CANDIDATE INFORMATION

Please arrive at the test center thirty (30) minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary check-in procedures.

Please be prepared to present one (1) form of personal identification (ID) to the test center:

• The ID must have your first and last name; a recent, recognizable photo; and your The first and last name on the ID must match the first and last name you used to register for the exam. Examples of acceptable identification include: driver’s license, passport, military ID.
• The ID must be original (not a photocopy or digital ID), valid (unexpired), and government Note: Expired IDs are acceptable if accompanied by renewal paperwork.
• The ID must be issued from the country in which you are testing (except for EU cards, which are acceptable in any country within the EU Zone). Note: If you do not have a primary ID from the country in which you are testing, you must bring an international travel passport. The passport must be issued from your country of citizenship, and the information on the passport must be in Roman characters

If you need to modify your Pearson VUE account profile First or Last name to match your Photo ID, please contact pearson@proftesting.com.

If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for the appointment or fail to provide adequate identification, you will be refused admission and will forfeit your exam fee.

Examination Day Check-In Process and Security Measures
All exam candidates are subject to strict test center security measures that are required for admission to the test center. CLICK HERE to review the details of the check-in and security process.

Electronic Devices Ban and Personal Items
Pearson has a Zero Tolerance Policy for all unauthorized electronic devices. They are strictly prohibited inside the testing area. Unauthorized devices must be turned off and stored in the designated locker area before the self-pat down and scanning process begins. If any unauthorized electronic device is found once the self-pat down process has begun, Pearson will ask you to leave and you may forfeit any exam fees paid.

No personal items may be taken into the testing room.  This includes all bags, books not authorized by the sponsor, notes, phones, pagers, watches and wallets.

It is recommended that you review the following links to help prepare for your exam appointment:

Security measures to expect in a Pearson VUE test center

Candidate Rules Agreement

Pearson VUE ID policy

Pearson VUE Matching Name Guidelines

The exam is comprised of four one-hour blocks of 50 questions each. The 200 questions are all single-best-answer multiple-choice. Within the 200 questions, 20 are unscored pretest items. Most questions are vignette-style. Candidates may use up to 35 minutes of break time between exam blocks.

Note: Each block is self-contained and once you complete a block or time runs out, you may not return to that exam block.

Non-Disclosure Agreement  5 MINUTES

Computer Tutorial                 10 MINUTES

Exam Block 1                           60 MINUTES (50 questions)

Exam Block 2                           60 MINUTES (50 questions)

Exam Block 3                           60 MINUTES (50 questions)

Exam Block 4                           60 MINUTES (50 questions)

Post-Exam Survey                  10 MINUTES

Break Time: 35 MINUTES TOTAL (May be used at candidate’s discretion between Exam Blocks)

Exam Blocks are self contained. You may not return to an exam block once it has been completed.

Study materials are NOT allowed in the test center. DO NOT bring study material or notes of any kind with you for your appointment. If you are found accessing study materials or notes before or after check-in, your exam session is subject to being revoked and you will lose your test fee.

You may not take any personal property into the testing room. This includes, but is not limited to, headsets, mobile phones, handheld computers/personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, firearms or other weapons, hats (and other non-religious head coverings), bags, coats, jackets, eyeglass cases, pens, pencils, books, or notes. Consideration is made for comfort items (such as a pillow, crutches, and tissues), which the testing center administrator must inspect. You can view a list of acceptable comfort items here: Pearson VUE Comfort Aid List (No approval required)

Testing center personnel may inspect clothing such as hoodies, jackets, sleeves, cuffs, scarves, eyeglasses, etc. You must store all personal items in a secure area (a locker). Neither Pearson VUE nor the ABOM certification commission is responsible for any personal belongs left in the area before, during or after the examination. If you refuse to store your personal items, you will not be able to test and you will forfeit the examination fee

You may not take water or food into the testing room (without a special accommodation approval). If you require a restroom break, the examination will continue uninterrupted. During any break, you must receive permission from the test center staff to access personal items that have been stored. Personal items that cannot be accessed during any break include, but are not limited to mobile phone, other electronic devices, test notes, or study guides.

