Is the ABIM exam curved?

First-time taker pass rates [for the recertification exams] vary because we use an absolute standard (we don't grade on a curve with pre-defined number/percent passing), which is guaranteed to assure variation in pass rates driven by candidate variation in ability, training, motivation and preparation.

Is ABIM graded on a curve?

The passing standard for an exam is based on a specified level of mastery of content in the specialty area. Therefore, no predetermined percentage of examinees will pass or fail the exam.

Is the ABIM exam difficult?

Here's what to expect and how to prepare for the ABIM Internal Medicine Certification Exam. The ABIM certification exam is traditionally challenging, but it's survivable.

How many questions do you have to get right to pass ABIM?

In order to get an ABIM passing score, you need to score at least a 366, which is 64% of questions correct on the ABIM exam. The 2022 ABIM certification pass rate was 87% and the maintenance of certification exam pass rate was 94%.

What is the ABIM 7 year rule?

If the candidate does not become board certified during the seven-year period of Board Eligibility, the candidate will no longer be deemed “Board Eligible” and may no longer represent himself or herself as “Board Eligible.”

ABIM Exam Score Report Update

What happens if you fail ABIM three times?

After three failed attempts, you must wait one year before being able to register for the exam again. Each subsequent attempt incurs a full examination fee.

How many months to study for ABIM?

Focus your study sessions using the ABIM exam blueprint to see what material is represented on the certification exam, with the percentage assigned per content category. You should plan on at least 6–9 months of dedicated study time for your internal medicine board exam.

Is ABIM harder than mksap?

ACP's MKSAP is another popular choice for ABIM board studying. MKSAP questions are slightly easier, with little to no reading between the lines, which may more closely resemble the ABIM exam.

What is a good score on ABIM?

Overall performance is reported on a standardized scale ranging from 200 to 800 points. Your performance on the entire exam determines the exam pass- fail decision. To pass the exam, your standardized score must equal or exceed the standardized passing score of 366.

How many hours to study for ABIM?

It's highly recommended to spend 10-14 hours a week for three or more months. Take a practice exam simulation as see where your weaknesses are. Work through the individual topics of difficulty to master them, then re-assess overall knowledge with larger exam simulations.

What happens if you fail ABIM exam?

You can take the exam annually for up to three years, but if you have not passed after your third attempt, you'll have to wait one year before registering again. For example, if you fail the exam in 2023, 2024, and 2025, you wouldn't be able to register for the exam again until 2027.

Does your ABIM score matter?

Examinees who score at or above the passing score will pass; examinees who score below the passing score will not. Passing scores at ABIM are absolute, meaning there is no predetermined pass rate. Instead your pass/fail decision is driven entirely by your performance relative to the passing score.

What is the hardest medical board exam?

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 is widely considered one of the most difficult exams in higher education. This intensive one-day exam covers a huge breadth of topics and has high stakes for medical students' futures.

Is ABIM more like mksap or UWorld?

The American College of Physicians' MKSAP is another popular choice for ABIM board studying. MKSAP questions are slightly easier, with little to no reading between the lines. However, there are fewer ways to look at metrics, and MKSAP's website is less user-friendly than UWorld's.

How long do ABIM results take?

Note: Results are released within three months of the last date of the exam in that area (see Certification Exam Dates and MOC Assessment Dates). When your results are released, you will receive email notification with instructions on how to access your Score Report through your Physician Portal.

How do you know if you passed ABIM?

When your results are released, you will receive an e-mail notification with instructions on how to access your Score Report in PDF format in the My Assessments section of your ABIM Physician Portal.

Is Mksap enough for ABIM?

BOTTOM LINE: MKSAP is probably the gold standard of review materials for ABIM.

Is ABIM exam open book?

The day is divided into several sessions, each containing a maximum of 60 multiple-choice questions. Each session is open-book, meaning that you will have access to an online external resource (UpToDate^®) for these questions.

How many questions are on ABIM?

The ABIM Exam format consists of 240 multiple-choice, single-best-answer questions. The test involves four two-hour sessions during which you will answer as many as 60 questions each. You will have the option of taking a break after each session and will be allowed up to 100 minutes of total break time.

Can you take ABIM outside the US?

Testing Outside the United States

Individual international test center locations may not be available during every exam administration. If the international test center you request is not available, please contact ABIM for assistance via email: [email protected].

What is the best source for studying for ABIM?

The most commonly used question banks are MKSAP and UWorld. They have different styles of questions and explanations but both hit on the content you need to study for ABIM. MKSAP has books along with the question bank.

How much does ABIM cost?

The annual ABIM MOC cost is $220. If you keep additional certifications, each will cost $120 annually. Then, if you plan to take the traditional 10-year MOC exam, it will cost an additional $700.

Is ABIM certification lifetime?

To stay certified, earn 100 MOC points every 5 years. In 10 years, you must pass an MOC assessment, which can be the traditional, 10-year MOC exam, the Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment, or a Collaborative Maintenance Pathway assessment (available in Cardiovascular Disease and cardiology subspecialties).

What percentage of people pass medical boards?

In 2021, first-time takers from US/Canadian MD and DO Degree programs had pass rates of 96% and 94%, respectively, while non-US/Canadian schools had a pass rate of 82%. However, in 2022, these rates dropped to 93%, 89%, and 74%, respectively.

Is there a grace period for ABIM?

Diplomates who have passed the exam will be reported as certified for ten (10) years. Those who do not pass will enter a one-year grace period during which they will continue to be reported as certified. They must retake and pass the exam before the grace period ends to maintain their certified status beyond the year.