ABPM Clinical Informatics exam-day guide
ABPM Clinical Informatics · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID types they accept and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam appointment confirmation and login credentials
Have your scheduling confirmation, candidate/registration number, and any portal username and password accessible. Confirm with the provider whether credentials are issued in advance or at check-in.
System and browser requirements verified in advance
If testing remotely, run any provided system check on the same computer and network you will use. Confirm with the provider the supported browsers, operating system, and whether a webcam and microphone are mandatory.
Quiet, private, well-lit test space
For remote proctoring, use a private room with a door, a clear desk, and stable power and internet. Confirm with the provider the room-scan and desk-clearance expectations.
Reliable internet with a backup plan
Prefer a wired or stable connection and know how to tether to a phone hotspot if needed. Confirm with the provider the reconnect and interruption policy before test day.
Calculator and scratch materials policy confirmed
Do not assume a calculator, scratch paper, or pen is permitted. Confirm with the provider what is allowed and whether an on-screen calculator is built into the exam.
Reference or resource policy confirmed
Determine whether the exam is closed-book or permits specified references. Confirm with the provider the exact permitted materials, since this varies by program.
Break and timing policy reviewed
Know the total seat time, whether breaks are scheduled or optional, and whether the clock stops during breaks. Confirm with the provider, as break rules differ between providers.
Accommodations arranged in advance, if applicable
If you need testing accommodations, request them through the provider's published process well before the exam. Confirm with the provider the approval timeline and how approved accommodations appear on test day.
Personal items plan
Plan where phone, watch, and bag will go, since many providers prohibit them at the workstation. Confirm with the provider the storage rules and whether a locker is provided.
Water, snack, and medication plan
Hydrate and eat before the exam. If you take scheduled medication, plan timing around the test and confirm with the provider how medication access is handled during the session.
Provider contact and support number saved
Save the provider's candidate support contact so you can reach them quickly if you have a login or technical problem. Confirm with the provider the best number or channel for day-of issues.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook and testing rules, confirm your appointment time and time zone, and verify your ID name matches your registration. Run any system or equipment check and resolve issues now rather than on test day.
Shift from new material to consolidation: review your own summary notes and weak areas, take at most one light practice set, and protect sleep. Avoid last-minute cramming of unfamiliar topics.
Confirm logistics: location or remote setup, start time, travel or login buffer, and backup internet. Prepare ID, confirm credentials work, and lay out your testing space and any permitted items.
Keep the evening calm: light review only, normal meals, and a full night's sleep. Set two alarms and note the provider's support contact.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive or log in early per the provider's check-in guidance. Have ID and credentials ready, close unnecessary applications, and silence devices per the rules.
Read each question fully, watch for qualifiers such as 'best', 'first', or 'except', and answer every item since there is typically no penalty for guessing unless the provider states otherwise. Flag uncertain items and return to them if the interface allows.
Pace against the total time and number of items, and use scheduled breaks if offered. If a technical problem occurs, stop and contact the proctor or support immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Note how you felt about timing and content while it is fresh. Confirm with the provider how and when results are reported and what the retake policy is.
Rules to check
Follow the provider's published candidate handbook and testing agreement; where this guide and the provider differ, the provider's rules control.
Present the ID required by the provider at check-in and keep it available for the session; confirm acceptable ID types in advance.
Do not bring prohibited items to the workstation. Confirm with the provider what is allowed, including phone, watch, notes, and food or drink.
Take breaks only as the provider permits. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are scheduled or optional and whether the clock runs during them.
Do not communicate with others, use unauthorized materials, or attempt to capture or share exam content; misconduct can lead to score invalidation.
Report any technical failure or interruption to the proctor or support immediately and follow their instructions; confirm the provider's incident and reconnect policy.
Understand the scoring and result-reporting process before test day, including pass standard and retake rules, by confirming with the provider rather than relying on assumptions.