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About the ABHM Exam for Board Certification

Hospital MedicineThe exam for the American Board of Hospital Medicine (ABHM) consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions. This written exam is computer-based and is administered by the American Board of Physician Specialties® (ABPS®). It is offered twice a year, typically during four-week windows in May and November, at testing centers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The exam lasts four hours and must be completed in a single sitting.

The 200 questions on the ABHM exam cover 16 general topics. The three most prominent are critical care/pulmonary (40 questions), cardiology/vascular disorders (40 questions), and gastrointestinal disorders (30 questions). Other topics tested include:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious diseases
  • Rheumatology/immunology
  • Psychiatry
  • Perioperative care
  • Neurology
  • Hematology/oncology
  • Gynecology
  • Genitourinary disorders
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Dermatology
  • Toxicology
  • Case management/ethics

Some additional, non-scorable items might appear on the exam, and these experimental items will be clearly identified as non-scorable. The ABPS also provides a formal comment form for candidates to leave comments on any question for review if there are concerns.

The ABHM is a Member Board of the ABPS, which administers physician board certification and re-certification across a wide range of specialties. It is the only board of its kind that is constituted and governed by hospitalists, not sub-specialists. The ABPS is the official multi-specialty certifying body of the American Association of Physician Specialists, Inc.

To learn more about the ABHM exam, or for information about eligibility requirements, contact the ABPS today.

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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.

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
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
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