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Exam Day: What to Expect?

For ABIM Initial Certification and Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Exams at Pearson VUE Test Centers.

Arrival and Check-In

You should plan to arrive at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This time is needed for check-in, ID verification, biometric screening and storing personal belongings.

If you arrive after your appointment time, you may be considered a “no-show,” and:

  • You may not be allowed to test.
  • Your fees may be forfeited.
  • You will need to contact ABIM to reschedule your exam and may need to pay a new exam fee.

Pearson VUE test centers generally open 30 minutes before the first scheduled appointment of the day.

When your appointment is scheduled, you will receive a confirmation email from Pearson VUE. This email includes:

  • The test center address
  • Specific driving directions and entry instructions (often more accurate than standard GPS apps)
  • Information about parking, building access and what to expect when you arrive

Identification Requirements

To be admitted into the Pearson VUE testing room, you must present two valid forms of identification. Both IDs are required at check-in and during any re-entry after a break.

Primary ID

  • Must be government-issued, current (not expired) and include:
    • A recent photograph
    • Your signature
  • Examples include: driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID card

Secondary ID

  • Must include either a photograph OR a signature
  • Does not need to be government-issued
  • Examples include: Social Security card, credit card, ATM/debit card, employee or student ID card

The first and last name on both forms of ID must exactly match the name ABIM has on file for you. If the name on your ID does not match ABIM’s records, you may be denied entry to the test center.

If your legal name has changed, contact ABIM prior to your exam date to update your record. Legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate) may be required.

Expired IDs will not be accepted. If you arrive without valid ID, you will not be allowed to test, and your attempt will be considered a no-show.

Test Center Environment

Pearson VUE test centers are designed to provide a secure, quiet and professional environment for computer-based testing. Testing rooms include:

  • A waiting room
  • A check-in station staffed by test administrators
  • A proctored testing room containing individual computer workstations
  • A separate staff workstation where proctors monitor exams in real-time

You will be assigned a private workstation with a computer, mouse and keyboard. Testing is conducted in a quiet room where other examinees may be taking different exams. A surveillance camera continuously records activity inside the testing room. Test administrators may enter the room at any time. You will be monitored both visually and electronically throughout your exam. Noise-reducing headphones or earmuffs are available upon request. Scratch paper or a whiteboard and marker will be provided and must be returned before you leave.

Security Procedures

Pearson VUE follows strict security procedures to ensure fairness and integrity for all examinees. At check-in, you will:

  1. Present both forms of ID
  2. Provide a digital signature
  3. Have your photograph taken
  4. Undergo a palm vein biometric scan

Palm vein scanning uses a near-infrared light to capture a secure biometric record of your identity. It is used each time you enter or leave the testing room.

If you leave the exam room during a break, you must:

  • Check out with a test administrator
  • Empty your pockets and turn them inside out
  • Be scanned with a metal detector (if required)
  • Re-scan your palm
  • Be reseated by a proctor

All security procedures are repeated upon every re-entry into the testing room.

Personal Belongings

You may not bring personal items into the testing room. All unauthorized items must be placed in a secure locker provided at the test center. Prohibited items include (but are not limited to):

  • Cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers
  • Headphones, earbuds, Bluetooth devices
  • Wallets, purses, backpacks
  • Coats, hats (except for religious garments), scarves, gloves
  • Food and beverages
  • Any written material, books or notes
  • Calculators (provided within the exam)
  • Pens, pencils or highlighters (unless provided)

You’ll be assigned a locker and key. Food, water and medication may be kept in your locker and accessed only during scheduled breaks.

You cannot access your cell phone or electronic devices at any time during your exam appointment, with the exception of your scheduled break(s). Doing so may result in dismissal or invalidation of your exam.

Breaks (Scheduled and Unscheduled)

Scheduled Breaks

  • Exams are divided into multiple timed sections (or blocks).
  • After completing each section, you will be given the option to take a scheduled break.
  • A break timer will appear on screen. If you return early, you may resume your exam. If you return late, time will be deducted from the next section.
  • During a scheduled break, you may use the restroom or access food, drink or medication from your locker.

Unscheduled Breaks

  • May be taken within a section, but the exam timer continues running.
  • You must still go through full re-entry procedures.
  • These breaks are recorded and may be reviewed by ABIM.

Re-Entry Procedures

  • Check in with a proctor.
  • Empty and turn out your pockets.
  • Re-scan your palm.
  • Complete any security checks.
  • Be reseated by a test administrator.

Do not access your personal vehicle or leave the building. Smoking and vaping are prohibited during your exam appointment.

Exam Format and Tools

Initial Certification and traditional, 10-year MOC exams are modular, with each section containing up to 60 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have up to two hours per section. You cannot return to a section once submitted.

Answer every question. There is no penalty for guessing. Use the Review Screen before submitting a section to ensure all items are answered.

Exam Tools

  • Highlighting text in the question or answers
  • Striking through answer choices
  • Flagging questions for review before submission

Before exam day, complete the tutorial to become familiar with the exam interface.

Accommodations

If you’ve been approved for accommodations (e.g., additional time, a separate room, break modifications or nursing mother accommodations), your confirmation will specify this.

Common accommodations include:

  • Extended testing time
  • Additional or extended break time
  • Separate room testing
  • Adjustable seating
  • Screen magnification or large-font displays
  • Access to medical devices

Nursing parents may receive additional break time and a private space to pump. Breast milk may be stored in lockers.

Contact ABIM and Pearson VUE in advance to confirm arrangements.

Emergencies and Technical Issues

If you become ill, experience an emergency or are otherwise unable to attend:

  • Contact ABIM as soon as possible.
  • Documentation may be required to avoid forfeiting your exam fees.

If you experience technical issues during the exam:

  • Raise your hand immediately.
  • Do not attempt to fix the issue yourself.
  • A test administrator will log and report the issue.
  • You may be asked to complete an incident report before leaving.

Do not leave the test center until the issue is documented.

Contact Information and Final Tips

Before Your Exam

  • Contact ABIM at 1-800-441-ABIM (2246) or visit the website.

Day of Exam

  • Contact Pearson VUE using the number in your confirmation email.

Final Tips

  • Review the ABIM Exam Tutorial before test day.
  • Bring two valid forms of ID that match your ABIM record.
  • Dress in layers for comfort.
  • Arrive early and plan ahead.
  • Follow all break and security procedures.
  • Answer every question. There is no penalty for guessing.

Exam Integrity 

Test administrators are required to report to ABIM any irregular or improper behavior by a candidate. Examples of irregular or improper behavior include giving or obtaining information or aid, looking at the test material of others, removing examination materials from the test center, taking notes, bringing unauthorized items (see above) into the examination, failing to comply with time limits or instructions, talking or other disruptive behavior. Test administrators may intervene to stop any of the foregoing. In addition, as part of its effort to assure exam integrity, ABIM utilizes data forensic techniques that use statistical analyses of test-response data to identify patterns of test fraud, including cheating and copyright infringement. ABIM investigates all irregularity reports.

Irregular or improper behavior in examinations that is observed, made apparent by data forensics, statistical analysis or uncovered by other means will be considered a subversion of the certification process and will constitute grounds for invalidation of a candidate's examination. In addition, ABIM may at its discretion suspend or revoke certification, exclude candidates from future examinations and inform program director(s), licensing bodies, impaired physicians advocacy groups or law enforcement agencies of ABIM's actions.

If you see cheating or other inappropriate behavior before, during and after an examination, please contact ABIM's Exam Integrity Team at security@abim.org. Note: the Exam Integrity Team should be contacted ONLY to report irregular behavior.