AOBPMR PM&R exam-day guide
AOBPMR PM&R · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the exact form of identification the testing provider requires (typically a current, unexpired government-issued photo ID with signature). Confirm the accepted ID types and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
Admission/authorization confirmation
Bring or be able to access your scheduling confirmation and any admission letter. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is required or a digital copy is acceptable.
Know your test center logistics
Confirm the exact address, parking/transit options, building entrance, and arrival time. If testing remotely, confirm your platform, system check, and room requirements with the provider.
Arrival time and check-in window
Plan to arrive earlier than your scheduled start to allow for check-in and security screening. Confirm the provider's late-arrival cutoff and whether late arrivals forfeit the seat.
Permitted items only
Assume personal belongings (phone, watch, notes, bags) are not allowed in the testing room and must be stored as directed. Confirm the provider's policy on lockers, permitted comfort items, and medical accommodations.
Approved calculator or reference materials
needs_review - Confirm with the provider whether any calculator, scratch paper, or reference material is permitted and in what form. Do not assume access; verify the specific policy.
Break and timing rules
needs_review - Confirm the number and length of breaks, whether the clock stops during breaks, and any scheduled/unscheduled break rules. Policies vary by provider and delivery format.
Scoring and results reporting
needs_review - Confirm how and when results are reported, the passing standard, and any score-report timing. Do not rely on assumptions about pass/fail thresholds.
Accommodations confirmation
If you have approved testing accommodations, bring the approval documentation and confirm logistics (extended time, separate room, breaks) with the provider in advance.
Physical comfort plan
Plan for a long seated session: hydration, a light meal beforehand, layered clothing for variable room temperature, and any permitted comfort items. Confirm any medical-device or medication policies with the provider.
Backup plan for disruptions
Note the provider's contact number and know what to do if you are delayed, ill, or experience a technical problem. Confirm the reschedule/cancellation policy in advance.
Review logistics the day before
Reconfirm start time, location or platform link, and ID requirements. Set multiple alarms and arrange transportation.
Plan the day
Shift from new material to consolidation: review high-yield summaries and your own notes, do a limited number of timed practice sets to rehearse pacing, and stop heavy cramming. Confirm test center address or remote-testing setup, ID, and any accommodation approvals with the provider.
Print or save your confirmation, plan transportation and parking, and decide what you will bring. Confirm permitted items, break rules, and calculator/reference policy with the provider (do not assume).
Light review only. Pack your ID, confirmation, and permitted items. Prepare clothing layers and a light snack/meal plan consistent with provider rules. Confirm alarms and transportation. Prioritize sleep over last-minute cramming.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate moderately, arrive with time to spare for check-in and security. Leave non-permitted items (phone, watch, notes) secured as directed. Stay calm and follow staff instructions.
Read each question fully, watch your pacing against the clock, and flag uncertain items to revisit if the interface allows. Use breaks as permitted, manage hydration, and avoid spending excessive time on any single item. Confirm the interface's review/flag features at the start.
Note how results will be reported and when, per the provider's policy. Do not discuss specific exam content with others in a way that violates the provider's confidentiality rules.
Rules to check
Bring the exact ID the provider requires; your name on the ID must match your registration. Confirm accepted ID types and name-match rules with the provider before test day.
Arrive by the provider's stated check-in time. Confirm the late-arrival policy in advance; arriving late may forfeit your seat and fee.
Do not bring prohibited items into the testing room. Phones, watches, notes, and personal belongings must be handled per staff instructions; unauthorized materials can lead to dismissal.
Follow all proctor and staff instructions. Suspected cheating, unauthorized materials, or disruptive behavior can result in score cancellation - confirm the specific misconduct policy with the provider.
Break rules vary: confirm the number and length of breaks, whether the clock runs during breaks, and whether breaks are scheduled or optional with the provider.
Scoring and results reporting are set by the provider. Confirm the passing standard, score-report timing, and any retake policy directly with the provider rather than relying on assumptions.
If you have approved accommodations, follow the provider's procedures exactly and bring any required documentation; confirm logistics in advance.
If a technical or personal emergency occurs, notify testing staff immediately and follow the provider's incident/reschedule policy - confirm that policy before test day.