ABP Pediatric Infectious Diseases
ABP Pediatric Infectious Diseases Subspecialty Certifying Examination
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ExploreAbout this exam
Pediatric Infectious Diseases certification is a subspecialty credential from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) for physicians who meet the subspecialty admission requirements. This independent study resource is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the ABP; it is designed to help candidates organize preparation for the certifying examination.
The examination is offered every two years and is a half-day, multiple-choice, computer-based test delivered at Prometric testing centers. Preparation is guided by the ABP's Pediatric Infectious Diseases content outline, and the field spans bacterial and mycobacterial infections, viral infections, fungal and parasitic disease, perinatal and neonatal infections, immunizations and vaccine-preventable disease, host defense and infection in immunocompromised children, antimicrobial pharmacology and stewardship, diagnostic microbiology, healthcare epidemiology and infection prevention, and infectious syndromes by organ system.
Strong preparation starts with the official content outline, then confirms exam dates, fees, and admission requirements. Applications are submitted through the ABP Portfolio. Candidates should also review Prometric test-center expectations and the ABP's guidance for candidates who become ill before testing.
What you'll study
About ABP Pediatric Infectious Diseases preparation
What is the format of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases certifying exam?
It is a half-day, computer-based examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, delivered at Prometric testing centers. The ABP describes its subspecialty examinations as half-day exams made up of multiple-choice questions. After scheduling, confirm your appointment time, arrival instructions, and test-center location directly through Prometric.
How often is the exam offered?
Every two years. The ABP states that it offers certifying examinations for subspecialties every two years; the Sports Medicine examination, administered by the American Board of Family Medicine, is the yearly exception. Because the cycle is biennial, check the subspecialty exam dates and fees page early and plan your application and study timeline around that cycle.
How do I apply for the exam?
Log into the ABP Portfolio to apply. Before submitting, review the subspecialty admission requirements, exam dates and fees, and the content outline for Pediatric Infectious Diseases. The ABP directs applicants to its How to Apply: All Applicants page and handles test accommodations and scheduling through separate processes.
What passing score do I need, and how difficult is the exam?
The ABP's subspecialty certifying exam page does not publish a passing score, a difficulty rating, or a pass rate. Do not rely on secondhand numbers. Use the official content outline to define scope, and consult the ABP's scoring and score-reporting pages for how examinations are scored and how results are reported.
What should I do if I become ill before my appointment?
The ABP advises candidates who are ill on the day of a scheduled exam appointment to contact the ABP and not go to the test center. Check the Prometric website before your appointment to confirm current test-center expectations, including occupancy limits, mask requirements, and enhanced cleaning protocols.
What should I study first?
Start with the ABP's Pediatric Infectious Diseases content outline, which defines the scope of the examination. Then confirm admission requirements and exam dates and fees so administrative gaps do not derail your timeline. Build study sessions around the outline's domains rather than around question banks alone, and reserve time to revisit weak areas.
What is the retake policy if I do not pass?
The ABP's subspecialty certifying exam page does not describe retake rules, waiting periods, or attempt limits. Review the ABP admission requirements and contact the ABP directly for the policy that applies to your situation before assuming any retake timeline or eligibility.
How far in advance should I schedule my test appointment?
The ABP does not state a scheduling window on this page. Once your application is accepted, schedule promptly at a Prometric center, because availability varies by location and occupancy may be limited. Check the exam dates and fees page for the current cycle before committing to a study calendar.