ABP Pediatrics board certification exam.

American board of pediatrics (ABP) conducts the General pediatrics certification exam in the month of October every year. The ABP certifying board exam is given to first time exam takers who have finished their pediatric residency training. The Pediatric board certification is valid for seven years after which physicians will have to recertify by taking the PMCP (Program for Maintenance of Certification in Pediatrics) recertification exam. In this article we will review some important information on registering for the ABP Pediatric board exam, pediatric board review courses and tips on preparing for the Pediatric boards. Applications for the Pediatric certifying exam can only be submitted online. Apply for ABP Pediatrics board exam online.

American board of pediatrics – certification exam is a two-day test given in a limited number (28) of cities in the U.S. Each day there is a morning and an afternoon session with a lunch break. Over the two days, you will have 4 test sessions in total. Each session is 3 hours in length. The board examination consists of multiple-choice questions. Eligibility to sit for ABP Pediatric board exam depends on applicants fulfilling several requirements. Click here to view ABP requirements for the pediatric boards.

USMLE Step 3 – Is it required for ABP board exam?

Yes, you should have completed the USMLE Step 3 exam. Plan to take the Step 3 exam early in the second year of your Pediatric residency (PGY 2). Once you pass the USMLE Step 3 exam, you can start the process of getting a permanent medical license. If you get a high score, this will also help you in your Fellowship or Job search. USMLE Step 3 & CCS exam tips.

Permanent Medical Licensure – Is it required for ABP board exam?

Yes, you must have a valid, unrestricted, permanent medical license by October 1, 2004 to be eligible to sit for the Oct 18 & 19, 2004 board exam. ABP will not accept temporary license or training permits. Plan to apply and get your permanent medical license well ahead of the deadline. 

Completion of your Pediatric Residency training. 

To be eligible to take the Pediatric board exam, you should complete your pediatric residency training successfully by Oct 1 of the year of the board exam. You must also fulfill all other requirements of the American Board of Pediatrics.

Change of address:

Notify American board of pediatrics about any change of address promptly by sending an e-mail to abpeds@abpeds.org. Your e-mail should include your name, social security number, old address, new address, telephone number and date when you want the address change to be effective. This will ensure that you receive your board exam admission permit and results to the correct address.

Schedule for 2004 ABP certification - pediatric boards (18 & 19 Oct, 2004). 

• Dec 1, 2003 to Feb 28, 2004 = Register for ABP exam (Total fees $1260 = $905 exam fee + $ 355 processing) 

• Feb 29, 2004 to Apr 30, 2004 = Late registration (Total $1500 = $1260 above + $240 extra late fee) 

• April 30, 2004 = Last date for late registration

Pediatric sub-specialty board exam dates: 

• March 30, 2004 = Neuro developmental disabilities exam

• Aug 16, 2004 = Pediatric Cardiology, Critical care, Pulmonology 

• Nov 6, 2004 = Medical Toxicology exam

• Nov 15, 2004 = Pediatric Developmental-Behavioral, Hematology-Oncology, Rheumatology, Emergency Medicine 

American Board of Pediatrics Contact information:  

• E-mail at gpcert@abpeds.org or Webadmin@abpeds.org

• Tel (919) 929-0461

• Mail : 111 Silver Cedar Court, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

ABP Pediatrics Board exam content. 

American board of Pediatrics has published the content area of the board exam and the approximate percentage of questions that you can expect from each topic. This will help you focus your energy and resources towards these high yield areas. Click here to view ABP Board exam questions content.

Pediatric boards data from prior years: 

• ABP has certified 77,328 diplomats in General Pediatrics and 14,707 diplomats in pediatric sub specialties, as of Dec 2002.   

• Data for 2001: 3028 Pediatricians took the ABP board exam. 68 % of these pediatricians went into general pediatric practice and 24 % went for further training into pediatric sub specialties like Cardiology, Pulmonology etc.

• Data for 2002: 3007 Pediatricians took the ABP board test. 66% went into general pediatric practice and 24 % went into pediatric subspecialties. 

• 3007 Pediatricians took the ABP boards in 2002. Of these, American medical graduates accounted for 82.5% (2481) and International medical graduates accounted for 17.5% (526). Gender wise - males 40% and Females 60%. 

• The total number of Pediatric Residents currently in training programs in the United States is 9731. 

• The average age at the time of ABP board certification for pediatricians is about 36 years for International medical graduates and 32 years for American medical graduates. 

Useful Pediatric Links. 

ABP board exam pass rates for Pediatric residency programs. This link provides the pass rates of specific residency programs in the United States and Canada. Check your residency program’s pass rate.  

Frequently asked questions about ABP & Pediatric board exams. Get information on ABP certification and recertification (PMCP) exams, Pediatric residency training and medical licensing requirements. 

American Academy of Pediatrics: AAP website provides several useful articles on Pediatrics, medical education information, useful links, opportunities for career enhancement, networking, personal benefits and privileges. AAP mailing address: American Academy of Pediatrics, 141 NW Point Blvd., P.O. Box 927, Elk Grove Village, IL 60009-0927. Tel – (847) 434-4000, Fax – (847) 434-8000. 

Pediatric immunization information: Visit this site for the current vaccine recommendations, childhood immunization schedule, influenza vaccine recommendations and other useful information. 

PediaLink - Pediatric CME Information: Get important problem solving skills and learning resources. Discover information on American academy of Pediatrics sponsored and other Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences. You will find both live and online conferences. 

Click here for ABP Pediatric boards preparation and study tips