Primary Certification
ABPMR COVID-19 Updates
The ABPMR is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority is the safety of our candidates, diplomates, and the public. Bookmark this article and check back for regular updates as we have them.
Also, please check out our COVID-19 Resources page for general information on the pandemic for clinicians, as well as COVID-19 learning opportunities with CME.
ABPMR Examinations Status Chart
August 3, 2020: Pain Medicine Exam Dates Expanded to 2-Week Window
After hearing reports that candidates were unable to find seats at a testing center near them, the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA, the administering board for the Pain Medicine Examination), offered to extend the Pain Medicine Examination date to a 2-week window for ABPMR candidates. We quickly agreed; all ABPMR candidates can now schedule on any day in that two-week window. Candidates should reach out to the ABA for more information.
July 23, 2020: Part I Examination Seat Displacements
Yesterday, the ABPMR team took swift action after hearing from Pearson VUE about Part I Examination candidates' seats being slated for displacement in August. Read more here.
June 30, 2020: Remaining Part II Examination Dates Selected
The remaining Part II Examination dates have been selected for the 2020 administration. In addition to the September 12-13 date already announced, additional administrations will be conducted on October 17-18 and November 7-8, 2020. Read more here.
June 18, 2020: LA-PM&R Platform Upgrade, 2020 Program Updates
To help ease the burden on diplomates during this demanding time, the ABPMR is announcing additional major program changes for Longitudinal Assessment for PM&R (LA-PM&R) for 2020 as well as an upcoming upgrade to the platform. Read more in today's article.
May 27, 2020: Part II Examination To Be Administered Virtually This Fall
Due to ongoing uncertainty about the course of COVID-19 this fall, the ABPMR has canceled the in-person 2020 Part II Examination; we are pleased to announce that virtual Part II Examination administrations will be offered this fall.
For more information, please read the full announcement posted today.
April 17, 2020: Option to Defer MOC Deadlines due to COVID-19
In recognition of pressures physicians are facing due to COVID-19, today the ABPMR is making a commitment to our diplomates: No ABPMR diplomate will lose certification or experience a status change due to not being able to complete an MOC requirement this year.
For more information, please read the full announcement and FAQ posted today.
April 16, 2020: Full Carryovers for all 2020 ABPMR Computer-Based Exams Now Available
In order to alleviate pressure and provide flexibility for our diplomates, we are offering full exam fee carryovers for all 2020 ABPMR computer-based examinations. Candidates, to request a carryover of exam and fees, please refer to the instructions in the email you received on April 16.
April 9, 2020: Full Carryovers Now Available for Part I Examination
While remaining hopeful the Part I Examination can still occur in August, we also recognize that pressures around COVID-19 may not allow candidates to prepare as normal this year. The ABPMR is now offering full exam fee carryovers (to the 2021 exam) to all 2020 ABPMR Part I Examination candidates. Candidates, for more information and instructions for how to request a carryover, please refer to the email you received on 4/9.
March 24, 2020: Extension of LA-PM&R Quarter 1 Deadline
Recognizing the tremendous burden physicians are being asked to carry during this global crisis, the ABPMR is extending the LA-PM&R Q1 deadline to June 30, 2020. LA-PM&R users, you will see the new deadline reflected on your CertLink dashboard within the next week.
If you’ve already finished your Q1 questions, you will not receive new questions until after June 30. The ABPMR is discussing how to handle the rest of 2020 in LA-PM&R; those discussions are fluid as we continue to monitor rapid developments related to COVID-19. Our goal is to continue to provide learning opportunities for those who have time, but also ease the burden on physicians on the front lines of the COVID-19 battle.
March 24, 2020: Exam Application Deadline Extensions
The ABPMR had a number of examination application deadlines set for the end of March 2020. Understanding that many physicians are currently attending to more pressing matters related to COVID-19, we are extending current deadlines for an additional month for these examinations:
- Brain Injury Medicine
- Neuromuscular Medicine
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
- Spinal Cord Injury Medicine
- Sports Medicine
And for:
- Longitudinal Assessment for PM&R (LA-PM&R) 2020
- Longitudinal Assessment for Pain Medicine (LA-Pain) 2020
For more details on the new application deadlines, visit our Exam Calendar; to apply/enroll for these examinations or assessments, please sign in and visit the Assessment Center.
March 16, 2020: ABPMR Staff Working Remotely
In order to protect our staff, the ABPMR office is closed until further notice. All staff members are working remotely at this time and committed to continue our reputation of providing exceptional customer service, but we appreciate your understanding as process times may take longer than usual.
March 13, 2020: Considerations for Subspecialty Examinations and the Part II Examination
The ABPMR acknowledges there may be issues with overlapping examination dates or inability to sit for subspecialty examinations due to the unusually late date of the Part II Examination. Our team is currently exploring various options to make accommodations given these extraordinary circumstances, including working directly with administering boards for the Neuromuscular Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Pain Medicine, and Sports Medicine Examinations. No specific plans have been determined at this time, but we will update this article with any developments.
March 13, 2020: ABPMR Postpones 2020 Part II Examination
The ABPMR has postponed the 2020 Part II Examination. Usually held in May, the exam will now be on September 12-13, 2020. Schedule notices have not yet been sent. All admissible candidates have been transferred to the September examination. If a candidate has a firm schedule conflict with the September exam dates, for this year only they may request a full fee carryover to the 2021 exam. This option is available ONLY from April 2 - April 15, 2020. To submit a full carryover request, email the board office by 4/15/20. (Carryovers will still be available after 4/15 under the regular policy.)
For more information, read this article; candidates, please refer to your email for more details and advice on rebooking travel.
March 12, 2020: ABPMR Accommodates Additional Time Off During Residency or Fellowship Training due to COVID-19
Recognizing that physiatrists may be required to quarantine or training programs may be suspended, the ABPMR is allowing an additional 30 days of time off during training for COVID-19-related issues. Read more here.
