American Board of Family Medicine

Certification Candidate Information Booklet For the MC-FP Exam

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE BOOKLET BEFORE STARTING THE APPLICATION

Schedule for July 2011

Application Registration Period

January 27 through February 28, 2011 $1,300 exam fee (no late fee)

Late Registration Periods for Application* March 1 through March 31, 2011 $1,450 exam fee (includes $150 late filing fee) April 1 through April 30, 2011 $1,600 exam fee (includes $300 late filing fee) May 1 through May 31, 2011 $1,750 exam fee (includes $450 late filing fee) June 1 through June 15, 2011 $1,900 exam fee (includes $600 late filing fee)

* Late registration fees must be paid in addition to the examination fee

February 28, 2011 Last Day to Submit Online Application without Late Fee ($1,300) May 9, 2011 Priority Seating Ends for best seating options select by this date

Beginning May 10, candidates will be selecting test dates /locations in competition with other Prometric clients.

June 15, 2011 Last Day to Submit Application ($1,900 with late fee assessed) Last Day to Submit Special Testing (ADA) Documentation

June 24, 2011 Last Day to Clear All Application Deficiencies Last Day to Make Official Name Change with ABFM for Exam

June 30, 2011 All Residency Training Must Be Completed Must Provide ABFM with Residency Training Completion Verification July 1, 2011 Test Center Selection Deadline - Note: limited seating available between May 10 & July 1

30 Days Prior to Last Day to Withdraw from Exam without Late Cancellation Fee ($35) Scheduled Exam

5 Days Prior to Last Day to Withdraw from Exam without Seat Fee ($150) Scheduled Exam

48 Hours Prior to Last Day to Change Testing Date or Location Scheduled Exam

EXAM DATES Candidates select one of these dates for a full-day examination July 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 AMERICAN BOARD OF FAMILY MEDICINE 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Ste. 550 Lexington, KY 40511-1247 (888) 995-5700

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

For those certification candidates who plan to take the 2011 exam (summer or fall), it will be

important that you understand how the ABFM requirements will change in 2012. These

changes will affect not only the initial certifying physicians but also those who are in the

Maintenance of Certification (MC-FP) process (formerly referred to as recertification). Going

forth all primary exams with the ABFM will be referred to as the Maintenance of Certification

Exam (MC-FP) regardless of whether you are certifying for the first time or for a subsequent

recertification.

Beginning in 2012, any physician that does not successfully pass the MC-FP examination

within the three calendar years following the year in which he/she completes residency

training will be required to satisfy the MC-FP Entry Process in order to take the exam and

gain certification status. The MC-FP Entry Process includes:

Completion of fifty (50) MC-FP points including at least one SAM and one approved

Part IV activity,

Completion of one hundred fifty (150) credits of acceptable continuing medical education,

Three (3) MC-FP Process Payments, and

Submission of an application for the examination with full payment of the examination fee.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 1 Completing the Application............................................................................................................. 2

Your Password............................................................................................................................ 2 Name and E-mail ........................................................................................................................ 2 Personal Information................................................................................................................... 2 Fee Payment .............................................................................................................................. 2 Defer/Refund Policy .................................................................................................................... 3 Physician Specific Information ................................................................................................... 3 Medical School Training ............................................................................................................. 3 Residency Training ..................................................................................................................... 3 Reciprocity ................................................................................................................................. 6 Medical License ......................................................................................................................... 7 Continuing Medical Education - CME .......................................................................................... 9 Special Testing Accommodations ............................................................................................ 11 Agreement Page of Application ................................................................................................ 13 Approval of Application & Selection of Exam Date/Location ...................................................... 13 Exam Test Sites......................................................................................................................... 14 E-Ticket..................................................................................................................................... 15 Reschedule or Withdraw from the Exam.................................................................................... 15

Exam Information.......................................................................................................................... 15 Facts About the Examination..................................................................................................... 15 Module Choices......................................................................................................................... 18 Comfort Aids ............................................................................................................................. 19 Study Materials ......................................................................................................................... 20 Prometric Information ............................................................................................................... 20 Exam Day Schedule .................................................................................................................. 20 ABFM Policies - Exam Administration Protocols and Procedures .............................................. 21 Examination Results.................................................................................................................. 26 Re-Examination ......................................................................................................................... 26 Period of Certification ............................................................................................................... 26 Revocation................................................................................................................................ 26 Agreement ................................................................................................................................ 28

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INTRODUCTION

This booklet provides general information concerning the Maintenance of Certification (MC-FP) Examination (previously referred to as Certification) and instructions for completing the online application. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE BOOKLET CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE APPLICATION. In consideration of cost, we allow candidates to begin the application and pay the exam fee prior to the initial application filing deadline and then complete all remaining requirements and deficiencies by the published deadlines. To avoid paying a late filing fee the application must be started and paid by the first published deadline. ALL RESIDENCY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET BY JUNE 30, 2011. Verification of satisfactory completion of residency training is submitted through the Resident Training Management (RTM) system by the Family Medicine Residency Program Director. Program Directors may access the RTM system up to 15 days before the anticipated completion date of the resident to verify satisfactory completion of resident training. Candidates for the Certification Examination will not be allowed to sit for the exam until the Program Director has verified this information through RTM. Candidates will be notified via email of application approval or of any deficiencies immediately after the application is submitted. Although reminders of deficiencies or any missing materials will be sent by email, it is the candidates responsibility to frequently review the Physician Portfolio and submit all required items by the published deadlines. PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE EACH PAGE OF THE APPLICATION. Any application that remains deficient after June 24, 2011, will automatically be deferred to the November examination. If you have further questions about the MC-FP Examination after you have read this booklet, you may contact the Support Center at (877) 223-7437 or help@theabfm.org. It is the sole responsibility of an ABFM candidate to be aware of and comply with registration deadlines. In fairness to all candidates, the Board adheres firmly to its published deadlines for registration and late registration for all examinations. Candidates are encouraged to apply early in the registration period to avoid late fees or problems. Issues arising from ones inability to log on to the ABFM application system (e.g. forgotten ID/Password, computer technical difficulties or operator error) must be resolved and all components of the application completed prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The ABFM staff and Support Center make every effort to assist with these issues promptly; however, candidates are responsible for contacting the ABFM for assistance well in advance of the deadline.

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COMPLETING THE APPLICATION Your Password The password provided to you for accessing your Physician Portfolio should always be treated as confidential. Once you use the password initially provided, we strongly urge you to change it to something known only to you. There is a link in your Physician Portfolio that allows you to change the password. If you allow someone else access to your password they also have access to all secure information pertaining to you on our website. Keep in mind that your exam results will be accessible only on our website by using your ID and Password to enter your Physician Portfolio.

Name and E-Mail We may already have an email address on file for you which we obtained from your residency program. Please check this, update if needed, and then reply to the confirmation email in order to continue the application. Always make sure we have your current email address as this is how we will correspond with you. Furthermore, you are responsible for keeping both your postal and email addresses updated in your Physician Portfolio. Please remember you can update this information on our website at any time. Once you have confirmed your email address, you will need to go back to your application and complete all remaining pages. If you have a legal name change, we require a copy of the legal document (marriage, divorce, etc.) faxed to us before we can officially change your name. Keep in mind that your name on record with the ABFM should be the same as the ID which you will present for admittance to the exam. Any discrepancy in your name will potentially delay or prevent your being admitted to the exam. All name issues should be resolved by June 24, 2011. If you need assistance with this, please contact our Support Center.

