AOBEM Emergency Medicine exam-day guide
AOBEM Emergency Medicine · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the same name and spelling that appears on your registration; if your legal name has changed, confirm with the provider before test day how to document it.
Admission/authorization confirmation
Carry a printed or offline-accessible copy of your scheduling confirmation and any candidate admission document the provider issues. Confirm with the provider what form this takes and whether digital copies are accepted.
Know your exact reporting time and address
Verify the test center location and arrival time on your official confirmation, not from memory or a third-party map listing. Plan to arrive with buffer before the reporting time; confirm with the provider how late arrivals are handled.
Two forms of ID if required
Some testing vendors require a second form of identification. Confirm with the provider whether one government photo ID is sufficient or a secondary ID is required.
Approved comfort items
Many test centers allow earplugs, tissues, and a light layer; rules vary. Confirm with the provider which items are permitted and whether they must be inspected.
Storage plan for personal items
Phones, watches, and bags are typically not allowed at the workstation. Confirm with the provider what secure storage is available and leave valuables at home.
Break plan and snacks
If breaks are offered, decide in advance whether you will take them and what you will eat or drink. Confirm with the provider whether food and drink are allowed in the testing room or only in a designated area.
Restroom plan
Use the restroom immediately before check-in; unscheduled breaks may be limited or may count against your time. Confirm with the provider how unscheduled breaks are handled.
Logistics confirmed
Confirm parking, transit route, and a backup plan for delays. For a remote-proctored option, confirm with the provider the platform, system check, and room requirements in advance.
Scheduling and fees verified
Reconfirm your exam date, any rescheduling deadlines, and fee status directly with the provider; do not rely on secondary sources.
Scoring and results expectations
Confirm with the provider how the exam is scored, when results are released, and how results are reported to you and any sponsoring body.
Personal readiness
Protect sleep in the week before, plan a normal breakfast, and avoid last-minute cramming of new material on test morning.
Plan the day
Reconfirm date, time, location, and ID requirements with the provider. Do a final review of high-yield topics using your own notes and practice questions. Stop introducing new material. Protect sleep and keep routines normal.
If testing remotely, run the required system/equipment check and confirm room and proctoring requirements with the provider. Have a backup internet plan.
Pack your ID, confirmation, and approved comfort items. Confirm travel and parking or transit. Check the weather and traffic outlook. Eat a normal dinner and go to bed at your usual time; do not study late.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and use the restroom before leaving. Leave with buffer time. Avoid reviewing new material; if you review, skim only your own summary notes. Arrive early and complete check-in calmly.
Read each question stem fully before the options. Answer every question; there is generally no advantage to leaving items blank unless the provider states otherwise. Flag uncertain items and return if time allows. Take planned breaks if you have found them helpful in practice. Watch the clock without panicking; keep moving.
Note anything you want to change in your next study cycle while it is fresh, then step away. Confirm with the provider when and how results will be released.
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID matching your registration name; confirm with the provider what ID is accepted and what to do if your name differs.
Arrive by the reporting time on your confirmation. Confirm with the provider how late arrivals and missed appointments are handled; do not assume a grace period.
Do not bring phones, smartwatches, or other unauthorized devices into the testing room; confirm with the provider where personal items must be stored.
Follow all proctor instructions and any security or nondisclosure agreement you sign. Do not discuss, record, or share exam content.
Confirm with the provider the break policy, including whether breaks are timed, whether unscheduled breaks are allowed, and whether food or drink is permitted.
Confirm with the provider how the exam is scored, whether there is a passing standard, and how and when results are reported.
If you believe there is a testing irregularity or equipment problem, notify the proctor immediately and document it; confirm with the provider the process for reporting issues.
Do not rely on third-party summaries for exam-day policy; the provider's official candidate materials control.