Scheduling, Rescheduling, and Canceling Exams
Arriving at the Test Center and Taking the Exam
Scheduling, Rescheduling, and Canceling Exams
I applied and am approved to take the certification exam. How long am I eligible to take the exam?
All approved applicants have three years to take the certification exam, beginning the year their application was approved. For example, if your application was approved in 2024, you will be able to take the exam in 2024, 2025, and/or 2026. To take the exam after 2026, you will need submit a new application and be approved for a new three-year eligibility period by the Board.
How do I register for the certification exam?
Approved applicants may register for the certification exam online via ABPM's Physician Portal. Log in at https://physicianportal.theabpm.org/abpmssa/f?p=STDSSA:101:::::P101_VC,P101_CONTEXT,CUST_CONTEXT,G_SUCCESS_URL:,,,ssaauthmenu.show_top_menu:.
Can I reschedule my exam appointment to a different date and/or time?
Yes. To reschedule your appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE no later than 24 hours prior to your original exam appointment. You can reach Pearson VUE staff via phone Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm CT, at 888-839-7768 in the United States and Canada.
Candidates who reschedule their exam less than 24 hours before their original apppointment time will be subject to a same-day forfeit exam fee.
How do I confirm my exam appointment time?
You can confirm your examination appointment time at https://home.pearsonvue.com/theabpm. Please log in to your Pearson VUE account and enter your candidate number (PTI ID) to confirm your appointment. You may also contact Pearson VUE via phone Monday through Friday, 7am to 7pm CT, at 888-839-7768 in the United States and Canada. To help locate your record, tell the agent that the examination is sponsored by Professional Testing (PTI).
How will I find out about test-day changes to my testing appointment?
Pearson VUE will contact candidates if there are any test-day changes. Please be sure to check your email on the day of your exam appointment for any updates.
Arriving at the Test Center and Taking the Exam
What documents do I need to take with me to be admitted to the testing center?
You must bring two pieces of identification when you appear at a Pearson VUE testing center to take the examination:
- Primary ID: A government-issued form of identification that includes both your photo and your signature (e.g., driver's license, passport), and
- Secondary ID: Any identification that includes both your name and signature OR your name and a recent photo.
The name on both of your IDs must match each other and they both must match the name you used to register for the exam. Please contact ABPM at abpm@theabpm.org if you need to change the name on your exam appointment. Name changes can be made by ABPM up to five days before your exam appointment.
Learn more about what to expect when you arrive at a Pearson VUE testing center at https://home.pearsonvue.com/test-takers/resources.aspx.
Are there breaks during the exam?
All certification exams, except for Medical Toxicology, have one 15-minute break scheduled after the second one-hour block of questions. Examinees are not required to take the break.
Can I use a calculator or scratch paper during the exam?
Yes.
Pearson VUE testing centers will provide scratch paper to examinees. All scratch paper must be returned to testing center staff upon completion of the exam.
All exams have a calculator built into the exam administration platform.