Ensuring Fairness and Equity

Keeping ABPMR Examinations Secure

The ability to assure the public of our diplomates' knowledge and skills is central to the mission of the ABPMR. Because the main way we measure knowledge and skills is through secure examinations, keeping those exams secure is one of the most important things we do.

Exam security means taking all steps necessary to ensure candidates cannot and do not cheat on ABPMR examinations. This includes efforts such as monitoring candidates during examinations, forensic data analysis, confidential reports, and more.

When applying for an examination, all ABPMR examination candidates are required to abide by our Examination Irregularity Policy, Nondisclosure Policy, and Cooperation Agreement. Click here to read these policies in full.

Consequences For Sharing Information

The exam security policies stipulate that you cannot share any examination content or questions with anyone before, during, or after an examination under any circumstance. It's natural to want to talk to others about an important event like board exams, but please remember the consequences for doing so:

You could, just by chatting with a friend about a question on the exam, invalidate your board certification, get barred from future examinations, and jeopardize your future in physiatry.

You've worked so hard for so long to achieve board certification, then to maintain it over your career. Don’t throw away your board certification and all that entails over a casual conversation with serious consequences.

Confidential Tipline

Submit a Confidential Tip

If you witness another candidate sharing secure examination information, please share your experience with the ABPMR by using our confidential tip line or confidential form. Like you, we believe no physiatrist should enjoy an unfair advantage when it comes to board certification. We may follow up with you for more information, but we will always keep your information and identity secure.

Security & Exam Results

A Note on Security Measures and Exam Results

Have you ever wondered why it takes several weeks for the ABPMR to release examination results, even from computer-based tests? It's all about ensuring exam reliability, validity, and security.

Following initial data formatting, item review, and key validation, the ABPMR conducts additional exam security tests following each examination administration. This includes forensic data analysis of candidates in the same residency training programs, candidates taking the exam at the same testing center, comparing past examination performance, and other response pattern analysis designed to detect irregular behavior.

For this reason, the ABPMR releases exam results four to six weeks following the exam date. For more details on the behind-the-scenes steps involved, read the News Center article Why Exam Results Take Weeks to Release.