ABPS Geriatric Medicine exam-day guide
ABPS Geriatric Medicine · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm the exact accepted ID types with the provider before test day.
Exam admission or scheduling confirmation
Have your confirmation number, test date, time, and testing location or remote-proctoring link ready. Confirm with the provider how and when this is issued.
Provider-specific login credentials
If testing remotely or on a computer-based system, confirm your username/password and any two-factor setup at least 24 hours ahead. Confirm technical requirements with the provider.
Know your testing format and duration
Confirm the number of questions, time limit, and whether the exam is computer-based, paper, or oral. The provider publishes the authoritative format; do not rely on secondhand reports.
Permitted reference or calculator policy
Check whether any reference materials, calculators, or scratch paper are allowed or provided. Do not bring prohibited items; confirm the list with the provider.
Arrival time and location logistics
Plan to arrive before the reporting time stated in your admission materials. For remote testing, confirm the check-in window and room/privacy requirements with the provider.
Comfort items allowed by policy
Water, a light snack, and any permitted personal items should be cleared against the provider's rules in advance. Medical accommodations must be requested through the provider beforehand.
Review geriatric medicine content outline
Use the provider's published content outline to prioritize last-week review: common geriatric syndromes, polypharmacy, falls, cognition, and functional assessment. Confirm the official outline with the provider.
Practice with the official sample or tutorial
If the provider offers a tutorial or sample interface, complete it before test day so you are comfortable with navigation and timing.
Backup plan for technology or travel
For remote exams, confirm a backup internet option and power source. For in-person exams, identify an alternate route and contact number. Confirm contingency procedures with the provider.
Rest, hydration, and medication plan
Protect sleep in the final days and plan any routine medications around the exam window. Consult your clinician about timing; the provider sets break rules.
Confirm scoring and results timeline
Know whether results are immediate or delayed and how they are reported. Confirm the official scoring and reporting policy with the provider.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook or exam-day instructions, confirm your admission details, and verify the testing location or remote set-up. Resolve any open questions with the provider now, not on test day.
Do targeted review of high-yield geriatric topics using the official content outline; stop introducing new material in the last 48 hours and focus on consolidation.
Do a full timed practice set if available, then review only your error patterns. Confirm permitted items and any accommodation approvals with the provider.
Lay out ID, admission confirmation, and permitted comfort items. Test remote technology (camera, microphone, browser) if applicable. Confirm travel time and set multiple alarms.
Keep the evening calm: light review of summaries only, normal meal, and a full night's sleep. Avoid cramming new content.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, take routine medications as planned, and arrive or log in early per the provider's reporting time.
Read each question fully, watch the clock, and flag uncertain items to revisit if the interface allows. Answer every question unless the provider's scoring penalizes guessing; confirm that rule in advance.
Use only breaks permitted by the provider and follow all proctor instructions. If technology fails, follow the provider's stated contingency procedure immediately.
Note any content or logistics issues while fresh and confirm the results timeline with the provider. Do not discuss exam content with others if the provider's confidentiality rules prohibit it.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID matching your registration name; confirm accepted ID forms with the provider.
Follow all proctor and testing-center instructions, including rules on personal items, electronics, and leaving the testing area.
Breaks are governed by the provider's policy; confirm in advance whether scheduled or unscheduled breaks are allowed and whether the clock stops.
Do not bring prohibited materials or devices into the testing area; confirm the permitted-items list with the provider.
Confidentiality rules may restrict discussing or reproducing exam content; confirm the provider's policy and comply.
Understand the scoring method and any guessing penalty before test day; confirm with the provider whether unanswered questions are penalized.
Request any disability-related accommodations through the provider well before the exam; last-minute requests may not be accommodated.
If a technical failure or emergency occurs, follow the provider's documented procedure and contact the provider promptly; do not attempt workarounds that could invalidate your attempt.