Pediatric Board Exam Overview with Everything You Need to Know about the ABP

The Pediatric Board Exam is a significant milestone in a pediatrician’s career, serving as a testament to their knowledge, skills, and dedication to providing quality care to their patients. In this blog we will cover what you need to know about the ABP Certification so you can prepare for the big day!

The Pediatric Board Exam tests your knowledge and expertise in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions in children from infants to adolescents. To be qualified to sit for the exam, you must be a graduate of an accredited medical school, complete three years of pediatric residency, and have a current unrestricted license to practice medicine. The exam is offered once per year in the fall.

What is the ABP Cert?

To become a board-certified pediatrician, you must take the board exam from the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), the main certifying body of pediatricians in the United States. The ABP Certification exam is a computer-based exam consisting of multiple-choice questions. It proves that you are highly knowledgeable in your field and signifies the last step in your journey to become a pediatrician. The certification is voluntary but does represent dedication to your field and professionalism as a doctor.

Pediatric Board Exam Format (Content & Structure)

The exam content is based upon 25 different domains. Each domain accounts for anywhere from 2-8% of the exam. With preventative/well child care accounting for the highest amount of questions. You can review the content outline on the ABP website. The content blueprint is very detailed and breaks down each content domain even further into subgroups so you know exactly what to study.

Knowledge application questions focus on “universal tasks” which include basic science & pathophysiology, epidemiology & risk assessment, diagnosis, and management & treatment. Questions are written to align with one universal task and content domain. Each question is weighted equally, regardless of the difficulty of the question. And there is no penalty for guessing, so it’s in your best interest to answer each question.

The exam is broken down into four sections and you are allowed a break in between sections. The exam is seven hours long, but be prepared to be at the examination center for up to nine hours. The ABP transforms your raw score (total number of questions answered correctly) into a scaled score to account for different forms of the exam. To pass the exam you must achieve a score of 180 or higher.

How Many Questions Are on the ABP Cert?

The number of questions you will receive varies, but generally it consists of anywhere from 330 to 350 questions.

How Long Do I Need to Study for the Exam?

We recommend dedicating four to six months of time to study for the ABP Cert. The amount of time needed will vary based on your prior knowledge and clinical experience. Make sure to create a study schedule and stick to it. Practice questions are the best way to prepare yourself for the ABP Cert. Regularly studying with practice questions will help you understand where, if any, your knowledge gaps are so you can direct your studies accordingly. Utilizing timed practice tests will help build your test taking endurance.

What Happens If You Fail the Pediatric Board Exam?

While failing a board exam can be devastating, just know it is not the end of your career as a pediatrician. With only an 80% pass rate in 2022, this test is extremely hard. You may retake the test for up to seven years after you finish your residency training. So you have plenty of time to readjust your study techniques. Go over your performance to identify your areas of weakness and adjust your plan accordingly and seek out help from additional resources. Remember to maintain a positive attitude. Passing on subsequent attempts is possible!

Top 3 Things You Need to Know If You’re Taking the Exam

 1. Know what to expect on exam day: Exams are held at Prometric testing centers. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. You will need to show your ID and you will get a locker for your personal items. You are not allowed to take anything into the testing center with you except your ID and locker key. You will be provided with two note cards and two markers. Before your exam you should take the ABP online tutorial. Each of the four exam sections are 1 hour and 45 minutes and you are permitted breaks in between.

2. The importance of practice questions: By answering practice questions you are engaging in active study. Active studying with practice questions is a highly effective way to study. When using practice questions, it is extremely important to always review the answer rationale. Knowing why you got the question right or wrong will help cement the knowledge into memory and deepen your understanding of important concepts. TrueLearn’s ABP SmartBank has over 1,300 ABP practice questions aligned with the exam blueprint. All of our questions are written by content experts in the field, and we have a first time pass guarantee! 

3. Seek support and guidance: Consider joining study groups or seeking guidance from experienced pediatricians who have successfully taken the exam. Collaborating with peers and mentors can provide valuable insights and support throughout your exam preparation journey.

The Pediatric Board Exam is an important milestone for pediatricians, symbolizing their expertise, dedication, and commitment to delivering quality care. By understanding the exam’s expectations, dedicating ample time for studying, and utilizing effective preparation strategies, you can confidently approach the Pediatric Board Exam and take a significant step towards achieving board certification as a pediatrician.