The following section provides you with specific details for the Hematology
Certification examination. It includes:
Key Exam Dates
| Item |
2011 |
2012 |
| Exam (Note: Dates are subject to change.) |
November 17, 2011 |
October 25, 2012 |
| Exam for Candidates Requiring Testing Accommodations Across Multiple
Days* |
November 14-18, 2011 |
November 12-16, 2012 |
| Registration Opens |
March 1, 2011 |
March 1, 2012 |
| Deadline Registration |
May 1, 2011 |
May 1, 2012 |
| Late Registration (requires a non-refundable late fee) |
May 2, 2011 |
May 2, 2012 |
| Deadline Late Registration |
June 1, 2011 |
June 1, 2012 |
| Deadline Cancellation |
September 1, 2011 |
September 1, 2012 |
* These testing dates are available only to
candidates with a documented disability requiring additional testing
time, as provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please
see the ABIM policy on
Testing Accommodations for Exam Takers with Disabilities.
Results will be released within three months of the last test date
for this area.
Responsibility for Deadline Compliance - It is the sole
responsibility of the 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 its examinations. Candidates are encouraged to
apply early in the registration period. All registration is done
through the
Physician Login.Top
Exam Content and Blueprint
What Does the Examination Cover?
Click here to see the detailed
Hematology Certification exam blueprint (pdf), which includes the content
areas covered, their relative percentages, and the approximate number of
questions in each area to expect on a typical exam.
Exam Administration
The exam lasts one day. Multiple editions, or "forms," of the exam are used,
and they may differ in question order and content. Some questions require the
interpretation of illustrative materials such as electrocardiograms, radiographs
and photomicrographs (e.g., blood films, Gram stains, urine sediments). A list
of normal laboratory values is provided. Refer to this list to interpret values
given in the questions because they may differ from those to which you are
accustomed.
Exam Development
A complete description of the process used to develop ABIM exams is available
in How Exams Are
Developed. Topics include:
- Pretesting
- Question content criteria
- Question-writing process
- Question review/editing process
- Relevance review, and more
Question Format
The exam consists of single best answer questions only. This type of question
consists of a brief statement, case history, graph, or picture followed by a
question and list of possible options. You must choose the one answer that is
better than the others; note that other options may be partially correct.
Familiarizing yourself with the question format in advance may help you work
more effectively.
Copyrighted Materials
ABIM's examinations are confidential and copyrighted under the Federal
Copyright Act. Candidates agree not to copy, reproduce, reconstruct by dictation
or other means, or disclose examination content in any manner. ABIM's Self
Evaluation Process Medical Knowledge Modules are also copyrighted works.
Candidates agree not to copy, reproduce or make any adaptations of the modules
in any manner and not to assist someone else in the infringement of these or any
other Board-copyrighted works.
Top
Scoring and Reporting of Exam Results
Scoring
The examination pass-fail decision is based on your performance on the entire
examination. Unanswered questions are scored as incorrect; therefore, you should
answer every question. The minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard
that is independent of the performance of any group of candidates. This standard
has been established by the examination committee and approved by the ABIM Board
of Directors.
Results
- After the exam is given, it will be analyzed and evaluated to ensure the
reliability of individual results.
- Your results will be released and a Score Report will be mailed to you
within three months of the last date of the exam in that area.
- ABIM website's Home Page will announce when exam results have been
released. No additional information is available until that time.
- You can obtain your pass/fail status for an exam in the exam history
section on your home page under
Physician Login
when results are released.
- Scores are provided through the mail only. Copies of your Score Report
will be maintained for two years from the date they were released. During
that period, you may obtain a copy of your Score Report upon written
request.
- Questions regarding exam results should be submitted in writing within
six months of the date results were released.
Those who pass the examination are designated as certified as diplomates of
ABIM. The certificate is valid for ten years.
Maintenance of Certification is required for renewal of certificates. The
certificates are mailed directly from the engraver within three to four months
after candidates are notified of their results. Note: your current board
certification status is reported on your
Physician Login
Home Page.
