Administrative Medicine Exam Description

ABAM ExamThe American Board of Administrative Medicine was developed by the American Board of Physician Specialties® to recognize physician leaders with extensive experience in the business-side of healthcare. Accordingly, a central component of the certification process is the successful completion of an examination that tests the candidate’s mastery of the core competencies of administrative medicine. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and is administered over a four-hour period. There is only one correct answer for each question, and the exam is psychometrically sound ensuring that it is fair, accurate, and impartial.

The first step toward pursuing board certification through the ABAM is ensuring that you meet the eligibly requirements found here. If you are deemed eligible, you will have the opportunity to schedule your exam at an approved location during the designated testing block.

The ultimate goal of the examination is to identify physician candidates who are experts in a variety of topic areas that are essential in medical management. Below you will find the nine topic areas (or domains) that are tested in the exam, along with the approximate percentage of questions that you can expect to see regarding each domain:

  • Finance – 15 percent
  • Quality and Safety – 15 percent
  • Health Law/Corporate Compliance – 10 percent
  • Data Analytics and Information Integration – 10 percent
  • Health Policy – 10 percent
  • Governance – 10 percent
  • Professionalism/Leadership – 10 percent
  • Marketing, Strategy, and Business Development – 10 percent
  • Human Potential – 10 percent

If you pass the examination, you will be awarded board certification and will become part of a fraternity of fellow physician leaders who represent the best and brightest in the field. Being a Diplomate of ABAM indicates a fulfillment of the highest achievement in demonstrating the core body of knowledge in physician management and governance. To learn more about the examination process, eligibility requirements, and advantages of board certification, contact us today. The ABPS is the official board certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.®

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Medical organizations throughout North America understand that our rigorous certification standards prove that ABPS Diplomates are capable of delivering the best patient care possible.

When I decided to pursue a full time role as a physician executive it was important to me to obtain additional professional training, education and work experience. Board certification through the ABPS in Administrative Medicine is validation of my efforts and a demonstration of dedication to professional development. We need more physicians to become full time health care executives, knowing there is a board certification option in Administrative Medicine encourages physicians to take the leap from full time clinical practice to healthcare organizational leadership.

Richard Paula, MD
Administrative Medicine
The American Board of Physician Specialties has provided me with the opportunity to demonstrate mastery of internal medicine through board certification. As a hospitalist, board certification is an expected credential, and hospitals recognize the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) as one of the three standard credentialling bodies for Internal Medicine. Additionally, the ABPS has helped me develop leadership skills as a Board member and Committee Chairperson. ABPS has also helped me sharpen critical thinking skills as a test question developer and reviewer. The Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) physicians in the ABPS are lifelong learners and frequently pursue multiple board certifications. I enjoy the camaraderie of my peers in ABPS.

Loren Jay Chassels, DO
Internal Medicine
When I think historically, advancement in medicine and patient safety and care has been driven by the diversity of people and scientific thought. That’s what I found at the ABPS and more. For over 60 years that is just who we are. I found a physician certifying body that provides a choice and voice to all physicians ensuring that patients are always placed first.

Jerry Allison, MD
Emergency Medicine