confirm it in advance.
Personal electronic devices, notes, and study materials are generally prohibited in the testing area. Follow the proctor's instructions on storage of personal items.
Follow all proctor instructions, including any workspace, room, or identity-verification requirements. Suspected misconduct can lead to score cancellation.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy. Scheduled breaks may or may not stop the clock, and unscheduled breaks may require sign-out; confirm the rule before you begin.
Scoring and the passing standard are set by ABMDI and the testing vendor. Results are typically reported after the exam rather than on the spot; confirm the reporting timeline with the provider.
If you need testing accommodations, request them through the provider well before the exam. Accommodations are not granted at the testing site on the day of the exam.
Do not discuss, reproduce, or share exam content. Exam materials are confidential, and sharing item content may violate the candidate agreement and jeopardize your credential.
If a technical problem occurs during the exam, stop and notify the proctor or technical support immediately rather than attempting to fix it yourself; document what happened.