Next Part I Exam

August 7, 2023

Part I Certification Examination

The First Step to Board Certification

Serving as the capstone to your residency training, the ABPMR Part I Examination is designed to assess your medical knowledge across the spectrum of physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Administered as a computer-based test on a single date at Pearson Professional Centers across the country, the Part I Examination assesses the knowledge and skills of candidates in a psychometrically valid manner.

Please note that the information on this page is a summary. For complete information about residency training, requirements, eligibility, and applying for the exam, please download the Certification Booklet of Information.

If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please contact the board office here.

The Exam

  • 325 questions
  • Two 3-hour sections
  • 60 minute break between sections
  • 6 hours active testing + tutorial and break

Exam Resources

Step By Step

Part I Examination - Timeline

  • 1

    Meet all requirements to apply for the examination (see the Certification Booklet of Information for more details)

  • 2

    Apply for the Part I Examination by logging into the ABPMR website

  • 3

    Receive admissibility notice from ABPMR via email with instructions to register for the examination

  • 4

    Register for an examination seat at a Pearson Professional Center near you (register early; spaces fill quickly following admissibility notices and you may have to choose a testing center in another city)

  • 5

    Take the examination

  • 6

    Get your results in 6-8 weeks

For complete information on examination eligibility and application requirements, read the ABPMR Booklet of Information regarding primary and subspecialty certification.

Download Booklet of Information

What to Expect on Exam Day

After applying for the Part I Examination, it's time to start preparing.

Click the link below for more information on registering for a seat and the logistics of exam day.

Part I Exam Day

Exam Dates & Fees


Application Windows & Fees
On-Time

November 1, 2022 - January 31, 2023

  • $795 Fee
  • $600 Processing Fee
Late

February 1 - March 1, 2023

  • $795 Fee
  • $600 Processing Fee
  • $500 Late Fee

$1,395

$1,895


Exam Date

August 7, 2023