ABP Pediatric Emergency Medicine exam-day guide
ABP Pediatric Emergency Medicine · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of ID the testing provider requires. Name must match your registration. Confirm acceptable ID types and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
Admission/authorization document
Print or save any scheduling confirmation, eligibility authorization, or admission ticket the provider issues. Confirm whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is accepted.
Appointment confirmation and test-center address
Confirm your test date, time, and location (or remote-testing link) directly with the provider; do not rely on memory. Note parking, transit, and arrival buffer.
Know your allowed items policy
Most testing providers restrict what you can bring to the desk (phones, watches, notes, food/drink). Confirm the specific allowed/forbidden list with the provider rather than assuming.
Permitted comfort items
If you need water, medication, or snacks, confirm in advance whether and how these are allowed (e.g., stored in a locker, accessible during breaks). needs_review
Break and timing plan
Review the provider's break rules and total seated time. Plan hydration and restroom timing around scheduled breaks. needs_review
Scratch materials
Confirm whether scratch paper, a marker board, or an on-screen notepad is provided and whether you may bring your own. Do not assume; ask the provider.
Read the candidate/testing agreement
Review the provider's candidate rules on conduct, prohibited items, and scoring before test day so there are no surprises at check-in.
Rest and logistics the night before
Set two alarms, lay out ID and confirmation, and plan to arrive earlier than the provider's stated check-in cutoff.
Emergency contact plan
Know how to reach the test center if something goes wrong (delay, illness). Keep the provider's contact number handy.
Plan the day
Confirm test date, time, location/link, and ID requirements with the provider. Re-read the candidate agreement and allowed-items policy. Resolve any open questions now, not on test day.
Do a light review of your weakest high-yield topics only; avoid cramming new material. Confirm travel/parking plan and check weather or transit advisories if testing in person.
Pack ID, confirmation, and any permitted items. Charge devices if remote testing and run the provider's system/equipment check if one is offered. Get a full night of sleep; avoid last-minute intensive study.
Eat a normal meal, arrive with buffer time, and bring only permitted items. Complete check-in/identity verification as directed. Stay calm and read instructions carefully.
Read each question fully; flag and move past items you are unsure of, then return if time allows. Use only the breaks the provider permits, and manage your pace against the total seated time. Answer every item unless the provider penalizes guessing (confirm the scoring rule).
Rules to check
Bring the exact government-issued photo ID the provider requires; your name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types and name-match rules with the provider.
Follow all check-in and identity-verification procedures, including any photo, signature, or biometric steps the provider uses.
Do not bring prohibited items to the testing area; store permitted personal items only where the provider directs.
Take breaks only as the provider allows, and follow sign-out/sign-in procedures if required.
Do not communicate with other candidates or use unauthorized materials during the test; follow the provider's conduct rules exactly.
Confirm the scoring and guessing policy with the provider before test day so you know whether unanswered items are penalized.
Report any testing irregularity (equipment failure, distraction, illness) to the proctor immediately and follow the provider's documented process.
If you test remotely, follow the provider's environment and equipment rules and confirm technical requirements in advance.