Understanding the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Exam
The most common and widely recognized geriatric board exam is administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), often in conjunction with the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). This exam is a marathon, lasting approximately 10 hours from start to finish. It is designed to test a candidate's knowledge, clinical judgment, and diagnostic reasoning skills across the broad domain of geriatric medicine.
ABIM Exam Structure
- Sessions: The day is divided into four main test sessions, each lasting up to two hours.
- Questions: The exam consists of up to 240 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions. Approximately 40 of these questions are new and do not count toward the examinee's score but are used for future exam development.
- Breaks: Candidates are allotted a total of 100 minutes of optional break time, which can be divided among three breaks between sessions. Time for registration, tutorials, and a final survey is also factored into the overall 10-hour experience.
What to expect on ABIM exam day
Beyond the questions and time limits, examinees should be aware of the exam environment. The ABIM exam is computer-based and administered at testing centers. Questions often involve clinical vignettes that may include illustrative materials like EKGs, radiographs, or patient photos.
Detailing the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Exam
For osteopathic physicians, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) also offers board certification in geriatric medicine. The AOA's written exam for geriatric medicine certification is significantly shorter than the ABIM's, typically lasting five hours.
AOA Exam Structure
- Sessions: The five-hour exam is broken down into two sections, each with its own time limit.
- Questions: It includes 200 multiple-choice questions designed to test both basic science and clinical knowledge relevant to geriatric medicine.
- Breaks: A single, optional 10-minute break is scheduled between the two 105-minute sections.
- Tutorial: A brief, 10-minute tutorial is also provided at the start of the exam.
ABIM vs. AOA Geriatric Board Exam Comparison
| Feature | ABIM Geriatric Certification Exam | AOA Geriatric Written Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Approximate Duration | 10 hours (including breaks) | 5 hours (including breaks) |
| Test Sessions | Four sessions, up to 2 hours each | Two sessions, 105 minutes each |
| Question Count | Up to 240 MCQs | 200 MCQs |
| Break Time | 100 minutes total | One 10-minute optional break |
| Reference Materials | May include UpToDate® for certain MOC exams | None mentioned for the written exam |
| Question Focus | Clinical judgment, diagnostic reasoning | Basic science, clinical knowledge |
Preparing for the Geriatric Board Exam
Regardless of which board exam you plan to take, adequate preparation is essential. The exams cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Clinical Geriatrics: Common syndromes like dementia, delirium, falls, and incontinence.
- Pharmacology: Polypharmacy, medication management, and how aging affects drug metabolism.
- Chronic Disease Management: Handling cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and other common conditions in older adults.
- Gerontology: Principles of aging and biology.
- Geriatric Syndromes: Specific syndromes affecting older patients, which make up a significant portion of the exam.
For detailed information and the current content outline for the ABIM exam, consult the official blueprint from their website: ABIM Geriatric Medicine Blueprint.
Creating a study schedule months in advance is recommended, and many test-takers utilize practice questions and review courses to enhance their preparation. Given the length of the ABIM exam, practicing simulated, multi-hour tests can help build the necessary stamina and focus.
Conclusion
Understanding how long is the geriatric board exam is the first step in successful preparation. With distinct differences in duration and format, prospective geriatricians must confirm the requirements of their specific certifying body, whether the lengthy ABIM or the shorter AOA exam. By familiarizing yourself with the structure, content, and timeline, you can create a targeted and effective study plan that leads to success.
