ABPS Emergency Medicine (BCEM) exam-day guide
ABPS Emergency Medicine (BCEM) · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID that matches the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider which specific IDs are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam admission/authorization document
Print or save the admission letter or scheduling permit from the testing provider. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital version is acceptable.
Confirmation of test center location and arrival time
Verify the address, parking, and required arrival time (often 30 minutes before the appointment). Reconfirm directly with the provider, as policies vary.
Knowledge of allowed personal items
Confirm with the provider whether a locker is available and what is permitted in the testing room (e.g., no watches, phones, or notes). Leave prohibited items at home or in your vehicle.
Comfort items permitted by the provider
If you need water, medication, or a light snack for breaks, confirm with the provider in advance where these must be stored and how they can be accessed.
Break plan
Review the break schedule and decide how you will use scheduled breaks (e.g., restroom, hydration, snack). Confirm break rules with the provider.
Transportation and backup plan
Arrange primary and backup transportation, and identify a contact number for the test center in case of delay. Confirm the provider's late-arrival policy.
Rest and nutrition plan for the day before
Prioritize sleep and normal meals; avoid new caffeine or medication routines on exam day unless discussed with your physician.
Review of high-yield emergency medicine topics (light)
Limit final review to a concise, familiar summary; avoid cramming new material in the final 24 hours.
Emergency contact and personal logistics
Ensure family or work know your schedule and how to reach you only for true emergencies; confirm with the provider how urgent messages are handled.
Plan the day
Confirm appointment details, test center address, arrival time, and ID requirements directly with the provider. Print or save all required documents. Plan transportation and backup options. Review the provider's candidate agreement and conduct rules.
Pack your ID, admission document, and any permitted comfort items. Confirm transportation. Avoid intensive cramming; do a light review of a concise summary. Set multiple alarms. Aim for a full night's sleep and normal meals.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate moderately. Arrive at the test center at the provider's recommended time (often 30 minutes early). Leave prohibited items secured. Bring only permitted items into the center.
Follow the proctor's instructions for check-in and breaks. Use scheduled breaks to rest, hydrate, and use the restroom. Monitor your time and pace yourself; flag uncertain items and return if time allows. Do not discuss exam content with others.
Rules to check
Bring the exact government-issued photo ID required by the provider; confirm accepted forms and name-match rules in advance.
Arrive at the test center at the provider's stated time; late arrival may result in denied admission or forfeiture of fees-confirm the late-arrival policy with the provider.
Do not bring prohibited items (e.g., phones, watches, notes, or unauthorized electronics) into the testing room; confirm the provider's list and storage options.
Follow all proctor instructions and the candidate conduct agreement; misconduct can lead to score invalidation.
Use only scheduled breaks and follow the provider's break procedures; confirm whether breaks are optional or mandatory and how timing affects your exam clock.
Do not discuss, record, or share exam content before, during, or after the test; this violates exam security rules.
Understand the scoring and reporting timeline from the provider; confirm how and when results are released.
If you have a disability or need accommodations, confirm approved arrangements with the provider well before exam day.