Integrative Medicine Exam Description
Updated June 2013
The Written Examination — What to Expect
The written examination is a 200 question, multiple-choice examination. Candidates are given a 4 hour testing session and most candidates complete the examination in this time. The American Board of Physician Specialties uses computer-based testing administration for all written exams. Our exams are offered at a network of testing centers throughout the U.S. and Canada and are given during month-long testing windows in May and November of each year. Registered candidates are able to select the time, date, and testing location that is most convenient for their schedule, which may include evening or weekend hours at select centers.
Integrative Medicine Examination Description
The outline below provides details of the subject areas (domains) covered on the certification examination and the approximate percentage of questions from each area. This domain listing is provided to help candidates prepare for the exam and is based on a comprehensive practice analysis of the key topics and knowledge in the specialty, as identified by practitioners, instructors, and other leaders in Integrative Medicine. Candidates should review this outline carefully and focus study on the areas listed. Each question on the exam is linked to a specific domain. No question is meant to be obscure or tricky. The information in the outline is meant to serve as a study aid only and not as a guarantee of success in taking the certification examination.
The Integrative Medicine domains listed below should also be used by candidates applying under eligibility option 7e (the limited time option). Candidates should refer to the domain listing when showing how Integrative Medicine is applied in their practice or how their training, education and CME credits are applicable to Integrative Medicine. Candidates are responsible for showing how the CME hours or practices they are submitted as proof eligibility align to one or more of these domains.
Integrative Medicine Examination Domains
| Domain | % of Exam Questions | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutrition Macro/Micro nutrients (including nutrient deficiencies) Therapeutic Diets (e.g. Gluten-free, Mediterranean) Elimination Diets Social/Cultural Influence on Diet Environmental Factors (e.g. pesticides, mercury, local and/or organic sourcing) Functional Foods |
15 |
| 2 | Dietary Supplements, Botanicals and other Natural Products Adverse Effects/Drug Interactions Quality Control Evidence for safety/effectiveness for High-Frequency, Evidence-Based Supplements |
15 |
| 3 | Mind-Body Medicine and Spirituality Mental and Emotional Influences on Health (e.g. stress, optimism, resilience, positive thinking) Physical Influences on Mental/Emotional Health (e.g. sleep, exercise, diet) Self-Regulation Therapies (e.g. biofeedback, hypnotherapy, meditation) Placebo/Nocebo Spirituality and Health (e.g. coping, attitudes, transpersonal healing) Religion and Health (e.g. beliefs, practices) |
14 |
| 4 | Complementary and Alternative Therapies Manipulative and Body-Based Medicine (e.g. osteopathic, cranial-sacral, chiropractic, massage) Energy Medicine (e.g. therapeutic touch, Reiki, Healing Touch, tai chi, qi gong, light) Movement Therapies (e.g. yoga, Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, Trager) Expressive Arts (e.g. art, music, dance, sound) |
10 |
| 5 | Whole Medical Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine Ayurveda Traditional Medical Systems (e.g. Native American, Shamanism) Homeopathy Naturopathy |
8 |
| 6 | Lifestyle, Prevention and Health Promotion Social Factors and Health (e.g. family, community) Barriers to Change and Motivational Interviewing Physical Activity Environmental Factors (including exposures and benefits) Risk Reduction (including epigenetic considerations) Self-care Sleep Healthy and Unhealthy Behaviors (including addictions) |
13 |
| 7 | Integrative Approaches (including conventional medicine) Women’s Health Men’s Health Pediatrics Geriatrics Cardiovascular Health Gastro-Intestinal Health Cancer Mental Health Respiratory Health Dermatology Neurology Pain Management Rheumatology Endocrine Infectious Disease Allergies Death and Dying Palliative Care Diagnostic Techniques |
15 |
| 8 | Foundations of Integrative Medicine Philosophy History Ethics |
5 |
| 9 | Professional Practice of Integrative Medicine Prioritization Risk-Benefit Doctor-Patient Communications Evidence-based principles Medical/Legal Cost-Effectiveness Critical Assessment of Unproven Diagnostic and Treatment Methods |
5 |
Integrative Medicine Examination Study References
You may wish to use the study materials to prepare for the written certification or recertification examination. All questions appearing on our examinations have been written based on the material presented in these study references.
