AOBIM Internal Medicine exam-day guide
AOBIM Internal Medicine · 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 forms of ID are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Admission permit or scheduling confirmation
Print or save a copy of your scheduling permit or confirmation. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital version is acceptable.
Know your test center location and arrival time
Verify the address, parking, and public transit options in advance. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early; confirm the exact check-in time with the provider.
Review the test-day rules and security policy
Read the current candidate agreement or handbook for rules on personal items, electronics, and permitted accessories. Policies can change; confirm with the provider.
Plan for breaks and hydration
Review the break policy (scheduled vs. unscheduled, time deducted vs. not) and plan a light snack and water if permitted. Confirm break rules with the provider.
Comfortable layered clothing
Test centers can vary in temperature; dress in layers and avoid clothing with large logos or prohibited items. Confirm the dress code with the provider.
Leave valuables and electronics at home
Most centers prohibit phones, smartwatches, and personal items in the testing room. Confirm the secure storage policy with the provider.
Medical necessities and accommodations
If you have an approved accommodation or need to bring medication or medical devices, bring the approval documentation. Confirm the process with the provider in advance.
Know the exam format and timing
Review the number of questions, time per section, and whether sections are timed separately. Confirm the current format with the provider.
Prepare a test-day strategy
Decide how you will pace yourself, flag uncertain items, and use remaining time. Practice with the official tutorial or sample questions if available.
Arrange transportation and backup plan
Confirm your route and have a backup (rideshare, alternate transit). Check local traffic or weather advisories.
Get a full night's sleep and eat a normal meal
Avoid last-minute cramming; prioritize rest and routine. Confirm any food/drink restrictions with the provider.
Plan the day
Confirm your appointment, test center address, and ID requirements with the provider. Review high-yield summaries and practice pacing; avoid new material. Prepare your bag with ID, permit, and approved items.
Stop studying by early evening. Set out clothes and documents. Confirm transportation. Eat a normal dinner, hydrate, and aim for 7–8 hours of sleep. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.
Eat a normal breakfast, review only a brief summary if it helps you feel calm, and arrive early. Leave prohibited items at home or secure them as instructed. Follow check-in procedures.
Read each question carefully, pace yourself, and use flags for uncertain items. Take scheduled breaks as allowed; stretch and hydrate. Monitor time and leave a few minutes to review flagged questions if the interface permits.
Rules to check
Bring valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID; the name must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID forms with the provider.
Follow all security and conduct rules: no unauthorized electronics, notes, or communication devices in the testing room. Violations may lead to dismissal or score invalidation.
Breaks are typically available but may be timed or untimed; confirm the specific break policy and whether break time counts against your total time with the provider.
Scoring is generally criterion-referenced; results are reported as pass/fail or a scaled score. Confirm the exact scoring and reporting timeline with the provider.
If you need accommodations, they must be approved in advance; bring approval documentation. Confirm the process with the provider.
Do not discuss or share exam content before, during, or after the test; doing so may violate the candidate agreement.
If you arrive late or miss your appointment, follow the provider's rescheduling policy; confirm fees and deadlines in advance.
Report any technical issues or rule violations to the test administrator immediately; document the incident for follow-up.