ABP Pediatric Palliative
American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) Hospice and Palliative Medicine Subspecialty Certifying Examination
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ExploreAbout this exam
The American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), with other specialty boards, offers a certificate in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. For pediatric candidates, it is a subspecialty certification layered on initial certification in general pediatrics or a pediatric subspecialty, and that certification must be maintained. The exam assesses hospice and palliative medicine, but the ABP page is a requirements page, not a content blueprint; it does not list domains or weights. Candidates should use the ABP subspecialty content outline to organize study and confirm current dates, format, and scoring directly with the ABP, because the page says criteria are subject to change. This independent guide is not affiliated with the ABP. It is for pediatric-trained physicians who completed an ACGME- or RCPSC-accredited fellowship, or who qualify under the pre-July 1, 2010 nonaccredited-training provision, and who hold a valid unrestricted license. Prepare by mapping the outline, reviewing palliative medicine domains, and practicing case-based communication and symptom management.
What you'll study
About ABP Pediatric Palliative preparation
What is the exam format?
The ABP page does not state item count, question style, or duration. It is an eligibility page, not an exam-day guide. Check the ABP 'About Our Certifying Exams,' 'Exam Day: What to Expect,' and subspecialty exam dates and fees pages for current administrative details. Registration dates may differ by board.
How hard is it?
The source gives no pass rate or difficulty rating, so any specific difficulty claim would be guesswork. Use the ABP subspecialty content outline to judge breadth, take a timed practice test, and review misses. Ask ABP for the passing standard rather than relying on rumors.
Can I retake it if I fail?
The source does not describe retake limits, waiting periods, or fees. It does say subspecialty examinations are now offered every year, which affects planning. Confirm retake policy with the ABP before scheduling. A failed attempt does not change the certification, licensure, training, or verification requirements described on the page.
When must my training be finished?
You must satisfactorily complete all subspecialty training before the first day of the month in which the examination is administered. If your contracted training period does not expire before that date, you are not eligible for that exam, even if formal training ended earlier and the remaining time is only leave.
What study order do you recommend?
Start with the ABP subspecialty content outline and build a checklist. Review core palliative medicine topics, then practice case-based communication and symptom management. Finish with timed questions and a miss log. The ABP page does not endorse any review course, so choose resources by outline fit rather than marketing claims.
What are common administrative failure modes?
The page names unverified training, unsatisfactory competence evaluations, and professionalism lapses. Training not verified, or an unsatisfactory evaluation in any competency except professionalism alone, requires additional fellowship training. A professionalism-only failure may require additional training or, at ABP discretion, observation plus an approved remediation plan. Appeals go through institutional due process, not ABP reexamination of performance.
What certification and licensure do I need?
You must have achieved initial ABP certification in general pediatrics or a pediatric subspecialty and continue to maintain it; no exceptions are granted. You also need a valid, unrestricted allopathic and/or osteopathic license in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, territory, or Canada. If you hold multiple licenses, all should meet the requirement. Temporary or training licenses are not acceptable.
How does time-limited eligibility work?
Beginning with exams administered in 2014, applicants must have completed the required pediatric subspecialty training within the previous seven years-for example, 2010 or later for a 2017 exam. If not, an additional period of supervised practice is required before applying. Subspecialty exams are now offered every year. Confirm the current policy with ABP.
Is the practice pathway still open?
No. The 2012 certifying examination was the last administration for which a candidate could apply using practice experience accrued by the original deadline. Current applicants must meet the fellowship training, licensure, certification, and verification requirements. Contact ABP if you need current information, because the page states criteria are subject to change without notice.
What are the absence rules during fellowship?
No continuous absence of more than one year is permitted. Combined absences or leaves over one month during the training year-vacation, parental leave, illness, and so forth-must be made up. Part-time training must be completed on a part-time basis not to exceed two years. Interruptions over 12 months require Credentials Committee review.