ABPS Integrative Medicine exam-day guide
ABPS Integrative 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 with the provider which specific ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam admission or scheduling confirmation
Print or save the confirmation email with your test date, time, and location or remote-testing link. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required.
Remote-testing system check completed
If testing remotely, run the provider's equipment and environment check at least 24 hours ahead. Confirm with the provider the exact platform, browser, and webcam/microphone requirements.
Acceptable testing environment
For remote testing, use a quiet, private room with a stable internet connection and a clear desk. Confirm with the provider the rules on wall coverings, doors, and permitted items.
Permitted comfort items
Bring water and any pre-approved medical or comfort items. Confirm with the provider whether water, snacks, tissues, or medications are allowed at the workstation and whether they must be declared.
Layered clothing
Dress in layers so you can adapt to room temperature. Confirm with the provider whether outerwear, hats, or hoodies must be removed or stored.
Transportation and arrival plan
Plan to arrive at the test site or log in early. Confirm with the provider the recommended arrival or check-in time and the late-arrival policy.
Secure storage plan for personal items
Plan where your phone, watch, and bag will go. Confirm with the provider what storage is available and which items are prohibited in the testing room.
Break strategy
Decide in advance whether you will take scheduled or optional breaks. Confirm with the provider the break rules, timing, and whether breaks count against your testing time.
Review of exam logistics and scoring
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook for item format, timing, and score reporting. Confirm with the provider how and when scores are released.
Backup plan for technical failure
For remote testing, know the provider's support number and procedure if the connection drops. Confirm with the provider the technical-support contact and incident-reporting steps.
Rest and nutrition routine
Protect sleep in the days before the exam and eat a normal meal beforehand. Avoid new supplements or stimulants on exam day unless already part of your routine.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment time, location or remote link, and ID requirements with the provider. Complete any remaining system checks. Stop cramming new material; review only summaries and logistics. Protect sleep and keep meals and caffeine consistent with your normal routine.
Lay out your ID, confirmation, and permitted items. Re-run the remote system check if applicable. Confirm your transportation or login plan. Avoid alcohol and heavy meals, set two alarms, and aim for a full night's sleep.
Eat a normal breakfast and hydrate. Arrive or log in early per the provider's guidance. Leave prohibited items in your car or secure storage. Do a final quiet review of high-level frameworks only, not new facts.
Read each question fully and watch for words like 'except' or 'best.' Answer easier items first and flag uncertain ones to revisit. Use breaks as allowed to stand, stretch, and reset. Keep an eye on the clock and reserve time for flagged items and a final review.
Rules to check
Bring the original, unexpired government-issued photo ID in the name on your registration. Confirm with the provider which ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Follow all provider rules on prohibited items, including phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials. Confirm with the provider where personal items must be stored during the exam.
Use only permitted breaks and follow the provider's sign-out and sign-in procedure. Confirm with the provider whether breaks are scheduled or optional and whether they count against your time.
Do not communicate with anyone other than the proctor during the exam. For remote testing, remain in view of the camera and follow all environment and room-scan instructions.
Report any technical problem or test irregularity to the proctor or support line immediately and follow the provider's incident-reporting procedure.
Understand the scoring and reporting policy before test day, including pass standards and when results are released. Confirm with the provider the exact scoring model and score-release timeline.
If you need an accommodation, request it well before the exam through the provider's formal process. Confirm with the provider the deadline and required documentation.
Follow the provider's policy on rescheduling, cancellation, and late arrival. Confirm with the provider the deadlines and any fees, since these vary by testing window.