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The
qualifying exam (formerly known as the written certification examination)
is one of the 3 steps necessary in order to become a certified diplomat
of the American Board of Emergency Medicine (or board certified in emergency
medicine). The exam covers the scope of emergency medicine. The qualifying
examination is a criterion-referenced examination.
Exam
Stats:
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8 hours long appointment
(6.5 hours devoted to exam time)
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2 portions: morning and
afternoon
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305 single best answer
multiple choice questions
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10-15% of test has pictorial
stimulus (separate book with photographs, x-rays, etc, will be provided)
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Test schedules allow adequate time to complete each portion of the examination,
but each session has a time limit.
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Test administered at one of 200 computer-based testing centers
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Test takes place in late October or early November
Passing = 75% correct
The
qualifying exam is based on ABEM’s
Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine
The
following table, from ABEM’s website, outlines the relative weight given
to the different components of the EM Model for the qualifying exam.
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Listing
of Conditions & Components
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1.0
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Signs, Symptoms
and Presentations
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9%
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2.0
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Abdominal
& Gastrointestinal Disorders
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9%
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3.0
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Cardiovascular
Disorders
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10%
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4.0
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Cutaneous
Disorders
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2%
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5.0
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Endocrine,
Metabolic & Nutritional Disorders
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3%
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6.0
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Environmental
Disorders
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3%
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7.0
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Head, Ear,
Eye, Nose & Throat Disorders
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5%
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8.0
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Hematologic
Disorders
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2%
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9.0
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Immune System
Disorders
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2%
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10.0
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Systemic
Infectious Disorders
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5%
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11.0
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Musculoskeletal
Disorders (Non-traumatic)
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3%
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12.0
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Nervous
System Disorders
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5%
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13.0
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Obstetrics
and Gynecology
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4%
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14.0
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Psychobehavioral
Disorders
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3%
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15.0
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Renal and
Urogenital Disorders
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3%
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16.0
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Thoracic-Respiratory
Disorders
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8%
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17.0
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Toxicologic
Disorders
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4%
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18.0
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Traumatic
Disorders
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11%
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Appendix
I: Procedures & Skills
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6%
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Appendix
II: Other Components
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3%
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Total
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100%
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Acuity Frames
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Target (±
5%)
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Critical
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27%
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Emergent
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37%
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Lower Acuity
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27%
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None
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9%
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The
Board has assigned the following specific percentage weights to the Modifying
Factor of age:
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Pediatrics: 8% minimum
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Geriatrics: 4% minimum
This
is not meant to be an inclusive guideline regarding the qualifying exam,
please refer to the
ABEM Website for specific information on
applying, credentialing and scheduling for the qualifying examination as
well as details regarding test and its procedures.
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