Candidate Information Booklet

Transcription

1 RETAIN THIS BOOKLET FOR YOUR FILES Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sleep Medicine Candidate Information Booklet Certification Examination Thursday, November 10, 2011 American Board of Family Medicine 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Suite 550 Lexington, Kentucky (888)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction...1 Personal Information...2 Name and Examination Fee...2 Refund Policy...3 Physician Specific Information...3 Requirements...3 Requirements for Application...3 Demographics...5 Special Testing Accommodations...5 Agreement Page of Application...7 Approval of Application and Selection of Exam Date/Location...8 How to Schedule Your Test Center...8 Changing Your Test Center Exam Cancellation...8 Practice Exam/Tutorial...9 Study Materials...9 Description of the Examination...9 What Can I Expect on Exam Day?...10 Exam Day Schedule...10 When Should I Arrive What if I Arrive Late?...10 What Happens When I Arrive at the Test Center?...11 Identification...11 What Can t I Bring?...11 Comfort Aids...12 How Will the Exam Start?...12 What Happens During the Exam?...12 Irregular Behavior on Examinations...13 How Are the Exams Scored?...14 When Can I Expect My Results?...14 Period of Certification...14 Re-examination...14 Revocation...14 Agreement...16

3 IMPORTANT DATES March 3, 2011 May 2, 2011 May 15, 2011 June 30, 2011 August 1, 2011 August 1, 2011 August 8, 2011 August 8, 2011 August 15, 2011 October 31, 2011 October 31, 2011 November 7, 2011 Thursday, November 10, 2011 Opening Date for submission of application and accompanying materials -- $1,300 fee (No late fee assessed) 1 st Deadline for submission of application and accompanying materials -- $1,300 fee (No late fee assessed) ABIM begins sending confirmation letters to candidates regarding test center registration 2 nd Deadline for submission of application and accompanying materials -- $1,500 fee (includes $200 non-refundable late fee) Final Deadline for submission of application and accompanying materials -- $1,700 fee (includes $400 non-refundable late fee) Deadline to submit special testing accommodations documentation All application deficiencies must be cleared by this date. There will be no exceptions to this deadline. Deadline to make official name change with the ABFM for examination Deadline for calling Pearson VUE to select test center All Sleep Medicine Fellowship training must be completed Deadline to Withdraw from Test Center by contacting ABFM ABFM must receive a letter verifying satisfactory completion of fellowship training by this date Examination Date Candidates will be notified of application approval or of any deficiencies immediately after the application is submitted. Any application that remains deficient after August 8, 2011 will be declared ineligible and a partial refund will be issued. A new application and full fee will be required for any future examination.

4 INTRODUCTION This information booklet has been prepared by the American Board of Family Medicine for use by its Diplomates who are applying for a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sleep Medicine. The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) has joined the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and the American Board of Otolaryngology (ABOto) in providing a multidisciplinary subspecialty certificate in Sleep Medicine. The one-day computer-based exam is designed to recognize excellence among physicians who are specialists in the care of patients with sleep problems and specific sleep disorders. Sleep Medicine encompasses a multidisciplinary body of knowledge regarding the anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathophysiology, and pharmacology of sleep and wakefulness, and their disorders. Participation in the certification program is voluntary. Certification is not required of practitioners in this field, and the certificate does not confer privilege to practice. Although the application requirements may differ slightly between the boards, content and scoring of the examination are identical. The examination is given biennially (every two years) and will be offered next on November 10, The certificate will be valid for a ten-year period beginning at the time you pass the examination. It is the sole responsibility of an ABFM candidate to be aware of and comply with registration deadlines. In fairness to all candidates, the Board adheres firmly to its published deadlines for registration and late registration for all examinations. Candidates are encouraged to apply early in the registration period to avoid late fees or problems. Issues arising from one s inability to log on to the ABFM application system (e.g. forgotten ID/Password, computer technical difficulties or operator error) must be resolved and all components of the application completed prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the deadline date. The ABFM staff and Support Center make every effort to assist with these issues promptly; however, candidates are responsible for contacting the ABFM for assistance well in advance of the deadline. 1

5 PERSONAL INFORMATION As someone who has previously certified in Family Medicine, we have obtained this information from your previous applications and any subsequent online updates. However, we ask that you check and make sure that the information given is correct and remember you are always able to update this information through your Physician Portfolio. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. NAME AND We may already have an address on file for you. Please check this, update if needed, and then reply to the confirmation in order to continue the application. Always make sure we have your current address as this is how we will correspond with you. Furthermore, you are responsible for keeping both your postal and addresses updated in your Physician Portfolio. Please remember you can update this information on our website at any time. Once you have confirmed your address, you will need to go back to your application and complete all remaining pages. If you have a legal name change, we require a copy of the legal document (marriage, divorce, etc.) faxed to us before we can officially change your name. Keep in mind that your name on record with the ABFM should be the same as the ID which you will present for admittance to the exam. Any discrepancy in your name will potentially delay or prevent your being admitted to the exam. All name issues should be resolved by August 8, If you need assistance with this, please contact our Support Center. EXAMINATION FEE The online payment option of the American Board of Family Medicine utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt the personal and financial information being sent over the internet. