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Comprehensive Guide to the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (ABOMP) Certification Exams

The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (ABOMP) is a leading certifying body dedicated to advancing the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology. Since its inception, ABOMP has played a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining high standards for professionals in this specialized area of pathology. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the ABOMP certification and maintenance examinations, including application procedures, scheduling, and preparation tips.


Overview of ABOMP Certification

ABOMP Mission and Role:

ABOMP is committed to representing the interests of oral and maxillofacial pathologists within the dental and medical communities and to the public. The Board administers two key examinations through Pearson VUE:

  1. Initial Certification Examination (ICE)
  2. Certification Maintenance Examination (CM Exam)

These exams are crucial for establishing and maintaining professional credentials in oral and maxillofacial pathology.

Examination Administration:

  • Initial Certification Examination: Held annually, this two-day exam is conducted at Pearson VUE testing centers across the United States and Canada.
  • Certification Maintenance Examination: This exam is available globally and is designed for diplomates seeking to maintain their certification.

For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the ABOMP website or contact the ABOMP certification team directly.


2024 Examination Dates

  • Initial Certification Examination:
    • Dates: September 17-18, 2024 (Tuesday – Wednesday)
    • Format: Two-day, computer-based examination including virtual microscopy and clinical practical sections.
  • Certification Maintenance Examination:
    • Exam Window: June 17 – June 28, 2024
    • Duration: Approximately 2 hours, including a tutorial.

Scheduling Your Examination

General Instructions:

  • Eligibility and Notification:
    • Candidates will receive scheduling instructions via email from ABOMP once their application is reviewed and approved. It is essential to wait for this email before attempting to schedule an exam with Pearson VUE.
  • Scheduling Process:
    • Online Scheduling: Create a Pearson VUE account to schedule your appointment. Use the same name and credentials provided in your ABOMP application. Access scheduling instructions from your Candidate Status page on the ABOMP website.
  • Special Accommodations:
    • For any required accommodations, including those for nursing mothers, contact ABOMP at support@abomp.org before scheduling your exam. Ensure that your accommodations are approved prior to making an appointment.
  • Contact for Assistance:
    • For help with scheduling or account creation, contact Pearson VUE at 1-866-314-0159.

Exam Day Procedures

Arrival and Identification:

  • Arrival Time:
    • Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to complete check-in procedures. Late arrivals (more than 15 minutes) may result in forfeiture of the exam attempt and fees.
  • Identification Requirements:
    • Primary ID: Must be government-issued, current, and contain your photograph and signature.
    • Secondary ID: Should contain either your photograph or signature. Acceptable documents include credit cards, social security cards, and more.

Honor Code Agreement:


Examination Preparation

Initial Certification Examination:

  • Format: Includes free-response virtual microscopy, clinical practical sections with images, and multiple-choice questions.
  • Preparation Resources: Utilize practice tutorials and virtual microscopy demonstrations available at ABPath and Pearson VUE.

Certification Maintenance Examination:

  • Format: Consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with clinical images.
  • Preparation: Review the detailed exam description and ID policy available on the ABOMP website.

Cancellation Policies

Initial Certification Examination:

  • Refund Policy:
    • No refunds are available for cancellations. A $100 administrative fee applies for illness-related cancellations with supporting documentation. Additional fees may apply for cancellations within 48 hours of the exam date.
  • Cancellation Procedure:
    • Notify ABOMP by email at support@abomp.org and contact Pearson VUE if you need to cancel or reschedule.

Certification Maintenance Examination:

  • Refund Policy:
    • Similar to the Initial Certification Examination, cancellations result in forfeiture of fees except under specific circumstances like illness with documentation.
  • Cancellation Procedure:
    • Follow the same procedure as for the Initial Certification Examination, ensuring to notify both ABOMP and Pearson VUE.

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