American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Examination

The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) offers the Internal Medicine Exam for certification purposes. Becoming certified shows that a candidate has met the high-level criteria required in this profession. Candidates must meet specific academic and work experience eligibility requirements before taking this test.

The content of the test is approximately broken down as follows: cardiovascular disease (14%); gastroenterology (9%); pulmonary disease (10%); infectious disease (9%); rheumatology/orthopedics (8%); endocrinology/metabolism (8%); oncology (7%); hematology (6%); nephrology/urology (6%); allergy/immunology (3%); psychiatry (4%); neurology (4%); dermatology (4%); obstetrics/gynecology (3%); ophthalmology (2%); otorhinolaryngology (2%); miscellaneous (1%).

Candidates will need to demonstrate your knowledge in these cross-content areas: critical care medicine (10%); geriatric medicine (10%); prevention (6%); women's health (6%); clinical epidemiology (3%); ethics (3%); nutrition (3%); palliative/end-of-life care (3%); adolescent medicine (2%); occupational medicine (2%); patient safety (2%); substance abuse (2%).

This computer-based test was created with multiple-choice items. Most of the items are based on patient encounters for which candidates will be required to demonstrate an ability to make high-level decisions. Since the final result is based on how many questions are answered correctly, it is better to try to answer every question. The results will be given as a pass or fail. Once a candidate passes, the certification will be good for 10 years.

As your test day approaches, make sure that you have had plenty of time to study. Review an ABIM exam study guide or study using ABIM exam flashcards so that you strengthen any areas that might be more difficult for you on the test. You'll have the rest of your life to enjoy being successful on the exam, but you can only spend time between now and your test day to get prepared. Study hard and maximize your chances of success.