Personal Information Through our Residency Training Management (RTM) system, we have obtained this information from your residency program. However, we ask that you check and make sure that the information given is correct and remember you are always able to update this information through your Physician Portfolio. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Fee Payment In order to expedite the processing of your application, you are encouraged to pay the exam fee of $1,300 (which includes a non-refundable $200 application fee) online with your credit card by the deadline of February 28, 2011. Applications can be filed after February 28, 2011 but no later than June 15, 2011; however, a late filing fee will be added after the initial payment deadline. When you pay by credit card online and complete all sections of your application and have no deficiencies, you will be prompted to pick your test date and location. The online payment option of the American Board of Family Medicine utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt the personal and financial information being sent over the internet. Your browser will display the icon of a locked padlock near the bottom of the window to indicate that SSL encryption is being used. Consequently, you may rest assured that the easy-to-use online payment process is a highly secure payment option. Should you prefer to submit your credit card number in writing or pay by check, you will be required to print a payment page to complete and send with your payment. Once the ABFM has processed your credit card or check sent by postal mail, you will be able to complete your application and select a test center and date.

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Those who pay by credit card should be certain that the daily limit on the card is sufficient to permit charging the full examination fee. If the credit card is declined or a check is returned by the bank, your fee must be resubmitted for the original amount plus a bounced money fee of $50.00 and must be paid by certified check or money order. Any candidate whose credit card is declined or check is returned will have their testing appointment cancelled, and he/she will not be able to reschedule until all fees have been paid. No candidate will be allowed to take the examination until all fees are paid and all requirements have been satisfactorily met.

Defer/Refund Policy If you are either unable to complete the application requirements or have completed the application but need to delay taking the exam, please return to your Physician Portfolio and click on the link Defer Participation to a Future Exam. The exam fee will be deferred to the next exam (November 2011). If for any reason you are unable to test in November, the fee can be carried over to the 2012 exam. An exam fee can only be carried over for three years. If the fee is not used by taking the exam during that time, a partial refund will be issued. Candidates who specifically request a refund rather than having the fee carry over will receive it within 2-3 weeks of notification of withdrawing from the exam. Please remember the application processing fee ($200) and any late fee paid is non-refundable. Furthermore, any cancellation or seat fee incurred due to late withdraw will be withheld from the refundable amount of exam fee.

Physician Specific Information In this section you will select your qualifying plan and note if you received any transfer/advanced placement credit toward your residency training. You will also indicate if special testing accommodations under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) are needed. Special testing accommodations will be considered only with appropriate documentation. Please refer to that section of this booklet for specific information.

Medical School Training This information has been entered by your residency program through RTM. If you feel there is incorrect information in your application, please contact our office. If you graduated from an international medical school, you must hold either a standard ECFMG Certificate or have completed a Fifth Pathway Year.

Residency Training Advanced Placement Credit (Non-Family Medicine Training or Osteopathic Physicians) If you have completed training other than family medicine and received transfer credit for all or part of your G-1 year, your residency program should have already entered this information in RTM which was transferred to your application. If you feel there is incorrect information in your application, please contact our office.

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The Board prefers all three years of training to be in the same ACGME-accredited family medicine program; however, other training may be considered as equivalent. Programs seeking to admit a resident into training with credit toward certification for other types of previous accredited training, including training in another ACGME-accredited family medicine program, are no longer required to obtain prior approval for transfer/advanced placement of 12 months or less for residents transferring from:

ACGME-accredited family medicine programs Other ACGME-accredited specialties American Osteopathic Association (AOA) approved programs Canadian programs approved by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

The ABFM expects residency programs to submit notification of transfers or advanced placement credit at the time the program authorizes the credit (via the online Resident Training Management System or other appropriate means). Transfer/Advanced placement requiring special attention, such as requests for credit beyond the beginning of the PG-2 year, transfers associated with the closing of a program, transfers involving hardship circumstances, and advanced placement of international training will require prior approval from the ABFM. If a physician is admitted into training at an advanced level but the Program Director fails to notify the Board prior to the entry of the resident into the program, the Board will determine the amount of transfer credit at the time of its discovery of the transfer. Consequently, the resident may receive less credit toward certification than anticipated and may be required to extend the duration of training.

Physicians who have graduated from an American Osteopathic Association (AOA) approved school of medicine in the United States may qualify for certification if they meet the same requirements as specified for allopathic medical school graduates. They may apply to ACGME-accredited family medicine programs for entry into the first year (G-1). Osteopathic physicians who have documented satisfactory completion of an AOA-approved internship (G-1) year may receive credit for that portion of the G-1 year which meets the American Board of Family Medicine guidelines for advanced level entry or inter-program transfers. All candidates must satisfactorily complete at least 36 months of accredited graduate medical education. Only the G-1 year may be fulfilled by an AOA-approved internship year. Training beyond the G-1 year must be completed in continuity in an ACGME-accredited family medicine residency program.

All candidates' education and training experiences are subject to review and approval by the ABFM. Any variance from the above must have prior written approval of the Board.

The last two years of family medicine residency training must be completed in the same accredited program. Transfers after the beginning of the G-2 year are approved only in extraordinary circumstances. Family Medicine Training

All candidates for the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Examination must have satisfactorily completed three years of training (a full 36 calendar months with 12 months in each of the G-1, G-2, and G-3 years) in a family medicine residency program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) subsequent to receipt of the M.D. or D.O. degree from an accredited institution, and when applicable, a Fifth Pathway Year or receipt of a Standard Certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), or compliance with other ACGME requirements for entry into graduate medical training in the United States. If a physician does not meet the eligibility requirements of the ACGME for residency training in family medicine, his/her training will not be recognized by the Board. Candidates who obtained their M.D. degree from medical schools in the United States or Canada must have attended a school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education or the Committee for Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools. Candidates who obtained a D.O. degree must have graduated from a college of osteopathic medicine accredited by the American Osteopathic Association.

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Candidates for the July exam must complete all training requirements of the Board no later than June 30, 2011. Verification of satisfactory completion of residency training is submitted through the Resident Training Management (RTM) system by the Family Medicine Residency Program Director. Program Directors may access the RTM system up to 15 days before the anticipated completion date of the resident to verify satisfactory completion of resident training. Candidates for the Certification Examination will not be allowed to sit until the Program Director has verified this information through RTM. All applicants for the Certification Examination are subject to the approval of the Board, and the final decision regarding any application rests solely with the ABFM. Absence from the Residency

Vacation, Illness, and Other Short-Term Absences Residents are expected to perform their duties as resident physicians for a minimum period of

eleven months each calendar year. Therefore, absence from the program for vacation, illness, personal business, leave, etc., must not exceed a combined total of one (1) month per academic year.

Vacation periods may not accumulate from one year to another. Annual vacations must be taken in the year of the service for which the vacation is granted. No two vacation periods may be concurrent (e.g. last month of the G-2 year and first month of the G-3 year in sequence) and a resident does not have the option of reducing the total time required for residency (36 calendar months) by relinquishing vacation time.

The Board recognizes that vacation/leave policies vary from program to program and are the prerogative of the Program Director so long as they do not exceed the Boards time restriction.

Time away from the residency program for educational purposes, such as workshops or continuing medical education activities, are not counted in the general limitation on absences but should not exceed 5 days annually.

Long-Term Absence

Absence from residency education, in excess of one month within an academic year (G-1, G-2,

or G-3 year), must be made up before the resident advances to the next training level, and the time must be added to the projected date of completion of the required 36 months of training. Absence from the residency, exclusive of the one month vacation/sick time, may interrupt continuity of patient care for a maximum of three (3) months in each of the G-2 and G-3 years of training. Leave time may be interspersed throughout the year or taken as a three-month block.

Following a leave of absence of less than three months the resident is expected to return to the

program and maintain care of his or her panel of patients for a minimum of two months before any subsequent leave. Leave time must be made up before a resident advances to the next training level and the time must be added to the projected date of completion of the required 36 months of training. Residents will be permitted to take vacation time immediately prior to or subsequent to a leave of absence.

In cases where a resident is granted a leave of absence by the program or must be away

because of illness or injury, the Program Director is expected to inform the Board promptly by electronic mail of the date of departure and expected return date. It should be understood that the resident may not return to the program at a level beyond that which was attained at the time of departure.

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Leaves of absence in excess of three months are considered a violation of the continuity of care requirement. Programs and residents must be aware that the Board may require the resident to complete additional continuity of care time requirements beyond what is normally required to be eligible for certification.

Reciprocity The American Board of Family Medicine has developed reciprocity agreements with the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Diplomates of the ABFM may be eligible to seek certification by these colleges, and members in good standing of these colleges (and the Royal College of General Practitioners of Great Britain) who meet all of the other requirements of the ABFM and reside in the United States may be eligible to take the Certification Examination. Eligibility through reciprocity is available to physicians who have satisfactorily completed formal training in family medicine accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization within the country in which they are certified. Effective August 2000, Diplomates of the ABFM are no longer eligible to seek certification by the Royal College of General Practitioners of Great Britain. If you are applying for certification under one of the reciprocity agreements, please indicate the college in which you are currently a member in good standing of and the date that you were certified by examination. You must forward to the ABFM: (1) a letter from your college verifying that you are certified by examination and that you are currently a member in good standing, and (2) a letter from a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine, your hospital administrator, or the office of your local medical society attesting personal knowledge of the fact that you have established residence in the United States and that you are actively involved in family medicine in the United States. Letters written on behalf of physicians applying under agreement between the American Board of Family Medicine and the College of Family Physicians of Canada must verify that the applicant has established residence in the United States for not less than the immediate past six (6) months at the time of application. Canadian Applicants

Canadian applicants may qualify for examination via either of the following routes:

1. Physicians who have satisfactorily completed two years of training in a family medicine residency program accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada may apply for certification by the ABFM upon the successful completion of a third year of accredited family medicine residency. The third year of training must be satisfactorily completed in an ACGME-accredited family medicine program or, if taken in Canada, must be approved by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. The third year must have prior approval of the American Board of Family Medicine and bring the total residency experience into compliance with the ACGME Program Requirements for Residency Education in Family Medicine. The request must be accompanied by documentation of satisfactory performance of the first two years of training (including a description of the curriculum) signed by the Program Director.

2. Physicians who have passed the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Certification Examination in Family Medicine may apply to sit for the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Examination if they:

a) are certified by exam and a member in good standing of the College of Family Physicians of Canada at the time of application

b) have completed postgraduate residency training in family medicine accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada

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c) have been a resident of the United States for at least six (6) months d) hold a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States e) are actively involved in family medicine in the United States

Physicians approved to take the examination must maintain their good standing in the CFPC through the date of the examination.

Registrants of the Royal College of General Practitioners of Great Britain

Physicians who have been certified by the Royal College of General Practitioners by examination may apply to sit for the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Examination if they:

a) are members in good standing of the Royal College of General Practitioners b) possess a certificate of Prescribed/Equivalent experience issued by the Joint

Committee on Post Graduate Training for General Practice c) reside in the United States d) hold a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States e) are actively involved in family medicine in the United States.

Members of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners Physicians who are members of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners may apply to sit for the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Examination if they:

a) are members in good standing of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners

b) have completed the General Practice Training Programme (GPTP) c) reside in the United States d) hold a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States e) are actively involved in family medicine in the United States

Fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

Physicians who are fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners may apply to sit for the American Board of Family Medicine Certification Examination if they:

a) are members in good standing of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners b) have completed the Royal Australian College of General Practice Training Program c) reside in the United States d) hold a valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States e) are actively involved in family medicine in the United States

Medical License All candidates and Diplomates must hold a currently valid, full and unrestricted active license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada. Certification candidates may begin an application while in the process of obtaining a permanent medical license. However, a permanent license without restrictions or limitations of any kind must be obtained no later than the published deadline (June 24, 2011). No candidate will be allowed to take the examination without a current, valid, full and unrestricted permanent medical license in the U.S. or Canada.

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Institutional, temporary, and training medical licenses are not acceptable and should not be entered on the application. If a candidate uses an institutional, temporary, or training medical license to complete the application, including test center selection, and the ABFM determines that the license is not permanent, valid and unrestricted, the application will be invalidated and the candidate will be removed from any scheduled exam appointment and prevented from taking the examination. A partial refund of fees will apply. The candidate will be notified subsequent to this action. Falsification of an application is a serious violation of ABFM policies and could result in withdrawal of eligibility for an extended period of time. All licenses held by a physician, in any state or territory of the United States or province of Canada must be currently valid, full and unrestricted, whether or not the physician practices in the state, territory or province. Candidates shall be required to maintain a full and unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada even if they are out of the country for extended periods of time. Any action by a licensing authority potentially places a physician in jeopardy of losing Diplomate status and/or eligibility for certification or recertification. Should a physician be uncertain about the status of a medical license relative to ABFM policy, a written inquiry should be made to the Board prior to attempting an application. A violation of ABFM policy on licensure can be any action by a state licensing agency, agreement between a licensing agency and a physician, or voluntary action by a physician that revokes, restricts or suspends the physicians medical license. In cases where a physician has changed his/her residence deliberately to avoid prosecution, loss of license, or disciplinary action by a state licensing agency, the Board reserves the right to revoke or suspend Diplomate status and/or prohibit application for certification. Should a license be revoked, restricted, or suspended following the submission of an application but prior to the examination, the application will be invalidated and the candidate will be prevented from taking the examination. A partial refund of fees will apply. Unrestricted licenses which have become inactive (e.g. expired, nonrenewal) are not a violation of the Boards policy on licensure, as long as the physician maintains at least one other current, full, valid, and unrestricted medical license in the U.S. or Canada. Should a license be revoked, restricted, or suspended following the examination but prior to the notification of examination results, the application and certification will be simultaneously invalidated. The full examination fee will be forfeited. If and when the physician's revoked, restricted, or suspended license is reinstated in full (with no restrictions) and official written documentation of reinstatement is provided, the ABFM will honor the remainder of the current certificate and the Diplomate will not be required to be re-examined. If the current certificate has expired prior to the reinstatement of the license, the physician may make application for the next annual examination. Successful compliance with all application requirements in effect at that time will be expected. The ABFM will verify the license status of all candidates through the Federation of State Medical Boards. However, it is the responsibility of family physicians to inform the Board in writing immediately following action by a licensing authority. If the candidate fails to notify the Board of any action within 60 days after the effective date, the physician shall be ineligible to seek certification for up to one year following the reinstatement of full and unrestricted licensure. Applicants should respond "YES" to the question concerning revocation, modification, or restriction of your license, if there have been any actions taken. You will be required to provide specific information regarding the action, which will temporarily delay the processing/approval of your application until the issue has been resolved. Questions about licensure should be presented to the Board in writing.

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Continuing Medical Education CME (Note: The requirement for CME will change with the 2012 exam) Candidates who apply for the Certification Examination within three years of completing their ACGME-accredited family medicine residency are not required to document any continuing medical education. Candidates who apply after the three-year grace period must provide documentation of 50 credit hours of CME for each subsequent year up to a maximum of three hundred credits (300) for the six years immediately preceding the application. (See table below.) If you completed your residency in: 2007 -- 50 CME credit hours needed from 2010-present

2006 -- 100 CME credit hours needed from 2009-present 2005-- 150 CME credit hours needed from 2008-present 2004 -- 200 CME credit hours needed from 2007-present 2003 -- 250 CME credit hours needed from 2006-present 2002 & before -- 300 CME credit hours needed from 2005-present

Formal refresher courses and seminars of high quality are preferred. All CME credits are subject to final approval by the American Board of Family Medicine. Candidates may verify their CME either through membership in the American Academy of Family Physicians or by manual entry of CME activities in the online application. Verification of CME via the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) If you have been a continuous, active member of the AAFP since the three-year grace period after your residency, we will automatically try to verify your CME records with the AAFP as soon as you start the online application. The AAFP provides us with an electronic listing of their members who have been in good standing with their organization and who have met the ABFM requirements for CME. If we are able to verify your CME via the AAFP, it will be done automatically. If we are successful in verifying your CME, that page of the application will not appear for you to complete. However, if for any reason the Board is unable to obtain adequate CME information from the AAFP, you will be required to complete the CME page in the online application. If you are a member of the AAFP and expect that you have adequate CME on file with them but find it has not been transmitted to the ABFM, you should contact the AAFP to resolve this matter. Manual Entry of CME Records in the Online Application Any candidate for whom we do not find adequate verification of CME from the AAFP, will be presented the CME page in the online application and will be required to document their CME by entering it there. As you enter your CME within the online application, those CME activities that are the same, but completed on multiple dates, may be summarized by making one entry per year. You may list the first start date, the last end date, and a sum total of the credits for that year. For instance, if you have several 1 hour credit activities that are the same activity, through the same organization but done on different dates, you can group all together for one year. Candidates who have not fulfilled the total number of credits required at the time of application must submit additional credits no later than June 24, 2011. It is not necessary to submit certificates of CME attendance. Minimal CME Requirements Include: DIVISION I - A minimum of 180 credits (60%) must be met by the following types of CME experiences.

Items E and F pertain only to residents in formal training.

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A. Scientific sessions provided by medical schools approved by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education.

B. CME conferences or workshops carrying AMA Category I CME or AAFP prescribed CME credit.

C. Multimedia or home study correspondence courses with examinations that qualify for AMA Category I CME or AAFP prescribed CME credit upon completion.

D. Scientific portions of hospital meetings, county medical society meetings, or grand rounds

may be approved with documentation from the sponsoring organization listing the specific title, date, location, and number of credits.

E. Full-time activity (as a resident) in an accredited Family Medicine residency, a mini residency,

or a fellowship in Family Medicine may receive a maximum of 10 credits per week toward the CME requirement.

F. Full-time activity (as a resident) in an accredited residency or fellowship in a discipline other

than Family Medicine may receive up to 15 CME credits per quarter, not to exceed 50 credits per year, to a maximum of 150 credits.

G. Other CME activities carrying AMA Category I CME or AAFP prescribed CME credit, such as

documented point of care learning, participation in quality improvement projects, etc.

H. An educational program of a university or college having a defined curriculum, designated faculty, and accreditation from a recognized institutional accrediting organization1 or an agency2 recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, that is designed to enhance a participants instructional, research, administrative, or clinical knowledge and skills necessary for the participant to succeed as an educator, administrator, or practitioner in Family Medicine. Fifty (50) CME credits per year to a maximum of 90 credits on an hour for hour contact basis may be received.

I. Full or part-time faculty development fellowships offered by ACGME-accredited residency

programs leading to a post-graduate degree or certificate that prepares physicians for future faculty positions in academic medicine, or provides continuing professional development for current faculty, may receive CME credit on an hour for hour contact basis to a maximum of 90 credits.

J. Members of a Self-Assessment Module (SAM) Knowledge Development Team for Maintenance of Certification for Family Physicians may receive AMA Category I CME or AAFP prescribed CME credit as approved by the respective organizations.

DIVISION II - A maximum of 120 credits (40%) of the CME requirement may be composed of the

following four areas, with no single area exceeding 60 credits of the requirement.

A. Teaching medical students and/or physicians.

B. Individual medically-related educational activities not formally accredited may be claimed as follows:

1. use of audiotapes, videotapes, films, sound slides, etc. 2. participation in telephone, television, radio networks 3. programmed medical materials such as teaching machines, computer programs 4. medical reading and journal club participation

C. Review of manuscripts for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal may be claimed, 3 credits per manuscript, up to a maximum of 30 credits.

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D. Publication of a review or research article in a peer reviewed medical journal may receive 10 credits per article to a maximum of 30 credits.

Successful completion of ABFM MC-FP activities will provide the appropriate amounts of CME credit which have been approved by the AAFP as Prescribed Credit:

Self-Assessment Module (SAM) Performance in Practice Module (PPM) Methods in Medicine Module (MIMM)

Please refer to the ABFM website for information on external provider modules and any associated CME credit. All CME credits are subject to final approval of the ABFM.

1 e.g. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; 2 e.g. Council on Education for Public Health [CEPH].

Special Testing Accommodations The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) for individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodation. In accordance with these Acts, ABFM does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in providing access to its examination program. For the purpose of requesting test accommodations, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 defines a person with a disability as someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, standing, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating or working. The purpose of accommodations is to provide equal access to ABFM examinations for all individuals. Accommodations match up with the identified functional limitation so that the area of impairment is relieved by means of an auxiliary aid or an adjustment to the testing procedure. Functional limitation refers to the aspects of a disability that interfere with an individuals ability to function in some capacity on a regular and continuing basis. The purpose of documentation is to validate that an applicant for test accommodations is a disabled individual as defined by the ADAAA and to provide guidance in determining effective accommodations. Comprehensive information by a qualified professional is necessary to allow ABFM to understand the nature and extent of the applicants disability and the resulting functional impairment that limits access to its examinations. It is essential that an applicants documentation provide a clear explanation of the functional impairment and a rationale for the requested accommodation. No candidate shall be offered an accommodation that would compromise the ABFM examinations ability to test accurately the skills and knowledge it purports to measure and no auxiliary aid or service will be provided which will fundamentally alter the examination or will result in an undue burden to ABFM. General Guidelines for all Disabilities The following guidelines are provided to assist the applicant in documenting a need for accommodation based on an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The examinee must personally initiate a request for accommodations within the on-line application, or for release of information relative to an accommodations request. Documentation submitted in support of a request may be referred by the ABFM to experts in the appropriate area of disability for a

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fair and impartial professional review. Accommodation requests by a third party (such as an evaluator or a program director) cannot be honored.

Documentation of disability assists the ABFM in determining reasonable accommodations and/or services, which are provided on a case-by-case basis. If the submitted documentation is incomplete or does not support the request, the applicant will be asked to provide additional documentation. The cost of obtaining all documentation is borne by the applicant. The documentation submitted should be as comprehensive as possible in order to allow the ABFM to make an informed decision on the accommodation request and to avoid delays in the decision-making process. Documentation in support of a request for accommodations should be submitted to the ABFM early enough to allow sufficient time to review the request and implement reasonable accommodations and/or services. Documentation must be provided by a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience, and has no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated. The individual making the diagnosis must be qualified to do so (e.g. an orthopedic limitation might be documented by a physician, but not a licensed psychologist). Documentation should be typed or printed on official letterhead with the name, title, professional credentials, address, phone number, and signature of the evaluator, as well as the date of the report.

The documentation must be current. Because the provision of reasonable accommodations is based on an assessment of the current impact of the applicants disability on the testing activity, it is important that the individual provide recent documentation. As the manifestations of a disability may vary over time and in different settings, it is expected that an evaluation will have been conducted within the past three years. Certain conditions such as some physical and psychiatric conditions are subject to change and should be updated for current functioning. To support a request for test accommodations, please submit a detailed, comprehensive written report from your treating professional describing your disability and its impact on your daily functioning. The report should also explain the need for the requested accommodations relative to your impairment. The report and accompanying documentation should clearly state the following:

A specific, professionally recognized diagnosis of the disability using diagnostic codes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or other professionally recognized formulation.

A description of the functional limitations resulting from the diagnosed disability, including the identification of the major life activity that is limited by the disability, and how that major life activity is impacted.

A description of the specific diagnostic criteria and names of the diagnostic tests used, including date(s) of evaluation, specific test results and a detailed interpretation of the test results. This description should include the results of diagnostic procedures and tests utilized and should include relevant educational, developmental, and medical history.

Specific test results using standard scores should be reported to support the diagnosis. Diagnostic methods used should be appropriate to the disability and current professional practices within the field. Any additional informal or non-standardized evaluation procedures should be described in enough detail that other professionals could understand their role and significance in the diagnostic process.

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Copies of records relating to and documenting the candidates disability, including a complete educational, developmental, and/or medical history relevant to the disability for which testing accommodations are being requested.

A recommendation of specific accommodations and/or assistive devices for the ABFM

examinations including a detailed explanation of why these accommodations or devices are needed and how they will reduce the impact of the identified functional limitations.

Identification of the professional credentials of the evaluator that qualify him/her to make the

particular diagnosis, including information about license or certification and specialization in the area of the diagnosis. The evaluator should present evidence of comprehensive training and direct experience in the diagnosis and treatment of adults in the specific area of disability.

If accommodations have not been requested previously, provide a detailed explanation as to why no accommodations were sought in the past and why accommodations are needed now. Send your documentation to: Accommodations Coordinator

American Board of Family Medicine 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Ste. 550 Lexington, KY 40511-1247

All required documentation must be received by the final deadline for submitting an application. The last day to approve requests for special testing accommodations is the final deadline for clearing application deficiencies. After that date, requests that are lacking information or are incomplete for any reason will not be processed and the candidate will be required to take the exam under normal testing conditions or defer to a future examination. For further information regarding Special Testing Accommodations, specifically disabilities such as learning and cognitive disorders, ADHD, physical disabilities, vision disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities, please refer to the Policy Statement for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance available on our website. Agreement Page of Application On this page of the online application, you are asked to attest to having read the Candidate Information Booklet including the full Agreement at the end of the Candidate Information Booklet, and are agreeing to be bound by the conditions therein. You are also confirming that all the information provided in the application is complete and true. Your full name and ABFM ID number will be presented to identify that you are the person signing the agreement. You are asked to electronically sign the agreement by clicking, Yes I Agree and by providing the last four digits of your social security number. Approval of Application and Selection of Exam Date/Location Once all components of your application are completed and all deficiencies are cleared, we consider you as approved for the exam and the ABFM notifies Prometric that you are eligible to select your testing date, time and location. We strongly urge candidates to select a testing date and location as early as possible prior to May 9, 2011. Although we will allow test center selections after May 9, 2011, there will be very limited availability as candidates will be selecting their centers in competition with other Prometric examinees.

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On the Prometric website you can check availability of seats prior to making your final selection of date/location. You may check for available seats at any time during the application process; however, seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis, therefore availability is constantly changing. To search for available seats, click on the link www.prometric.com/abfm, select start and select your state then Search for Seat Availability. Once your application is approved, you may select a date/location through your ABFM application where you will be redirected to the Prometric website to see the most current available test dates and locations. Once you have made your selection, within 24 hours you will receive a confirming email from the ABFM with your selected date/location. When you have the confirming email for the selected date/location, you can return to your Physician Portfolio and print your E-Ticket. If you need to reschedule, please refer to the Reschedule or Withdraw from the Exam section below for instructions. Please note that you must select a test date and location no later than July 1, 2011. Be advised that not all test centers are available on all exam dates. Exam Test Sites United States, U.S. Territories and Canada Prometric provides testing in approximately 330 U.S. locations as well as 13 locations in Canada and several international locations. The full list of locations is always available on their website and is updated for each exam administration to add new locations or delete those no longer being utilized. For specific locations of available testing centers go to www.prometric.com/abfm and click on Locate a Test Center. International Test Centers The ABFM and Prometric offer testing at several international locations. Prometric has in place an established network of professional test centers providing the same high level of security, candidate verification and secure exam administration as their U.S. testing locations. To search for available international locations, go to www.prometric.com/abfm and click on Locate a Test Center and select the country you prefer to see if there is a location there. Once you select an international testing location, you will be prompted to submit the international testing fee of $200. This is an additional cost beyond the normal application fee and is applicable only to the international sites. After confirmation of your appointment at an international location, please return to your online application to pay this fee. If after paying the international testing fee, you withdraw or cancel your exam appointment 5 days or more from the exam date, the $200 fee may be refunded; however, any withdraw or cancellation less than 5 days from the scheduled exam date will result in forfeiture of the $200 international testing fee. On exam day, all candidates will be required to sign the logbook, show a valid government-issued identification (bearing a signature and photo) and a fingerprint scan to be admitted for testing. If the primary ID does not contain a signature and photo, a secondary form of ID will be required. Additionally, in an effort to prevent any prohibited electronic devices, admittance to the testing room will require scanning by a metal detector wand.

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E-Ticket (Electronic Admission Ticket) The E-Ticket for the exam will be available to print as soon as you receive the test center selection confirmation email from the ABFM. The receipt of this email may take up to 24 hours from the time you make a selection of date/time/location. Upon receipt of this email, you can then return to your Physician Portfolio and click on the E-Ticket link. By clicking the E-Ticket link you will be presented with the E-Ticket on your screen with a prompt to Print E-Ticket in the upper right corner of the screen. You must have this ticket with you at the exam because it contains a six-digit Validation Code that must be entered into the computer to begin the exam. Please review the E-Ticket thoroughly since it contains critical information about the examination, your Validation Code, Exam Confirmation Number, and the location of the testing center. Please note your name on record with the ABFM must be the same as the ID which you will present for admittance to the exam. Any discrepancy in your name will potentially delay or prevent your being admitted to the exam. The last day to make a name change is June 24, 2011. If you need to reprint your E-Ticket, there is always a copy in your Physician Portfolio. Reschedule or Withdraw from the Exam Reschedule Exam

Candidates who need to reschedule their exam date and/or location for the exam may do so through the ABFM website which will redirect you to Prometrics website. To reschedule, you will be required to enter your Exam Confirmation Number from your Test Center Selection Email or your E-Ticket. You may reschedule an exam appointment at no cost if done at least 30 days or more prior to your scheduled exam date. Rescheduling within 29 to 5 days prior to your scheduled exam will result in a reschedule fee of $35. Any reschedule within 4 days to 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam will result in a reschedule fee of $60. The deadline to reschedule an exam is 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam appointment. All reschedule fees will be payable to Prometric at the time of reschedule. Cancelling Exam

If you choose to withdraw from the exam, you must do so on the ABFM website. Do not contact Prometric directly to cancel your exam. In order to prevent a cancellation fee you must withdraw 30 days or more prior to your scheduled exam date. Cancelling or withdrawing from the exam within 29 to 5 days prior to your scheduled exam date will incur a cancellation fee of $35. Any cancellation/withdraw less than 5 days prior to your scheduled exam date will result in a seat fee of $150 and forfeiture of $200 paid for international testing fee (if applicable). Please refer to our Refund policy for additional information regarding a refund.

