ABPS Disaster Medicine exam-day guide
ABPS Disaster Medicine · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of ID your admission ticket names; the name must match your registration. If you are unsure which IDs are accepted, confirm with the provider before test day.
Admission ticket / scheduling confirmation
Print or download the confirmation showing your test site, appointment time, and candidate ID. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Two writing instruments
Bring at least two working pens or pencils plus scrap paper only if the provider explicitly allows it; many computer-based sites supply scratch materials. Confirm permitted items with the provider.
Test-center logistics plan
Know the address, parking or transit route, and arrival time. Aim to arrive well before your appointment; late arrivals may be refused entry under provider rules.
Acceptable calculator (if permitted)
Disaster medicine exams rarely require calculation, but if a calculator is allowed, bring only the model the provider lists. Do not assume a personal calculator is permitted; confirm with the provider.
Comfort and medical essentials
Bring water, a snack for the break, and any necessary personal medication. Lockers or storage rules vary, so confirm what can be brought into the testing room.
Watch or time-awareness plan
Many testing rooms prohibit smartwatches. If you rely on a watch, bring a simple non-smart type and confirm it is allowed.
Review scoring and pass standard
Know the number of questions, time limit, and whether scoring is criterion-referenced or scaled. These details are set by the provider; confirm them in the candidate handbook rather than relying on secondhand reports.
Review break and scheduling policy
Confirm in advance how breaks work, whether the clock stops, and whether unscheduled breaks are permitted.
Rest and travel buffer
Plan a low-stress morning: early night, simple breakfast, and extra travel time for traffic or security screening.
Plan the day
Re-read the candidate handbook for ID, permitted items, arrival time, and scoring. Confirm your appointment and test-center location. Stop learning new material; do light review of high-yield disaster medicine domains such as triage systems, incident command, surge capacity, decontamination, and crisis standards of care.
Do one timed practice set under exam-like conditions to calibrate pacing. Review missed concepts only. Assemble your ID, confirmation, and permitted items in one bag.
Confirm travel and parking. Lay out clothes and supplies. Avoid cramming; a short review of triage categories and command structure is enough. Protect sleep and avoid alcohol.
Eat a normal breakfast, arrive early, and complete check-in calmly. Use the restroom before the test begins. Do not discuss content with other candidates.
Read each stem fully, watch for qualifiers such as 'first' or 'most appropriate', and answer every question. Flag uncertain items and return to them if time allows. Pace yourself against the clock; do not spend excessive time on a single item.
Rules to check
Bring only the ID and items the provider permits; prohibited devices such as phones and smartwatches must be stored as directed.
Follow all proctor instructions and security procedures, including any screening or locker use.
Breaks are governed by provider policy; confirm whether the clock stops and whether unscheduled breaks are allowed before test day.
Answer every question unless the provider penalizes incorrect responses; confirm the scoring rule in the handbook.
Do not attempt to record, share, or discuss exam content; doing so may void your result.
If you need accommodations, they must be arranged with the provider in advance, not on test day.
If you feel unwell or face an emergency, notify test-center staff immediately and follow their instructions.