ABPMR Part 1 Pass Rate — What the Latest Numbers Mean for Your Board Prep
The ABPMR Part 1 exam has a high first-time pass rate, but success still requires a focused approach. Understanding the exam format, timeline, passing standard, and using board-style practice to target knowledge gaps can help PM&R residents prepare efficiently and confidently.
Passing the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) Part 1 exam is the first step to becoming a certified physiatrist. After three to four years of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) training, most residents are well prepared for this exam. However, understanding the PM&R board exam pass rate, exam schedule, and effective study strategies is essential for success. Here’s everything you need to know to pass the ABPMR Part 1 exam.
What Is the ABPMR Part 1 Exam?
To become a board-certified physiatrist, you must take two exams: the ABPMR Part 1 and the ABPMR Part 2. Part 1 is the capstone for your residency training, assessing your knowledge across PM&R through a computer-based exam administered at Pearson Professional Centers nationwide.
The exam has 325 questions across two 3-hour sections, for a total of 6 hours of testing, plus additional time for the tutorial and a 60-minute break.
The ABPMR Part 1 is administered yearly on a single test date, typically around the beginning of August.
ABPMR Part 1 Pass Rate: The Latest Data
In August 2025, there were 582 candidates for the ABPMR Part 1 exam, 502 of them first-timers. Among those first-time candidates, 96.8% passed (486) and only 3.2% failed (16).
It’s important to note that the ABPMR pass rate for Part 1 first-time candidates is notably higher than Part 2 because Part 1 is a written knowledge exam, whereas Part 2 is oral and case-based.
How the ABPMR Sets Its Passing Standard
Candidates receive their results around 6–8 weeks after the test date. The passing score is criterion-referenced, meaning candidates must meet a scaled-score standard set by the ABPMR, rather than a fixed percentage or curve.
In recent years, the ABPMR has introduced detailed Part 1 score reports with formative feedback to help candidates and programs understand their performance by content domain. This feedback includes a table of keywords tied to the Class 1 and Class 2 categories from the exam outline.
On your score report, you can expect to receive your pass-fail result, score, the standardized score to pass, the mean score for first-time candidates, and your percentile rank.
Who Takes the ABPMR Part 1 Exam and When
Candidates are eligible to take the ABPMR Part 1 exam in or near the final year of an ACGME-accredited PM&R residency.
Exams are administered once a year in early August, but you must register between November of the year prior and January of the exam year to avoid a $500 late registration fee. The late registration window typically spans February of the exam year.
You must also be prepared to pay exam fees. They are:
- $795 examination fee
- $600 processing fee
- $500 late fee
The next exam date is August 11, 2027, and registration begins on November 1, 2026.
What Happens If You Don’t Pass ABPMR Part 1
You are eligible for the ABPMR Part 1 exam for up to 7 years after completing your PM&R residency. Since the exam is offered only once a year, candidates can attempt it annually to begin the certification process. There is no maximum number of attempts within the 7-year timeframe.
However, ABPMR’s research shows that candidate success rates are correlated with how quickly they retest after a failed result. The likelihood of passing on the first attempt is high, but delaying a retake after failure tends to reduce the chances of passing. So if you do fail, it’s best to plan to take the exam again next year.
How to Prepare for the ABPMR Part 1 Exam
Study the Official Exam Outline
First, review the exam outline to understand what to expect on the ABPMR Part 1 exam. The outline includes sample items and content categories you’ll encounter, along with their weights. Using the outline to curate your study plan will ensure you cover all topics and prepare adequately.
Practice With Board-Style, Timed Questions
Developing a test-taking strategy and answering questions efficiently are especially important for time-limited exams like this one. Use ABPMR Part 1 practice questions mapped to the exam blueprint to familiarize yourself with the exam’s content and question types, and time yourself to ensure you won’t miss a beat on exam day.
Use Performance Analytics to Target Weak Content Areas
Don’t spend too much time studying areas you find the most interesting or comfortable. Instead, use data to maximize your time and make the most out of each study session.
Practice exam or question feedback can help you focus on minimizing the knowledge gap in areas where you’ve struggled. TrueLearn’s Performance Dashboard simplifies tracking your progress in the PM&R question bank and lets you create personalized tests to target areas needing improvement, ensuring you cover all missed topics before taking the ABPMR Part 1.
With these three steps and the knowledge above, you’ll be ready for the ABPMR Part 1 in no time.