ABPP Clinical Child & Adolescent exam-day guide
ABPP Clinical Child & Adolescent · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the same legal name and ID type used in your application. Confirm with the provider whether one or two forms of ID are required and whether a digital copy is acceptable.
Exam appointment confirmation
Have the confirmation showing date, time, time zone, platform or address, and examiner names. Confirm any check-in instructions with the provider.
Practice sample materials
If your exam requires practice samples or case materials, bring the requested number of copies in the required format. Confirm copy count, page limits, and whether electronic submission is also required.
One-page case outlines
Prepare brief outlines for each case if notes are allowed. Confirm with the provider whether notes, outlines, or reference materials may be used during the exam.
CV and application copies
Some oral exams allow or require a copy of your CV or application. Confirm whether these are needed and whether they must be printed.
Water and a light snack
Bring water and a snack in case breaks are available. Confirm the provider’s break and food/drink policy before the exam.
Phone silenced and stored
Silence your phone and store it out of sight unless the provider permits device use. Confirm the technology policy for in-person or remote exams.
Travel, parking, and arrival plan
Confirm arrival time, parking, transit, and building access. Aim to arrive early enough to complete check-in without rushing; confirm the provider’s late-arrival policy.
Professional attire
Wear comfortable, professional attire appropriate for an oral board exam. Confirm whether the exam is in person or remote and whether any dress code applies.
Accommodations confirmation
If you requested accommodations, bring the approval confirmation and confirm logistics with the provider in advance.
Provider contact information
Save the provider’s phone number and email in case of travel delays, platform problems, or last-minute questions.
Backup plan for technology
For a remote exam, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection and have a backup phone or hotspot. Confirm the platform and fallback procedure with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read your practice samples and write a two-minute summary for each case covering referral question, assessment methods, formulation, intervention, diversity considerations, and outcomes.
Run at least one mock oral exam with a colleague. Practice concise answers, ethics vignettes, and responding to challenge questions without becoming defensive.
Confirm logistics with the provider: date, time, time zone, location or platform, ID requirements, materials allowed, break policy, and arrival time.
Review a structured ethics decision-making framework and your scope of competence. Rehearse how you would say “I would confirm with the provider or consult the relevant guideline” when you are uncertain.
Pack your bag: ID, confirmation, required materials, outlines if permitted, water, snack, charger, and any accommodation approval. Lay out professional attire.
Do light review only. Review case summaries and ethical principles; avoid learning new material or overloading working memory.
Set two alarms, confirm your travel plan, and aim for seven to nine hours of sleep. Avoid heavy alcohol and late caffeine.
Eat a balanced breakfast and hydrate. Arrive early enough to use the restroom, silence your phone, and complete check-in calmly; confirm the recommended arrival window with the provider.
Review only your one-page outlines or key themes. Take a few slow breaths and remind yourself that the exam is a professional conversation, not a memory test.
Listen to the full question before answering. Use a structured response: referral question, assessment, formulation, intervention, diversity and ethics, outcome, and limitations.
If a question is unclear, ask for clarification. If you do not know a specific fact, say so and describe how you would find or confirm the answer rather than guessing.
Manage time by answering concisely and leaving room for follow-up questions. Take brief notes only if the provider permits note-taking.
Debrief privately and avoid discussing specific exam content with future candidates. Follow the provider’s instructions about results and next steps.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID with a name matching your application. Confirm the exact ID requirements with the provider before exam day.
Arrive at the confirmed time and location or log in early. Confirm the provider’s late-arrival and forfeiture policy; do not assume a grace period.
Do not record, photograph, or share exam content unless the provider explicitly permits it. Maintain confidentiality of examiner questions and case materials.
Use only materials, notes, or references that the provider has approved. Confirm in advance whether outlines, texts, or electronic resources are allowed.
Follow the provider’s break policy. Breaks may be scheduled or granted at examiner discretion; confirm timing and whether you may leave the exam area.
Expect competency-based scoring across areas such as assessment, formulation, intervention, ethics, diversity, and professionalism. Ask the provider for the scoring rubric or performance domains in advance.
Disclose any real or perceived conflict of interest and follow professional conduct standards. Do not misrepresent credentials, experience, or case material.
If technology fails during a remote exam, follow the provider’s fallback instructions and document the problem. Confirm the technical support contact before the exam.