Initial Certification
Taking the Interventional Cardiology Exam
Key Exam Dates
Note: Exam results are released within three months of the exam date. Fall 2009 exam: 10/20.
| Item | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|
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* These testing dates are available only to candidates with a documented disability requiring additional testing time, as provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please see the ABIM policy on Testing Accommodations for Exam Takers with Disabilities. Responsibility for Deadline Compliance - It is the sole responsibility of the candidate to be aware of and comply with registration deadlines. In fairness to all candidates, ABIM adheres firmly to its published deadlines for registration and late registration for its examinations. Candidates are encouraged to apply early in the registration period. All registration is done through the Physician Login. |
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| Exam (Note: Dates are subject to change.) | November 1, 2010 | October 27, 2011 |
| Exam for Candidates Requiring Testing Accommodations Across Multiple Days* | November 15-17, 2010 | November 14-17, 2011 |
| Registration Opens | March 1, 2010 | March 1, 2011 |
| Deadline Registration | May 1, 2010 | May 1, 2011 |
| Late Registration (requires a non-refundable late fee) | May 2, 2010 | May 2, 2011 |
| Deadline Late Registration | June 1, 2010 | June 1, 2011 |
| Deadline Cancellation | September 1, 2010 | September 1, 2011 |
Exam Content and Blueprint
What Does the Examination Cover?
Click here to see the detailed Interventional Cardiology Certification exam blueprint (pdf), which includes the content areas covered, their relative percentages, and the approximate number of questions in each area to expect on a typical exam.
Exam Administration
The exam lasts one day. Multiple editions, or "forms," of the exam are used, and they may differ in question order and content. Some questions require the interpretation of illustrative materials such as electrocardiograms, radiographs and photomicrographs (e.g., blood films, Gram stains, urine sediments). A list of normal laboratory values is provided. Refer to this list to interpret values given in the questions because they may differ from those to which you are accustomed.
Exam Development
A complete description of the process used to develop ABIM exams is available in How Exams Are Developed. Topics include:
- Pretesting
- Question content criteria
- Question-writing process
- Question review/editing process
- Relevance review, and more
Question Format
The exam consists of single best answer questions only. This type of question consists of a brief statement, case history, graph, or picture followed by a question and list of possible options. You must choose the one answer that is better than the others; note that other options may be partially correct. Familiarizing yourself with the question format in advance may help you work more effectively.
Copyright and Examination Non-Disclosure Policy
All ABIM materials are protected by the federal Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. § 101, et seq. Access to all such materials, as further detailed below, is strictly conditioned upon agreement to abide by ABIM's rights under the Copyright Act and to maintain examination confidentiality.
ABIM examinations are confidential, in addition to being protected by federal copyright and trade secret laws. Candidates and diplomates who undertake examinations agree that they will not copy, reproduce, adapt, disclose, or transmit examinations, in whole or in part, by any means now known or hereafter invented. They further agree that they will not reconstruct examination content from memory, by dictation, or by any other means or otherwise discuss examination content with others. Candidates and diplomates further acknowledge that disclosure or any other use of examination content may expose them to criminal as well as civil liability, and may also result in sanctions by ABIM.
With respect to ABIM's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) products, including without limitation its Self-Evaluation Process Medical Knowledge Modules and Practice Improvement Modules (PIMs), candidates are encouraged to discuss these materials with their colleagues as they develop their answers or other responses as required by the Modules. They agree, however, that, as with all ABIM materials, they will not copy, reproduce or make any adaptations of such materials in any manner; and will not assist someone else in the infringement or misuse of these or any other ABIM-copyrighted works.
TopScoring and Reporting of Exam Results
Scoring
The examination pass-fail decision is based on your performance on the entire examination. Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect; therefore, you should answer every question. The minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard that is independent of the performance of any group of candidates. This standard has been established by the examination committee and approved by the ABIM Board of Directors.
Results
- After the exam is given, it will be analyzed and evaluated to ensure the reliability of individual results.
- Your results will be released and a Score Report will be mailed to you within three months of the last date of the exam in that area.
- ABIM website's Home Page will announce when exam results have been released. No additional information is available until that time.
- You can obtain your pass/fail status for an exam in the exam history section on your home page under Physician Login when results are released.
- Scores are provided through the mail only. Copies of your Score Report will be maintained for two years from the date they were released. During that period, you may obtain a copy of your Score Report upon written request.
- Questions regarding exam results should be submitted in writing within six months of the date results were released.
Those who pass the examination are designated as certified as diplomates of ABIM. The certificate is valid for ten years. Maintenance of Certification is required for renewal of certificates. The certificates are mailed directly from the engraver within three to four months after candidates are notified of their results. Note: your current board certification status is reported on your Physician Login Home Page.
Pass Rates
Click here to see the First-Time Taker Pass Rates for Initial Certification (pdf).
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