ABOS Orthopaedic Sports Medicine exam-day guide
ABOS Orthopaedic Sports Medicine · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID form the testing provider requires; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types and whether a second form is needed. [needs_review]
Appointment confirmation
Have your scheduling confirmation, confirmation number, and test-center phone number available on paper and on your phone.
Test-center logistics
Map the route, parking, and entrance, and note security screening and arrival buffer. Confirm with the provider whether late arrival can forfeit your seat.
Admission and security policy
Review prohibited items such as phones, watches, notes, and bags. Confirm what is allowed at your seat and where personal items are stored.
Layered clothing
Dress in layers because testing rooms may be cool or warm. Avoid clothing with large logos or many pockets that slow security screening.
Snack and water plan
Plan food and water for before and after the exam. Confirm whether food or drink is allowed in the testing room or only during breaks. [needs_review]
Sleep and routine medications
Protect sleep in the final 72 hours and take routine medications as prescribed. Ask the provider in advance about accommodations for medical needs. [needs_review]
Content outline and weak domains
Review the ABOS Orthopaedic Sports Medicine content outline and your weakest domains. Stop heavy new learning about 24 hours before test time.
Timed practice block
Complete one timed block of practice questions to rehearse pacing. Confirm the total item count and time allocation with the provider. [needs_review]
Break plan
Know how many breaks are allowed and whether the clock runs during breaks. Confirm the break policy with the provider. [needs_review]
Score reporting and retake policy
Understand when and how results are released and what the retake policy is. Confirm details with ABOS or the testing provider. [needs_review]
Emergency contacts
Save the test-center and ABOS contact information. Know what to do if you are ill, delayed, or unable to test.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment, ID requirements, reporting time, and test-center address. Review the content outline and your weak domains with focused, high-yield reading. Keep sleep and meal times stable, and avoid starting new resources.
Pack your ID, confirmation, directions, snacks, and layered clothing. Do only light review of summary notes, then stop. Set two alarms, confirm transportation, and go to bed at a normal hour.
Eat a normal meal, take routine medications, and arrive with time to spare for security and check-in. Bring only permitted items; leave phones, watches, and notes secured as directed. Read all instructions carefully before starting.
Pace yourself by checking the clock at planned intervals. Read each stem fully, answer confident items first if the interface allows flagging, and return to uncertain items. Take allowed breaks to reset, and report any computer or environment problem to staff immediately.
Rules to check
Bring the required government-issued photo ID; your name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID forms with the testing provider before exam day.
Arrive at the assigned reporting time. Late arrival may forfeit your seat or testing time; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Follow all security rules: no phones, watches, notes, or unauthorized materials in the testing room. Store personal items only where staff direct.
Raise your hand and follow staff instructions for breaks. Confirm in advance whether the exam clock stops during breaks.
Answer every question unless the provider states otherwise, because unanswered items cannot help your score. Confirm the scoring and passing standard with ABOS.
Do not record, photograph, discuss, or reproduce exam content. Treat all test materials as confidential.
If equipment, software, or the testing environment causes a problem, stop and notify the proctor immediately rather than trying to fix it yourself.