EXAM INFORMATION Facts About the Examination The American Board of Family Medicine MC-FP Examination is a test of cognitive knowledge and problem-solving abilities relevant to Family Medicine. Appropriate subject areas of the following disciplines are included: Community Medicine; Adult Medicine; Maternity Care; Gynecology; Care of Neonates, Infants, Children and Adolescents; Behavior & Mental Health; The Surgical Patient; and The Older Patient. Elements of the examination include, but are not limited to, diagnosis, management, and prevention of disease. The examination consists of five sections and is a full day in length.

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The examination is offered in computer-based format. Key points concerning the computer-based examination are as follows:

1. Extensive familiarity with computers is not required, but the use of a computer keyboard and computer mouse should be within the experience of all candidates

2. An online tutorial (exam orientation) is available on our website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to gain familiarity with the computer-based testing system by logging on to https://www.theabfm.org/examtutorial.htm. You can also access the tutorial from the ABFM home page: www.theabfm.org, by clicking on Certification/Recertification Exam, then, Exam Preparation, and select Exam Tutorial from the list of documents at the bottom of that page.

3. On exam day there will be a brief orientation/tutorial prior to starting the exam allowing candidates to re-familiarize themselves with the exam process.

4. The examination is proctored by staff from Prometric, the computer based vendor used by the ABFM to administer the exam. In view of the numerous exams administered by Prometric, all of which are unique in their function and format, testing center staff are not expected to provide detailed assistance for ABFM candidates. It is not the responsibility of Prometric staff to provide assistance on things such as navigating through the exam or resolving any misjudgments made by the candidate. Candidates need to carefully read the on-screen messages in order to respond correctly. To do otherwise may result in loss of exam or break time, which cannot be altered by Prometric staff. Prior to your exam day, you should become familiar with the operational procedures of the exam through the online tutorial and make yourself fully aware of the exam schedule.

5. Computer-based testing options include the ability to navigate forward and backward through the exam, mark items for further review, review answered, unanswered and marked items. Items must be reviewed or changed prior to expiration of time for that section. Once an exam section is ended by the candidate or the exam has timed out, you cannot return to questions in that section. The examination screen contains a timer in the top right corner showing the time remaining for the current exam section. A listing of completed questions, incomplete questions, and marked items can be accessed by clicking the Review button at the bottom of the exam screen.

From the Review screen, you are able to:

click the button Review All, which returns to question one, click the button Review Incomplete, which returns to the first incomplete (unanswered)

question, click the button Review Marked, which returns to the first question you marked for

review, or double-click on any of the numbered questions listed which returns you to that specific

question.

When you have selected to either Review All, Incomplete or Marked the NEXT button will take you to the next item in the type questions you have chosen to review. If you opted to review Incomplete questions you will only be presented with the next sequential question that is incomplete.

You may end the exam by clicking End. If you click End you will not be able to return to any of the questions in that section. Note: there is a pop-up box for you to confirm that you truly wish to end the exam section. Clicking No will return you to the review screen for further review of that section.

6. The morning, lunch, and afternoon scheduled breaks will begin automatically when you complete or purposely end the exam section just prior to the break period. Once the clock has started for your break period, you will have the option of using all the break time, or clicking Next to end the

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break and start the next exam section. The time allotted for the break is indicated by the exam clock in the upper right corner of the exam screen. This clock will count down the time remaining for the break section. If you click Next indicating you wish to end the break and move to the next set of questions, you will be provided a pop-up box message asking you to confirm your decision to end the break. We ask that you carefully read all messages presented on the screen to prevent inadvertently clicking through a scheduled break that you wanted to take.

Once the examination begins, if the examinee fails to complete and/or attempt any part of the exam, he/she must understand that any questions not answered, will be counted as incorrect. When there are unanswered items, or exam sections that are not attempted, additional time will not be allowed for completion, nor will there be any refund of the exam fee or credit toward future fees.

Failure to follow instructions on the computer or instructions provided by the test administrator can result in an examinee's entire test being voided.

Exam Admittance & Testing Vendor Information

Candidates should report promptly to the assigned test center at least 30 minutes prior to the appointment time listed on the E-Ticket. This allows time for completing the registration process which includes verifying ID, E-Ticket, signature, emptying of pockets, metal detector wanding and possibly a fingerprint scan.

Please understand that Prometric is responsible for and dedicated to ensuring that all candidates are given the same opportunity to test under the same testing conditions. Test security plays a major role in their ensuring that no examinee has an advantage over another. Additionally, they are contractually responsible to the ABFM for protection and security of our exam content. This is the reason for the security measures utilized by Prometric on behalf of all their clients in a continuous effort to provide the best testing conditions possible.

The E-Ticket and one form of positive identification must be brought to the test center in order to be admitted. The ID must be a government-issued, non-expired ID, containing both a photo and signature. The ID must be one of the following: drivers license, passport, or a state/county identification card. The name on the ID must be the same as the name on your E-Ticket. Employee IDs/work badges, school IDs, and credit cards are NOT acceptable as an ID. Candidates presenting with an ID that does not match the name of record with the ABFM or with an expired ID will not be admitted to the exam.

If you have a primary ID that is government-issued and contains a photo but is lacking a signature (such as military ID) you will be asked to provide a secondary ID that contains a signature. The secondary ID with signature must have the name pre-printed exactly as your name appears on your E-Ticket.

Personal items, such as cellular phones, hand-held computers/personal digital assistants (PDAs), a watch or time piece of any kind, or other electronic devices, pagers, any writing instrument or paper, purses, hats, bags, books, and notes are not allowed in the testing room and we strongly encourage you to leave them at home or in your car. If you take a cellular telephone or any electronic device into the examination room (even by accident), you risk invalidation of your entire examination.

Sweaters or jackets must be worn if taken into the exam room. You must store all personal items in a locker. Candidates are NOT permitted to take any examination materials from the test center or to make written notes of the contents of the exam. Candidates found to be violating these rules will have their test performance voided.

During an active exam, examinees may not use telephones, leave the examination center (except for schedules breaks), or communicate with one another in any way. Furthermore, examinees may not

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discuss the content of the questions with anyone during or following the examination. Candidates who do so will have their test performance voided.

An erasable note board and marker will be provided at your workstation during the exam for any work preparatory to answering a specific question. All note boards and markers must be turned in at the conclusion of the exam. No other writing instrument (pen or pencil) or papers are permitted in the exam room.

Prometric, the ABFMs computer-based testing vendor, administers examinations for a variety of clients. Consequently, ABFM Diplomates and candidates may be testing with others who are required to use the computer keyboard to type their answers. Any noise due to keyboard clicking can be minimized by use of ear plugs or headphones available at the exam center. Module Choices

You will be prompted to choose your two Module topics on exam day during the examination. Provided below are the descriptions to help you determine and prepare for the (2) Modules you anticipate taking.

