ABPath Pediatric Pathology
Pediatric Pathology
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Pediatric Pathology subspecialty examination is offered by the American Board of Pathology as a one-day, computer-based certification exam for pathologists seeking subspecialty certification in pediatric pathology. Per the ABPath exam description, it combines Written and Practical sections with Virtual Microscopy (VM) sections; there are no glass slides, only VM. The Written/Practical portion contains 170 multiple-choice questions in one-best-answer format with 3 hours 8 minutes allotted, and the Virtual Microscopy portion contains 65 questions with 3 hours 15 minutes allotted. Questions are designed to measure both body of knowledge and problem-solving ability, spanning theoretical, practical, and interpretive aspects of pediatric pathology relative to disease processes and patient care. Practical content includes images of gross and microscopic specimens, cytogenetic preparations, graphs, charts, and special histochemical and molecular techniques; microscopic content includes tissue sections and hematologic and cytologic preparations pertaining to diagnosis, implications, and prognosis. ABPath describes its certification examinations as criterion-referenced tests: the passing or cut-off score is set in advance by a committee of experts, and candidates are compared with that standard rather than with each other. Preparation should combine broad pediatric pathology review with timed practice interpreting virtual slides and practical image sets. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by ABPath.
What you'll study
About ABPath Pediatric Pathology preparation
What is the format of the Pediatric Pathology exam?
It is a one-day, computer-based exam with combined Written and Practical sections plus Virtual Microscopy (VM) sections. There are no glass slides, only VM. All questions are multiple-choice in the one-best-answer format, covering theoretical, practical, and interpretive aspects of pediatric pathology.
How many questions and how much time?
Per the ABPath exam description, the Written/Practical sections contain 170 questions with 3 hours 8 minutes, and the Virtual Microscopy section contains 65 questions with 3 hours 15 minutes. Plan your pacing around roughly one minute per written item and more generous time per virtual slide case.
How is the passing score determined?
ABPath uses criterion-referenced tests. The passing or cut-off score is determined in advance by a committee of experts in the field, and your performance is compared with that cut-off rather than with other test takers. Theoretically all candidates could pass or fail depending on performance relative to the standard.
What topics does the exam cover?
ABPath lists subject areas including embryologic, fetal and childhood growth and development; maternal-fetal interactions; placental and amniotic fluid abnormalities; intrauterine demise and perinatal/iatrogenic problems; congenital malformations; metabolic, nutritional and immunologic disorders; infectious diseases; neoplasia; ancillary testing; pediatric laboratory medicine; autopsy and forensic pathology; and laboratory management and quality assurance.
How should I sequence my study?
Start with the highest-yield diagnostic areas you see routinely, then build outward into placental, perinatal, and autopsy material. Add ancillary testing and laboratory medicine later, since those questions often hinge on interpretation rather than recall. Finish with timed mixed sets that alternate written items and virtual slide review to mirror the actual exam day.
What are common failure modes?
Candidates often underestimate the Virtual Microscopy section, treating it as a slide-recognition exercise when questions also probe implications and prognosis. Others neglect non-neoplastic areas such as placental pathology, metabolic disease, and laboratory medicine while over-studying tumors. Poor time management on the 170-item written portion is another frequent problem.
Can I retake the exam if I do not pass?
The source material retrieved for this page does not state a retake policy, number of attempts, or waiting period, so no answer is given here. Consult ABPath directly, including its Booklet of Information and Unsuccessful Candidates pages, for the governing rules.
How long is certification valid, and what is the fee?
The retrieved ABPath pages do not specify a validity period or an exam fee for Pediatric Pathology, so neither is stated here. Check the ABPath subspecialty exam dates, deadlines, and fees page and the Continuing Certification information for current details.
Is this page affiliated with ABPath?
No. This is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the American Board of Pathology. Always confirm exam logistics, deadlines, and requirements against ABPath's official publications before making decisions.