ABPS Dermatology (BCD)

ABPS states the written dermatology exam consists of 200 multiple-choice items administered over a four-hour session. That allows roughly 72 seconds per item, so pacing and stamina matter. The BCD page describes the exam as psychometrically validated and focused on practical dermatology knowledge.

ABPS does not publish a pass rate or difficulty rating on the BCD page. The exam is a four-hour, 200-item written test described as psychometrically validated, and eligibility requires a completed dermatology residency plus supporting documents. Expect residency-level breadth and depth, and prepare for endurance as well as content; do not treat it as a quick credential.

The BCD page does not state a passing score or passing percentage. It says only that the exam is psychometrically validated and that eligible applicants must pass it to earn certification. Because the standard is not disclosed there, do not rely on a remembered cutoff; request current scoring details from ABPS or your candidate materials.

The BCD page provided here does not describe a retake policy, waiting period, or fee for repeat attempts. Contact ABPS directly before assuming a timeline, and ask whether a new application, additional fee, or eligibility review is required. Do not rely on a remembered rule from another board.

ABPS states that all ABPS certificates are good for eight years, expiring on December 31 of the eighth year. Plan recertification before that date. The BCD pages link to recertification requirements and a recertification fee schedule, so check those early rather than waiting until the expiration year.

Candidates must meet general ABPS requirements plus BCD-specific ones: graduation from a recognized U.S., Canadian, or international allopathic or osteopathic college of medicine; a valid unrestricted license in the U.S., its territories, or Canada; an ACGME-, AOA-, or RCPSC-accredited dermatology residency; two letters from Diplomates of an ABPS, AOA, RCPSC, or CFPC board; a chronological CV; and an NPDB self-query report.

The BCD page describes the exam as evaluating practical knowledge in dermatology and says it is psychometrically validated, but it does not list subject-area percentages. ABPS links to a separate Examination Description page for the subject areas covered. Use that outline to build your study plan rather than guessing at weights.

Start with the ABPS Examination Description so your coverage is deliberate, then alternate timed question blocks with short retrieval reviews. At about 72 seconds per item, practice skipping and returning rather than sinking time into one stem. Build endurance for the full four-hour session, and keep application tasks separate from content review so documents are not rushed.

The BCD page does not state the delivery format. It links to annual examination schedule information for 2025, 2026, and 2027, which is where ABPS lists when and where candidates sit for the exam. Check the current schedule or contact ABPS to confirm whether your sitting is in person, remote, or at a specific site.

The main risks are pacing and coverage. At about 72 seconds per item, spending too long on one question can cost several later questions, so practice timed blocks and a skip-and-return rule. Also avoid studying only familiar topics; use the ABPS Examination Description to check coverage. Finally, do not leave application documents like the NPDB report or recommendation letters until the last minute.