ABPMR SCI Medicine exam-day guide
ABPMR SCI Medicine · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Appointment confirmation and candidate handbook
Save or print the appointment confirmation and read the current ABPMR candidate handbook for the Spinal Cord Injury Medicine exam. Verify the exact arrival time, test-center address, and permitted/prohibited items with ABPMR or the testing vendor.
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original ID required by the testing vendor, with your name matching your registration exactly. Confirm accepted ID types and whether a second form is required; do not rely on a photocopy or an expired document.
Test-center logistics
Confirm the address, parking or transit plan, building entrance, and check-in location. Plan to arrive earlier than the stated time so delays do not threaten your seat; confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Permitted comfort items
Pack layers, water, and a snack only if the provider permits them in the testing room or during breaks. Confirm food, drink, earplug, and locker policies before relying on any item.
Medications and medical devices
Bring necessary medications and devices only after confirming the testing vendor’s rules for carrying and using them. If you have an approved accommodation, verify the arrangement in advance and bring any required authorization.
Personal items secured
Leave phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials at home or store them as directed. Confirm where personal belongings must be kept and whether accessible storage is available.
Scratch materials and calculator
Use only scratch materials or calculators supplied or expressly permitted by the testing vendor. Do not bring your own unless the provider confirms it is allowed.
Sleep, meals, and hydration plan
Protect sleep in the nights before the exam and eat a normal meal before arrival. Avoid starting new caffeine or medication routines on exam day.
Backup transport and emergency contact
Identify a backup route and keep a charged phone for transport only; confirm that phone use is prohibited inside the testing room. Give a family member or friend the test-center location and expected finish window.
Review day-of instructions
Re-read the vendor’s check-in instructions, break rules, and item-review policy the night before. Write down any questions to ask at check-in rather than assuming a policy.
Plan the day
Re-read the ABPMR candidate handbook and appointment confirmation; verify ID, accommodations, test-center location, and permitted items. Confirm any uncertain policy with ABPMR or the testing vendor.
Shift to light, guideline-based review of Spinal Cord Injury Medicine topics using your own notes and summaries. Practice pacing with self-written questions, but do not exhaust yourself with new material.
Protect sleep, hydrate, and plan meals. Prepare clothes and a bag; place required documents in one visible location and remove prohibited items from the bag.
Confirm the appointment time and test-center status, check weather and travel conditions, and charge devices for transport. Review only high-yield personal notes and stop studying early enough to sleep.
Pack the ID, confirmation, permitted comfort items, and any approved accommodation paperwork. Avoid alcohol, new medications, and unusual caffeine intake.
Eat a normal breakfast, follow your usual medication routine, and arrive at the test center earlier than required. Bring only permitted items and store prohibited belongings as directed.
At check-in, confirm your name and exam title, ask about break and item-review rules, and use the restroom before entering. Report any accommodation or ID issue immediately to the test administrator.
Read each question fully, identify the key clinical issue, and select the best answer. Answer every item; flag uncertain items and return only if time and the review policy permit.
Manage the clock by setting rough checkpoints; do not spend excessive time on one item. Use breaks only as permitted and confirm whether the clock stops before leaving the station.
If equipment malfunctions, raise your hand and notify the administrator immediately; do not attempt repairs. Maintain exam confidentiality and do not discuss content during breaks.
Rules to check
Bring the original government-issued photo ID required by the testing vendor; your name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID forms and expiration rules with ABPMR or the vendor before exam day.
Follow the vendor’s arrival and check-in deadlines. Late arrival may result in loss of your seat or appointment; confirm the exact late-arrival policy rather than assuming a grace period.
Do not bring unauthorized notes, phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices into the testing room. Store personal items only where the test administrator directs.
Follow all break rules. Confirm in advance whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks are allowed and whether the exam clock continues during a break.
Scoring is pass/fail according to the standard set by ABPMR; individual item feedback is not provided during the exam. Do not infer your performance from item difficulty; confirm score-reporting timing with the board.
Maintain exam confidentiality and test-center conduct rules. Do not communicate with other candidates, record exam content, or use unauthorized materials; misconduct can void your results.
If you have an approved accommodation, confirm the specific arrangement with ABPMR and the testing vendor in advance. Bring any required authorization and raise any discrepancy before the exam begins.
Report technical or environmental problems to the test administrator immediately. Do not troubleshoot equipment yourself or continue under conditions that may affect your performance without notifying staff.