You may not take any personal property including cell phones and smart watches into the testing room. All electronic devices, including cell phones, must be turned off before storing them in a locker for the duration of your testing appointment. You MAY NOT access your cell phone during a break. If you are found accessing your cell phone during a break, your exam session is subject to being revoked and you will lose your test fee. 

During the application payment process, you acknowledged and accepted the refund and deferral policy below.

Refund policy: ABOM does not offer full refunds once an applicant submits payment. Partial refunds are available on the following schedule:

• $1000 when withdrawing by August 1, 2026
• $500 when withdrawing between August 2-15, 2026
• No Refunds after August 15, 2026
• Retest candidates are not eligible for refunds at any time

Exam Deferral Policy: ABOM does not offer exam deferrals.

The ABOM application process does account for extenuating circumstances that may interfere with a candidate’s ability to prepare for and take the exam. Candidates are given two opportunities to pass the test with each application. If a candidate is unable to appear for their first opportunity or does not pass, they will be eligible for a second opportunity to take the exam the following year as a retest candidate for the fee of $450.

Retest candidates must appear for their retest exam or all eligibilities and fees are forfeited.

Once your application has been submitted, approved, and paid, you will be considered a candidate to test. Candidates will be notified when the exam scheduling window has opened through an Authorization To Test email.

Once you have received your Authorization To Test email, you may schedule your examination appointment online or by phone. Scheduling online is encouraged, as you may experience wait times when calling Pearson VUE customer service.

• Online: Go to pearsonvue.com/abom/ and select <Create Account>. In Step 1 of the process, enter the same First and Last names and candidate number (PTI ID) as listed in your authorization-to-test email. You may schedule, cancel, or reschedule your test online. For issues related to your Pearson VUE username or password, contact a Pearson VUE customer service agent via LET’s CHAT
• Phone: 888-228-0147 in United States/Canada (Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm S. Central Time). To help locate our record, tell the agent that the exam is sponsored by Professional Testing (PTI)

Available test dates, times and locations will be identified upon scheduling. After you schedule your appointment, Pearson VUE will send you an appointment confirmation email listing your test date, testing time, the address and phone number of the test center, and directions to the test center. Be sure to verify the information is correct and read the Pearson VUE Testing Center policy at the bottom of your e-mail confirmation.

You will receive an appointment reminder email 3 days before your appointment.

You may cancel your exam up-to twenty-four (24) hours in advance of your existing appointment. Cancelling online is encouraged, as you may experience a wait time calling Pearson VUE customer service. If you cancel your appointment, you must reschedule within the stated exam window. You will not be able to cancel your appointment within twenty- four (24) hours of your existing appointment. Note: If you cancel at any time after the close of the stated refund period and you do not reschedule during the exam window, you will not be eligible for a refund. Review the refund and deferral policy below carefully before cancelling your appointment.

ABOM does not offer exam deferrals and refunds are offered only on a limited basis  within the four-week period following the regular application deadline.

If you fail to cancel your appointment, you do not appear for your test and you still wish to take the exam during the current window, you will need to contact ABOM to pay a $200 exam rebooking fee and obtain a new authorization. Testing appointments with new test authorizations are not guaranteed and will be based upon availability.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email if you cancel an appointment. Be sure that you complete all steps until the “Your appointment is canceled!” screen is displayed. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please recheck the status of your appointment.

Based on test center availability, you may reschedule your exam to a different date and/or time within the stated testing window up to twenty-four (24) hours in advance of your existing appointment with no penalty. Rescheduling online is encouraged, as you may experience a wait time calling Pearson VUE customer service. You will not be able to reschedule within twenty-four (24) hours of your existing appointment. If you do not appear for your appointment and you wish to test during the current testing window, you will need to contact ABOM to pay a $200 exam rebooking fee and obtain a new authorization.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email each time you reschedule an appointment. There are multiple steps to reschedule online, so be sure that you complete all steps until the “Your appointment is rescheduled!” screen is displayed. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please recheck the status of your appointment.

