Initial Certification
Taking the Sports Medicine Exam
The following section provides you with specific details for the Sports Medicine Certification examination. It includes:
- About the Sports Medicine Exam
- Key Exam Dates
- Exam Content and Blueprint
- Scoring and Reporting of Exam Results
About the Sports Medicine Exam
NOTE: This ABIM exam is administered by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). The exam lasts four hours.
Follow these procedures when registering to take the Sports Medicine Certification exam:
- You will register by completing and submitting an application form online at ABIM's Physician Login page during the registration period.
- A confirmation page number will appear, indicating that you are successfully registered. The confirmation page also will provide you with a confirmation number, which is proof that your application has been transmitted to ABIM. You should print and keep a copy of this page for your records.
- Shortly after your application has been submitted, ABIM will forward your information to the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). ABFM will communicate with you explaining how to schedule a testing location and exam with the ABFM computer testing administrator.
- Contact the American Board of Family Medicine for information about test center locations and changing exam dates.
Key Exam Dates
| Item | 2008 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|
|
Results will be released within three months of the last test date for this area. 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, the Board 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. | ||
| Exam (Note: Dates are subject to change.) | July 23-26, 30, 31 August 1, 2, 6-9 | TBD |
| Registration Opens | November 1, 2007 | November 1, 2008 |
| Deadline Registration | January 1, 2008 | January 1, 2009 |
| Late Registration (requires a non-refundable late fee) | January 2, 2008 | January 2, 2009 |
| Deadline Late Registration | February 1, 2008 | February 1, 2009 |
| Deadline Cancellation | May 1, 2008 | May 1, 2009 |
Exam Content and Blueprint
Sports Medicine Exam Blueprint
The practice of sports medicine is the application of the physician's knowledge, skills, and attitudes all persons engaged in sports and exercise.
The current description of the exam may be found on the American Board of Family Medicine website. To view it:
- Go to the American Board of Family Medicine website
- Under Certification / Recertification select Certification
- Select Examination Descriptions
- Select Sports Medicine Exam
Exam Background
The Sports Medicine Certification Program, jointly developed by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the American Board of Emergency Medicine, the American Board of Family Medicine, and the American Board of Pediatrics, is designed to recognize excellence among those with special expertise in this field. The requirements for all Boards are similar. The examination will be administered to candidates from all four boards at the same time in the same testing centers. The American Board of Family Medicine is responsible for administering the exam. The standard for passing the exam will be identical for all Boards.
Copyrighted Materials
ABIM's examinations are confidential and copyrighted under the Federal Copyright Act. Candidates agree not to copy, reproduce, reconstruct by dictation or other means, or disclose examination content in any manner. ABIM's Self Evaluation Process Medical Knowledge Modules are also copyrighted works. Candidates agree not to copy, reproduce or make any adaptations of the modules in any manner and not to assist someone else in the infringement of these or any other Board-copyrighted works.
TopScoring and Reporting of Exam Results
Scoring
Your score is determined by the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for guessing; therefore, you should answer every question. The minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard developed by the ABIM Board of Directors and is independent of the performance of any group of candidates.
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.
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