ABIM Practice Test

What are the certification requirements?

In general, candidates must complete the needed predoctoral medical study, meet training requirements, demonstrate clinical competence in caring for patients and meet licensing requirements. The American Board of Internal Medicine.

How many questions are on the Internal Medicine certification exam?

The exam has a maximum of 60 questions, and they are all multiple choice.

How long do I have to complete the test?

Candidates have two hours to finish the exam.

How much is the exam fee?

The certification exam fee is $1,385

What’s on the Internal Medicine certification exam?

The questions test knowledge in these areas: diagnosis; test results (ordering and interpreting); treatment recommendations; risk assessment, prognosis determination, and principals from epidemiologic studies; and understanding a disease’s underlying pathophysiology.

The test has 18 primary content categories, with all test questions falling into one of the sections. The Cardiovascular Disease section, comprising 14 percent of the exam’s questions, is the largest test category. Five other content categories (noted below) each comprise nine percent of the test questions. The full list of content categories is:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Dermatology
• Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (9 percent)
• Gastroenterology (9 percent)
• Geriatric Syndromes
• Hematology
• Infectious Disease (9 percent)
• Nephrology and Urology
• Neurology
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Medical Oncology
• Ophthalmology
• Otolaryngology and Dental Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Pulmonary Disease (9 percent)
• Rheumatology and Orthopedics (9 percent)
• Miscellaneous

Each of the 18 categories contains subsection content on which candidates will be tested. Subsection content includes:

• Asthma, food allergy, transfusions, and their allergic complications
• Hypertension, pericardial disease, heart diseases (valvular, vascular, congenital, etc).
• Acne, infections of the skin and soft tissue, pigment disorders
• Lipid disorders, male reproductive health, anterior pituitary disorders
• Issues facing the elderly, including dementia, nutrition and swallowing disorders
• Anemia, platelet disorders, bone marrow transplantation
• Infections (skin and soft tissue, eye, etc.), infections of the upper and lower respiratory tracts, hepatic infections
• Renal failure, chronic kidney disease, urinary tract infections
• Seizures, headache, cerebral functions disorders, tumors of the central nervous system, primary neurological disorders such as injuries to the head and spinal cord
• Breast, ovarian and uterine disorders, pregnancy issues (hypertension, liver disease, ectopic pregnancy, etc.)
• Cancers, including lung, breast, urological, cardiac and bone

When is the exam available?

The test is generally available in August of each year, with registration December through April.

How is the test scored?

The test is scored on a pass/fail basis. Since 2013, at least 86 percent of first-time applicants have passed the exam.

What identification should I bring on test day?

You should bring a primary and secondary piece of identification. The primary identification should contain a signature and a photograph. A driver’s license or passport are among the acceptable form of ID. Secondary forms of ID must include either a photo or signature. A valid credit card and a social security card are examples of acceptable secondary forms.

What personal items are allowed in the testing room?

The short answer is, none. Electronic devices of any kind are not permitted. Wallets, jackets, purses, coats and the like are prohibited, as are any pens, pencils, and notebooks. Candidates will receive an erasable whiteboard for notes on the day of the exam.

When will I get my Internal Medicine certification exam test results?

Candidates will receive their results within about three months.

Where can I find study materials to help me prepare for the Internal Medicine certification exam?

Mometrix has the study materials for you. Our study guide, written by professionals in the test field, shows you how to solve test problems. We’ll show you how to avoid panicking when you don’t know an answer, which is critical information since all the questions count. Our flashcards provide questions with clear answers and can be used to study wherever you are. These excellent study tools are the ones you need to help you prepare for the Internal Medicine certification exam.