Once your appointment is scheduled, you will be permitted to make changes to the appointment such as location and date (subject to availability) up-to twenty-four (24) hours prior to your appointment. If you do not provide twenty-four (24) hours’ notice of cancellation or do not appear for the appointment, you will be considered a No-Show. Additionally, if you arrive more than 15 minutes late, fail to present adequate identification, or refuse to sign the nondisclosure agreement you will not be allowed to take the examination and will be considered a No-Show (and forfeit the examination fee). If you No-Show for any reason and you would still like to to try to test during the exam window, you will need to contact ABOM to pay a $200 rebooking fee and obtain a new authorization. Test appointments during the window will be based upon availability. 

The exam is offered at Pearson Professional Centers throughout the United States and Canada. Click here to take a photo tour of a Pearson Professional Center here. Click here to take a video tour of the security experience at a Pearson Professional Center. Click here to find a test center. Note: Scroll down to “View test center and find seat availability” section.

In the event of inclement weather, or a local or national emergency, or other disruptions such as power outages and internet interruptions on the day of the examination, the assigned Pearson VUE testing center will notify you that the center is closed, and your appointment is cancelled. If you do not hear from the testing center under these circumstances, you should contact the center to confirm if they are open. Under these circumstances, Pearson VUE will work with you to reschedule the exam. There is no penalty for cancelled exams due to inclement weather, local/national emergencies, or technical issues at the test center.

Click here to access an interactive tutorial providing an overview of the functionality of the exam driver software used at Pearson Vue test centers. This tutorial is designed as a general overview allowing candidates to become familiar with the navigation components of an exam and is not specific to the ABOM exam. Please note: This tutorial illustrates various question types, however all ABOM questions will be “multiple choice” as demonstrated on the first page. This tutorial allows you to familiarize yourself with where specific tools are located on the screen and how to use the “Item Review” functionality.

The American Board of Obesity Medicine provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act for individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodation. The ABOM determines whether accommodations are warranted and decides what specific accommodations may be reasonable for a particular examinee. An applicant who wishes to request test accommodations to take a certifying examination due to a disability must complete the request at the time of application through ABOM’s online application portal. In addition, nursing mothers may request and receive the accommodation described below.

Nursing Mother Accommodation

• 60 minutes of break time added to the standard pool of scheduled break time to be used in between exam
• This accommodation permits pumping of breast Children are not allowed in test center for breastfeeding.
• Nursing mother is permitted to bring nursing supplies (subject to visual inspection) and to access locker where supplies are securely Refrigeration is not provided.
• Nursing mother is not allowed to leave test center to pump or to
• Test centers owned and operated by Pearson VUE (aka Pearson Professional Centers) within the Americas region provide a private area for nursing mothers on a first-come, first-serve The private area may either be a breakroom with a door or a break area with a privacy screen, and will include a chair, table and electrical outlet. If a Pearson Professional Center is not conveniently located for the candidate (~50 miles), the Pearson VUE accommodations team will make a reasonable effort to find a suitable space to pump during the exam.

A built-in TI-108 standard calculator will be available within your examination.

A table of laboratory values is available within the exam driver software.

During check-in, test center staff will provide you with one erasable note board to use as scratch paper during the examination.

While you are at the test center, please relate any concerns about your test experience to the Pearson VUE proctor. If you experience any problems or distractions or if you have other concerns about the test environment, you must raise your hand and the test proctor will assist you. You have the right to request that a “Case Report” be created if a problem or distraction is not addressed to your satisfaction.

Throughout the test, you will also have the opportunity submit comments onscreen about specific test questions.

Results will be available approximately 10 weeks after the close of the exam administration window. You will receive an email when results are ready to access online.

