2020 Examination Schedule Information
Updated April 2020
Written Examination
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 three-week-long testing windows (the 1st through the 21st) in May, August, or October of each year, depending upon the specialty.
Registered candidates select the time, date, and testing location that is most convenient for their schedule, which may include evening or weekend hours at select centers.
Registration paperwork is mailed to approved candidates three months in advance of the applicable examination window.
Certification and Recertification Application and Examination Schedule:
Specialty: | Final Due Date for Completion of Application File: | For CBT Exam In: |
Anesthesiology Diagnostic Radiology Emergency Medicine (Recertification Only) Family Medicine Obstetrics Integrative Medicine Orthopedic Surgery |
December 1, 2019** | May 2020 |
Emergency Medicine (Certification Only) | February 1, 2020** | August 2020 |
Administrative Medicine Dermatology Disaster Medicine Emergency Medicine (Recertification Only) Family Medicine Internal Medicine* Urgent Care Medicine |
May 1, 2020** | October 2020 |
In consideration of the special circumstances of this pandemic, the final submission deadline for the October 2020 exam administration has been extended to July 1, 2020 for recertification applications only. The submission deadline for initial certification applications remains May 1, 2020.
Please Note:
All applications must be complete before they can be reviewed by the Board. An application is deemed complete when all forms and applicable supporting documentation have been received. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and will be held until the next board review session, meaning you will not be eligible to sit for your exam until the next test administration window.
*Beginning in 2020, the Internal Medicine examination window has been changed from May to October.
**These are final deadlines. For special pricing based on earlier application deadlines for the May, August, and October 2020 specialty examinations, go to ‘Board Certifications’, then to the applicable specialty’s homepage and click on the ‘Exam Process, Dates, and Fees’ page link located in the side menu. Recertification applicants will find the special pricing by clicking on the ‘Recertification Fee Schedule’ link on the applicable specialty’s homepage.
Oral Certification Examination
Candidates for initial certification must first successfully complete the written examination before they are permitted to take the oral/simulation examination. Oral examinations are not required for every specialty. Oral examinations for applicable specialties are offered once a year in Tampa, FL. Registration will be mailed to approved candidates approximately three months prior to the exam date.
Projected Oral Examination Dates:
Specialty: | Dates: |
Anesthesiology Diagnostic Radiology Family Medicine Obstetrics Orthopedic Surgery* |
November 14, 2020
*November 13-14, 2020 |
Emergency Medicine | **October 7-8, 2020 |
**The 2020 Emergency Medicine Oral Exam has been cancelled due to ongoing effects of the pandemic. Registered candidates will have their exam deferred to the 2021 examination date.
Please Note:
The American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) provides alternate testing dates for candidates whose religious practices pose a conflict in taking an examination on the published date. Click here to see the complete policy for accommodations.
For current Initial Certification Written and Oral Exam fees, go to Boards of Certification, then the applicable specialty Board and click on the link to Exam Process, Dates and Fees.
For Recertification application deadlines and fees, click on Recertification Fees
IMPORTANT! Candidates for Written and Oral examinations are responsible for arranging and direct remittance of all related travel and hotel accommodations and expenses. ABPS will not be held responsible for expenses incurred beyond the cost of the exam, including but not limited to travel expenses and lost wages.