Scheduling and preparing the for pathology board
Here is how you schedule and prepare for you ABPath primary examination. Before you can take an ABPath examination you need to become board eligible. You can learn more about the requirements of becoming board eligible here.
To become a board certified pathologist with the American Board of Pathology (ABPath) you need to apply and become board eligible and pass their primary examination.
There are two primary examinations, AP and CP, for either an anatomical pathology certification or a clinical pathology certification.
Before you can take an ABPath examination you need to become board eligible. You can learn more about the requirements of becoming board eligible here.
How do I schedule my ABPath primary exam?
- Become board eligible.
- Once you have applied for certification from the ABP and they have given you board eligible status you can schedule your examination.
- Schedule your examination during the scheduling period through Pearson VUE (you will first need to create an account).
- Visit this webpage for the current scheduling and exam dates.
- Examinations are given twice a year in a spring and fall session.
Pricing
Scheduling a primary examination costs $2100 per exam. You pay this examination fee when you submit your application to take the examination.
If you schedule your exam after the scheduling period deadline there is a $1050 non-refundable additional fee.
The examination fee of $2100 includes a non-refundable $200 administrative fee.
If you would like to become certified in both AP and CP you will need to take both the AP and CP primary examinations. If you take both exams in the same session (fall or spring) the price is only $2600. If you take them in separate sessions you will have to pay $2100 for each exam for $4200 total. If you schedule your combined exam after the scheduling period deadline there is a $1300 non-refundable additional fee.
Cancellation & Missed Exams
If you wish to cancel your exam you must do so before the cancellation deadline (current deadlines found here). If you cancel before the deadline you will be refunded your examination fee minus a $500 cancellation fee.
If you cancel your exam past the deadline you will not receive a refund. If you register for the exam with ABPath but fail to schedule the exam date in Pearson VUE you will not receive a refund. If you fail to take the examination on your scheduled date you will not receive a refund.
If you are unable to take your examination due to personal illness or quarantine you will be refunded your examination fee minus the $200 administrative fee.
How to prepare for the pathology board
Exam Blueprints
The ABP has blueprints for both the AP and CP primary exams which give a detailed breakdown of the examination content. These blueprints can be used to guide your preparation as to which topics to study and which topics should be focused on the most.
Abbreviation Lists
Reviewing the ABP abbreviation lists is also helpful when preparing for your board exam to prevent any confusion of terms when taking the exam.
AP/CP Topic Abbreviations list
Management and Informatics Abbreviations list
Sample Questions and Practice Exams
The ABP has sample questions for both the written and practical portions of the AP and CP primary exams here.
An exam tutorial can be found here and helps familiarize you with the functions and features of taking the exam.
A Virtual Microscopy Exam can be found here. The primary examinations utilize virtual microscopy instead of physical microscopes and slides, so doing some practice questions with the virtual microscopy tool is helpful when preparing for your examination.
Scores & Verification
Successful Candidates
6 weeks from the final date of the exam period you will receive a letter in your PATHway account informing you if you successfully passed your primary examination or not.
If you have passed your examination you will receive an engraved certification in 3-4 months. Exam scores are not given out to those who successfully pass the exam.
If you have not uploaded all the required documents into your PATHway account your examination results will be withheld until you do so. If you fail to upload the required documents in 2 years your examination will become null and void.
Unsuccessful Candidates
If you did not pass your examination you will receive your scores and relative information about your performance.
You may schedule and retake your primary examination as many times as necessary within the 5 year term of your board eligibility.
After Certification
After you become a board certified pathologist, you’ll need to maintain your certification with the ABPath by participating in the Continuing Certification Program. Learn more about those requirements here.
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