DipABLM
American Board of Lifestyle Medicine Certification Examination
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreKey terms
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ExploreStudy plan
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ExploreCommon mistakes
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ExploreCase studies
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ExploreExam-day guide
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ExploreAbout this exam
The American Board of Lifestyle Medicine (ABLM) sets and maintains standards for assessment and credentialing of physicians in Lifestyle Medicine in the US and Canada, while the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM) fulfills this function globally. Certification as an ABLM/IBLM diplomate signifies specialized knowledge in the practice of lifestyle medicine and distinguishes a physician as having achieved competency in lifestyle medicine. The ABLM also manages the certification exams for PhD and Master's level health professionals on behalf of the ACLM and IBLM. Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses therapeutic lifestyle interventions as a primary modality to treat chronic conditions including, but not limited to, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Lifestyle medicine certified clinicians are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle change to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse such conditions. Applying the six pillars of lifestyle medicine-a whole-food, plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive social connections-also provides effective prevention for these conditions. The certification exam is multiple choice and is weighted across those six pillars, with positive social connections carrying the largest share (20%) and each of the other five pillars weighted at 16%. Preparation should combine a structured review of each pillar with practice applying prescriptive lifestyle change to common chronic conditions. Enrollments for the 2027 exam are open; the 2027 exam window runs November 20 to December 5, 2027 at Prometric Testing Centers, with registration open until September 30th, 6pm PST. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ABLM or IBLM.
What you'll study
About DipABLM preparation
What is the exam format?
The certification exam is delivered in multiple-choice format. The ABLM site lists format and competency weighting pages under Certification, but does not publish the item count or time limit on its home page, so confirm those details through your enrollment materials rather than relying on secondhand figures.
When is the exam offered and when must I register?
The 2027 exams are between November 20th and December 5th, at a Prometric Testing Center of your choice. 2027 exam registrations are open until September 30th, 6pm PST. Enrollments for the 2027 exam are open, so plan your study timeline to finish before the registration cutoff.
How is the content weighted across the six pillars?
Each of the six pillars is weighted, with positive social connections at 20% and the other five-whole-food plant-predominant eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, and avoidance of risky substances-at 16% each. That makes social connections the single largest block, so do not leave it for the last week.
What score do I need to pass, and can I retake it?
The ABLM home page does not state a passing score or a retake policy. Treat any specific number you see elsewhere as unverified and confirm directly with the ABLM before you build a study plan around it. Plan to pass on the first attempt rather than budgeting for a retake.
How should I order my studying?
Start with the two highest-yield moves: map every pillar to a chronic condition you actually manage, then drill positive social connections since it carries 20%. Follow with the five 16% pillars in the order you find weakest. Finish by practicing prescriptive lifestyle change-the exam tests application, not recall of definitions.
What is the most common way candidates underprepare?
Two failure modes dominate. First, studying the pillars as isolated facts instead of as prescriptive, whole-person interventions for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Second, treating lifestyle medicine as prevention only, when the ABLM frames it as treatment that can often reverse these conditions when used intensively.
Who is eligible to sit for the exam?
The ABLM credentials physicians in the US and Canada, while the IBLM fulfills this function globally, and the ABLM also manages certification exams for PhD and Master's level health professionals on behalf of the ACLM and IBLM. Specific prerequisites are listed on the ABLM eligibility page, so verify your pathway there before enrolling.
How much does the exam cost?
The ABLM home page does not publish a fee. Because pricing and enrollment terms can change between exam cycles, check the current enrollment page linked from the ABLM site rather than relying on a figure quoted in a forum or an older study guide.
Is this page official ABLM material?
No. This is independent study content written for candidates preparing for the ABLM/IBLM diplomate exam. It is not produced, reviewed, or endorsed by the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine or the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine. Always confirm dates, fees, and eligibility on the official ABLM site.