ABOHNS Neurotology exam-day guide
ABOHNS Neurotology · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification your admission permit names; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types with the test provider in advance.
Admission permit / scheduling confirmation
Print or save the confirmation showing your test date, time, and location. Requirements for bringing a printed copy vary-confirm with the provider.
Know your test center or remote-proctoring logistics
If in person, confirm the address, parking, and arrival time. If remote, confirm the platform, camera/microphone requirements, and room rules with the provider.
Review the published exam blueprint and format
Confirm the current content outline, number of items, and time allotted from the official board materials rather than secondhand sources.
Confirm permitted and prohibited items
Ask the provider whether calculators, scratch paper, notes, watches, or personal items are allowed; do not assume.
Plan meals, hydration, and any needed medications
Follow your normal routine; bring only medications permitted under provider rules. Confirm any accommodation approvals in advance.
Arrange travel and a backup plan
Know a secondary route and arrive with buffer time; confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Sleep and light review plan
Prioritize sleep over last-minute cramming; keep final review to high-yield outlines you already know.
Confirm break policy
Ask the provider how scheduled and unscheduled breaks work and whether the clock stops during breaks.
Confirm scoring and reporting
Ask the provider how the exam is scored (e.g., pass standard, scaled score) and when/how results are released.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Review concise summaries of high-yield neurotology topics (e.g., vestibular physiology, hearing loss workup, facial nerve, pediatric otology) using your own notes. Confirm logistics: ID, permit, location or remote setup, and timing.
Light review only in the morning; then stop. Prepare clothing, ID, permit, and any permitted items. Confirm alarm and travel plan. Get a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive early (or log in early for remote testing). Do a final check of required items. Avoid heavy new-material review.
Read each question stem fully, identify the key finding, and answer before moving on; flag uncertain items and return if time allows. Pace yourself against the clock and use breaks per provider rules. If technical issues arise, notify the proctor immediately.
Rules to check
Bring only permitted items; confirm the prohibited-items list with the provider before test day.
Present valid, unexpired photo ID matching your registration name; confirm accepted forms with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's conduct policy; confirm what constitutes misconduct before the exam.
Confirm the break policy-timing, duration, and whether the clock runs-with the provider.
Confirm the scoring method and pass standard from official board materials rather than assuming.
If you have approved accommodations, confirm them in writing with the provider before test day.
Report any technical or testing irregularity to the proctor immediately and follow the provider's documentation process.
Do not discuss or share exam content afterward per the provider's confidentiality agreement.