The entire exam is broken into (5) separate sections. The Modules will be presented as the second and third sections of the exam. Each Module will be allotted 45 minutes and each will consist of 45 multiple choice questions. The two Modules will be timed separately and once the first module is finished or timed out, you will select and complete the second Module. You will not be permitted to go back to review the first module once you have completed and closed it. Furthermore, once you have selected a particular module and confirmed your selection, you cannot change your selection.

The module choices are:

Ambulatory Family Medicine This module covers office-based care of patients of all ages. Conditions covered may include both acute and chronic disease, common office emergencies (such as anaphylaxis, chest pain), minor trauma, psychosocial and behavioral issues, and preventive care. Management of patients with multiple problems, family dynamics, clinician-patient communication, and working with other members of the health care team may also be included.

Child and Adolescent Care This module covers acute and chronic diseases, developmental issues, and preventive care, including screening and immunization. Possible topics include infectious diseases, normal and abnormal growth and development, congenital problems, psychological and psychosocial issues, dehydration, obesity, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis. Problems of infants (such as failure to thrive, hyperbilirubinemia, and feeding problems) may also be included. The age range is from newborn to age 21.

Geriatrics This module covers problems and diseases in the population over 65. Some of these may not be specific to this age group, but may require a change in approach in the older patient. Possible topics include infectious diseases commonly seen in the elderly, such as pneumonia; chronic problems such as osteoporosis and Parkinsons disease; normal aging; nursing-home care; psychiatric issues such as dementia and delirium; and preventive care, including screening and patient education about nutrition, exercise, and fall prevention. Functional assessment, pain management, and end-of-life issues will also be covered.

Womens Health This module covers problems and conditions specific to women, excluding pregnancy. Examples include menstrual disorders, contraception, and STDs; reproductive and breast cancers; conditions

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most commonly seen in women, such as osteoporosis and eating disorders; and preventive care, including screening and patient education. Behavioral issues such as abuse may also be included.

Maternity Care This module covers prenatal care, antepartum care, and postpartum care. It does not include the management of high-risk pregnancy, but may include the management of acute and chronic disease in pregnant women. Topics covered include such things as screening, nutrition, management of labor and delivery, complications of pregnancy, and key concepts of advanced life support in obstetrics. Selected neonatal problems such as ABO incompatibility and neonatal resuscitation may also be covered.

Emergent/Urgent Care This module covers conditions in patients of all ages that require prompt immediate attention, such as those seen in urgent or emergency care settings. Both major and minor conditions will be included. Assessment, triage, stabilization, and disposition of acute medical and surgical problems will be evaluated. Conditions may include musculoskeletal trauma; lacerations; cardiac and respiratory distress; assessment of acute exacerbations of chronic disease, such as asthma attacks or diabetic ketoacidosis; cardiac problems; and conditions with environmental etiologies, such as heat, cold, or toxins.

Hospital Medicine This module covers inpatient care of conditions requiring hospitalization. Topics may include infectious diseases such as sepsis; pre-operative and postsurgical care; myocardial infarction/acute coronary syndromes/unstable angina; stroke; fluid management; and management of patients with multiple comorbidities. Questions may also assess coordination of care with other members of the health care team and discharge management. Advanced ICU/CCU care (ventilator and Swan-Ganz catheter management) will not be covered.

Sports Medicine This module covers issues related to participation in sports and exercise, by both competitive and recreational athletes of school age and older. It does not include care of elite athletes such as Olympic athletes, professional athletes, or members of NCAA Division I sports teams. It includes the management of trauma due to acute injury or overuse; preparticipation evaluation of both recreational and competitive athletes, as well as individuals engaging in exercise for health reasons; nutrition; physiology and biomechanics; and benefits of exercise for prevention and management of disease. Comfort Aids

Items allowed in testing room (all other personal items must be stored in locker): Eyeglasses Hearing aids Earplugs Neck Braces or collars Insulin Pump Sweaters, sweatshirts, blazers must be worn at all times; they cannot hang on the back of the

candidates chair if removed must be placed in locker. Pillows for back/neck support due to injury are permitted but require advance notification and

inspection. Motorized cart or Wheel Chair Crutches, Cane, Walker Religious Headwear/Scarf/Hat Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens Unit) Test Monitors without bloodletting / attached to candidate Extra chair or footstool to support injured leg is permitted but requires advance notification

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The following items are provided by Prometric: Tissues Dry erase board and marker (no other writing surface or writing instrument allowed)

Items that must be stored in the locker or left with the Test Center Administrator: Cough drops and throat lozenges Required oral medication Antacids Source of Rapid Glucose Chewing Gum Not allowed in test room Eye drops (prescription or over the counter) Diabetic Test Equipment (Glucose Monitor) Lip Balm Candy as substitute for smoking; to relieve test anxiety Asthma Puff Inhalers

Study Materials

The Board does not provide bibliographies or review materials. However, you may find it helpful to read a section on our website titled Exam Preparation. This can be found on our website: www.theabfm.org by clicking on Certification/Recertification and then selecting Exam Preparation. Here you will find videos as well as documents regarding study tips. Also contained in that same section under Certification/Recertification you will find the topic of Exam Descriptions which provides additional information regarding the ABFM exam blueprint.

Prometric Information

Prometric is the computer-based testing vendor the ABFM uses to administer the exam. To locate a test center or to obtain specific directions to your test site, please visit their website at www.prometric.com/abfm. If you need further assistance, we ask that you do not call Prometric directly; instead, please contact the ABFM Support Center at (877) 223-7437 or at help@theabfm.org.

Exam Day Schedule

Please note that exam start times may vary due to the fact that candidates can schedule their exam appointment at different times. Candidates who arrive 30 minutes or more after their scheduled exam time will be considered tardy and will not be permitted to test. SAMPLE FOR 8:30 AM START TIME - 2011 MC-FP Examinations 8:00- 8:30 AM Registration, Checking ID, and Seating

Approx. 8:30 - 8: 45 Enter Validation Code, Review of ABFM rules, Exam Tutorial, Instructions for Exam Section 1

Approx. 8:45 Exam Section 1 = 120 Multiple Choice Questions (120 Minutes)

Approx. 10:45 Scheduled Optional Break* (15 Minutes)

Approx. 11:00 Re-entry of Validation Code, Introduction to Sections 2 & 3 (Modular Exams) & Selection of 1st Module Topic

Approx. 11:05 Exam Section 2 = 1st Module, 45 Multiple Choice Questions (45 Minutes)

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Approx. 11:50 Selection of 2nd Module Topic and Start of Exam Section 3 = 2nd Module, 45 Multiple Choice Questions (45 Minutes)

Approx. 12:40 Scheduled Optional Break* Lunch (70 Minutes) Approx. 1:50 Re-entry of Validation Code, Instructions for Exam Section 4 Approx. 1:55 Exam Section 4 = 80 Multiple Choice Questions (95 Minutes)

Approx. 3:30 Scheduled Optional Break* (15 Minutes) Approx. 3:45 Re-entry of Validation Code, Instructions for Exam Section 5 Approx. 3:50 Exam Section 5 = 80 Multiple Choice Questions (95 Minutes) Approx. 5:25 Brief Exam Survey (5 Minutes) Approx. 5:30 End of exam day * Scheduled Optional Breaks - Candidates may take all, part or none of optional break time. Unused break time is not cumulative, cannot be accrued or applied to testing time and is forfeited if unused. If you inadvertently click through the break period by incorrectly responding to the prompts, the break time will be forfeited. NOTE: All exam sections are timed and once that section is completed, voluntarily quit, or timed out, the questions in that section cannot be accessed again. ABFM Policies Examination Administration Protocols and Procedures Violation of Written Procedures - Registration Process

E-Ticket Any candidate who is unable to present a valid E-Ticket at the testing site must telephone the ABFM to obtain the validation code and other pertinent information. Prometric will not have this information. The candidate will not be permitted to use the testing center phone but should call from the lobby by using their personal cell phone or locate and use the nearest pay phone.