Approximately 86-94 percent of first-time test takers pass the exam each year.

The passing score varies each year. Typically a score of around 70 percent is needed to pass.

CLICK HERE to learn more about how the exam is developed including item development structure, assessment blueprint development, question format, question development, question review/editing process, test assembly and administration, standard setting, and answer key/validation.

CLICK HERE to review the Pearson VUE Candidate Rules Agreement that you will sign during the check-in process for your exam.

1. Purpose. The American Board of Obesity Medicine (“ABOM”) expects that the physicians it certifies will conduct themselves in accordance with all applicable laws and according to the highest standards of professional ethics.  This Policy outlines a procedure for an ABOM Diplomate or a physician who is in the process of applying for certification from ABOM (each, a “Reporter”) to follow in reporting the actions or omissions of another ABOM Diplomate or physician who is in the process of applying for certification from ABOM (each, a “Subject”) that the Reporter reasonably believes may violate an applicable law or ABOM rule or otherwise constitute an unethical or fraudulent practice.
2. Requirement and Procedure. If a Reporter reasonably believes that a Subject has violated an applicable law or ABOM rule or otherwise engaged in an unethical or fraudulent practice, the Reporter should report such information to ABOM as soon as possible.  By way of example, but not limitation, this reporting requirement extends to any knowledge that a Reporter gains relating to another physician obtaining their ABOM Diplomate status through cheating or fraud of any kind in connection with ABOM’s certification examination.  This reporting obligation is not limited by time, e.g., a violation or issue should be reported regardless of whether it occurred one week ago or many years ago.  The report should specify in detail the underlying violation(s) or other issue(s) and all persons involved with knowledge of same.  Supporting documentation should be included as needed.  The information should be reported in writing via an email sent to info@abom.org with a subject line of “Reporting Policy.”
3. Self-Reporting. The reporting requirement described in Section 2 includes an obligation to self-report, i.e., each Subject is expected to serve as a Reporter and report their own violation of an applicable law or ABOM rule or other engagement in an unethical practice
4. Investigation. ABOM will review each report and determine if further investigation is needed.  As requested by ABOM, all Reporters, Subjects, and (as applicable) any other ABOM Diplomates or physicians who are in the process of applying for certification from ABOM, are expected to take any commercially reasonable steps necessary to participate in an investigation.
5. Confidentiality. ABOM will generally treat the identity of a Reporter as confidential when investigating a report and will not disclose the identity of a Reporter to a Subject unless required to do so by applicable law or otherwise where extenuating circumstances or fairness mandates the disclosure.
6. No Retaliation. Neither ABOM nor any Subject may retaliate in any manner against any Reporter who: (i) submits a report to ABOM in good faith under this Policy; (ii) submits a report or notification to any federal or state government agency in good faith; or (iii) exercises any right under applicable law to pursue a claim, take legal action, or otherwise protect the Reporter’s own rights.  Examples of prohibited retaliation include, but are not limited to, termination, demotion, suspension, harassment, defamation, failure to consider for promotion, or any other kind of discrimination.
7. Discipline. ABOM may take disciplinary action up to and including loss or refusal of ABOM-certified status against any physician who, in ABOM’s sole reasonable assessment: (i) fails to submit a report that is required under this Policy; (ii) engages in any manner of retaliation against a Reporter in violation of Section 6; or (iii) intentionally submits a false or fraudulent report under this Policy or otherwise fails to act in good faith in submitting a report under this Policy.
8. Policy Availability and Questions. A copy of this Policy will be maintained with ABOM’s handbook for ABOM Diplomates and physicians who are in the process of applying for certification from ABOM.  Any such physicians should submit any questions regarding this Policy to info@abom.org.
9. Review. ABOM will review this Policy on a regular basis to ensure that it remains adequate and consistent with industry best practices and continues to comply with all applicable laws.

CLICK HERE to review ABOM’s Indeterminate Score Policy