ABPS Interventional Pain Management exam-day guide
ABPS Interventional Pain Management · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact name-matching ID the testing provider requires. Confirm acceptable forms and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
Admission/authorization document
Bring any scheduling confirmation, eligibility letter, or admission ticket the provider issues. Confirm whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is accepted.
Second form of identification
Some centers request a secondary ID (e.g., a second photo ID or a signature-bearing card). Confirm with the provider whether one is needed.
Confirmation of test format and location
Verify whether you are testing at a physical center or remotely, the address or software platform, and the start time in your local time zone. Confirm with the provider.
Knowledge of the permitted-items list
Review what the provider allows into the testing room (e.g., tissues, keys, medical devices). Confirm prohibited items such as phones, watches, and notes with the provider.
Approved accommodation documentation
If you requested accommodations, bring any approval letter the provider specifies. Confirm requirements with the provider.
Plan for secure storage of personal items
Most centers do not allow personal belongings at the workstation. Confirm locker or storage availability with the provider.
Transportation and arrival buffer
Plan to arrive early enough to complete check-in. Confirm the provider's recommended arrival time and late-arrival policy.
Rest, hydration, and medication plan
Get normal sleep and manage routine medications per your clinician's guidance. Confirm any medical-device or medication exceptions with the provider.
Review of the exam blueprint and scoring policy
Know the number of items, time limit, and pass standard as published by the provider. Confirm current details with the provider; do not rely on secondhand summaries.
Plan the day
Re-read the provider's candidate handbook: ID rules, permitted items, check-in time, and scoring. Confirm your test location or remote-setup requirements and do a logistics dry run (route, parking, or software/equipment check).
Do light, high-yield review only: skim your own summary sheets and practice a few questions per domain to stay sharp. Avoid cramming new material and protect sleep.
Lay out ID, admission documents, and clothing; charge devices if remote testing; confirm alarm and departure time. Stop heavy studying and prioritize rest.
Eat a normal meal, take routine medications per your clinician, and arrive with buffer time. Leave prohibited items at home or in your vehicle where possible.
Follow staff or proctor instructions exactly, present ID, store belongings as directed, and complete any security screening or room scan. Ask the proctor about break rules before you begin.
Read each item fully, answer confidently, and flag uncertain items to revisit if the platform allows. Pace yourself against the time limit and use breaks only as permitted.
Confirm submission per the platform's prompts, collect your belongings, and note any score-report instructions the provider gives. Confirm result-timing details with the provider.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID the provider requires and ensure the name matches your registration. Confirm acceptable forms and name-match rules with the provider.
Follow all proctor instructions and the provider's prohibited-items list. Phones, watches, notes, and unauthorized devices are typically barred from the testing room; confirm specifics with the provider.
Breaks are governed by provider policy and may be monitored or counted against your time. Confirm break rules and whether they pause the clock with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates or share exam content. Unauthorized disclosure or misconduct can void your result; confirm the provider's conduct and confidentiality policy.
Scoring and the pass standard are set by the provider. Confirm the current scoring method and passing threshold with the provider rather than relying on unofficial sources.
If you test remotely, comply with the provider's environment, camera, and room-scan requirements. Confirm the technical and room rules with the provider before test day.
Report any technical problem or interruption to the proctor immediately and follow the provider's incident process. Confirm how such issues are documented with the provider.
Arrive or log in by the provider's stated time; late-arrival and rescheduling policies vary. Confirm the late-arrival and rescheduling rules with the provider.