Government-Issued Form of Identification

A candidate is required to present a non-expired government-issued, photo and signature bearing ID in order to be admitted to the exam. Anyone unable to present a valid ID with signature or whose name does not match the name on the eligibility file provided to Prometric, will be denied admission to the examination. If you have a primary ID that is government-issued and contains a photo but is lacking a signature (such as military ID) you will be asked to provide a secondary ID that does contain a signature. The secondary ID with signature must have the name pre-printed exactly as your name appears on your E-Ticket. Acceptable identification includes: drivers license, passport, state/county identification card, or other government-issued ID.

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Metal Detector Wands As a secure means for the candidate to enter and exit the testing room, a scan by a metal detector wand will be used. The scanning will be conducted in full view of the surveillance camera in the admitting area and if any prohibited items are found, you will be instructed to place them in the locker provided. Refusal to be scanned may delay the process but you will still be admitted into the exam.

Violation of Written Procedures within the Testing Room

Areas within a testing vendors jurisdiction and control are generally recognized as the examination registration area, waiting area, locker area, and testing room. Active Testing is any period during which a candidates exam time clock is running.

Possession or Use of Prohibited Instructional Information or Personal Items If a candidate while actively testing is observed to have prohibited instructional information or personal items in his or her possession, which may include but not be limited to reference materials, texts, articles, review materials, written notes, electronic media, devices designed to augment knowledge or recall, a watch or timepiece of any kind, cellular telephone, pager, personal digital assistant (PDA), mini-computer, camera, paper/writing surface or writing instrument (not provided by Prometric) the test administrator will immediately advise the candidate that a violation of the ABFM testing policy has occurred. The candidate will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of the ABFM investigation. All materials found in the examination room will be inventoried by the test administrator and listed in a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

Communication with Others If a candidate while actively testing is observed communicating with another ABFM candidate in the examination room, regarding medical information, exam content, or unknown topics, regardless of mode of communication, the test administrator will advise the candidates that a violation of the ABFM testing policy has occurred. The candidates will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of the ABFM investigation. The test administrator will provide a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

Looking at the Answers of Another Candidate If a candidate while actively testing is observed looking at the answers of another ABFM candidate, the candidate will be advised that a violation of ABFM testing policy has occurred. The candidate will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of the ABFM investigation. The test administrator will provide a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

Violation of Written Procedures within the Registration, Waiting, or Locker Areas

Possession or Use of Prohibited Instructional Information or Personal Items If a candidate while actively testing (e.g. on an unscheduled break) removes prohibited instructional information or personal items which may include but not be limited to reference materials, texts, articles, review materials, written notes, electronic media, devices designed to augment knowledge or recall, a watch or timepiece of any kind, cellular telephone, pager, personal digital assistant (PDA), mini-computer, camera, paper/writing surface or writing instrument (not provided by Prometric) from his or her locker and the removal of items is observed by testing personnel the test administrator will immediately instruct the candidate to return the prohibited item to the locker. If the candidate is not compliant, the test administrator will remind the candidate of the requirements for testing during an active exam. If the material or personal items have not been accessed the candidate may continue testing without penalty. However, if the prohibited information or personal item has been accessed, the candidate will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of the ABFM investigation. All

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materials removed from the locker by the candidate will be inventoried by the test administrator and listed in a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

Communication with Others If a candidate while actively testing is observed communicating with other persons, including but not limited to other candidates, regarding medical information, exam content, or unknown topics, regardless of mode of communication, the test administrator will immediately determine the nature of the conversation and remind all parties involved that no communication of any kind is permitted during active testing. The candidate(s) will be warned that testing will continue without penalty, but a repeat violation will terminate the testing process. The test administrator will provide a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

Violation of Written Procedures in External Areas

External areas are defined as locations within the building that houses the testing center which are not under the vendors direct purview, such as bathrooms, lobbies, foyers, and cafeterias, but are observable by interested parties such as other candidates or test center personnel.

Possession or Use of Prohibited Instructional Information or Personal Items If a candidate while actively testing (e.g. on an unscheduled break) is observed to have prohibited instructional information or personal items in his or her possession, which may include but not be limited to reference materials, texts, articles, review materials, written notes, electronic media, devices designed to augment knowledge or recall, a watch or time piece of any kind, cellular telephone, pager, personal digital assistant, mini-computer, camera, paper/writing surface or writing instrument (not provided by Prometric) the test administrator will immediately advise the candidate that a violation of the ABFM testing policy has occurred. The candidate will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of an ABFM investigation. All materials found in the examination room will be inventoried by the test administrator and listed in a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

Communication with Others

If a candidate while actively testing (e.g. on an unscheduled break) is observed communicating with other persons, including but not limited to other candidates, regarding unknown topics, the test administrator will immediately attempt to determine the nature of the conversation and remind all parties involved that no communication of any kind is permitted during active testing. The candidate(s) will be warned that testing will continue without penalty, but a repeat violation will terminate the testing process. The test administrator will provide a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

Examination Administration Parameters

Failure to Comply With Specific Test Administrator Instructions During the testing day, candidates must comply with the directions/instructions of the test administrator. Any candidate who does not follow the instructions of the test administrator may be subject to dismissal from the testing center and/or having his or her examination invalidated.

Late Arrivals Any candidate who arrives 30 minutes or more after his/her scheduled start time will be considered tardy and will not be seated or permitted to test.

A Vendor-Caused Delay If a candidate arrives at the test center on time, but begins the exam later than the scheduled appointment time or due to a technical issue or other vendor-caused delay, the candidate will be given the full amount of testing time. Any candidate in this situation will be seated as quickly as possible.

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Unscheduled Breaks During Testing The ABFM recognizes that candidates may need to take an unscheduled break from testing while the exam clock continues to run. Extended absences, multiple breaks, or excessive cumulative time away from testing will be subject to scrutiny by the ABFM. Additionally the policies of the building housing the testing center regarding smoking, possession of foods and beverages either in the lobby or the grounds outside the building must be obeyed. Guideline for the Handling of Critical Irregularities During Exam Administration

An Interruption Not Controlled by the Candidate An examination interrupted by external causes or technological problems not controlled by the candidate will be continued if at all possible. All interruptions in testing greater than one hour will be reported to the ABFM by the test administrator or other designated employee. If the examination is predicted to resume within the next hour, candidates will be encouraged to remain at the testing center to complete the examination. Candidates who wish to leave will have their examination rescheduled at a mutually convenient time for the candidate, the ABFM, and the Vendor. Any exam section that is not completed will be replaced for any subsequent testing. (e.g. if a candidate has completed 100 of 120 questions, the entire test form will be replaced and the candidate will subsequently take a new 120 question form.) Should an interruption exceed two hours, candidates will be advised that testing for the day has terminated and the examination will be rescheduled at the earliest possible mutually convenient time for completion of the examination.

Scoring the Examination Following an Interruption Any candidate whose examination was interrupted longer