ABPN Brain Injury Medicine exam-day guide
ABPN Brain Injury Medicine · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact ID the testing provider specifies. Name and spelling must match your registration; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Scheduling confirmation / admission document
Print or save the confirmation email or admission ticket from your scheduling portal. Requirements vary by test center; confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is needed.
Know your test center location and route
Look up the address, parking, and building/room entry in advance. Do a dry run or map review the day before.
Arrival time buffer
Plan to arrive well before your scheduled start; late arrival can forfeit your seat. Confirm the exact check-in cutoff with the provider.
Permitted items only (locker/secure storage plan)
Most centers require personal items in a locker. Plan what you will carry and what stays in the car. Confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Comfort and medical needs
If you need medication, food, or accommodation during the exam, request approval in advance; unapproved items may be denied. Confirm the accommodation process with the provider.
Rest and logistics the night before
Sleep, hydrate, and set two alarms. Avoid last-minute cramming that disrupts sleep.
Pacing plan
Know the number of items and total time, and pre-decide your per-item pace and when to flag-and-move-on. Confirm the exact format and timing with the provider.
Break strategy
Decide in advance whether and when to take breaks, understanding that clock rules vary. Confirm break rules with the provider.
Scratch materials only if permitted
Do not assume scratch paper or a calculator is allowed; confirm with the provider before relying on it.
Plan the day
Confirm test center address, start time, ID requirements, and any approved accommodations with the provider. Review your weakest high-yield topics with short, active recall sessions rather than new material.
Do one timed practice block to calibrate pacing, then stop heavy studying. Organize documents and lay out clothing and essentials.
Light review of summary notes only. Confirm transportation and parking, charge devices, set alarms, eat a normal meal, and prioritize sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, arrive early with ID and confirmation, and keep pre-exam talk minimal to stay calm.
Read each stem fully, answer the question asked, flag uncertain items and move on, watch the clock against your pace plan, and use approved breaks strategically.
Reserve time to revisit flagged items and ensure every item has an answer if the format requires it.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration; confirm accepted forms with the provider.
Arrive by the required check-in time; late arrival may result in forfeiture of your seat and fee. Confirm the cutoff with the provider.
Follow all test-center security and prohibited-item rules; unauthorized materials can lead to score invalidation.
Breaks and clock rules vary by exam and provider; confirm in advance whether the timer stops during breaks.
Accommodations must be requested and approved before test day; do not assume on-site requests will be granted.
Scoring policies, including pass standards and reporting timelines, are set by the certifying body; confirm details with the provider rather than relying on rumor.
If a technical or environmental problem occurs, report it to the proctor immediately and document it; unresolved issues should be raised with the provider promptly.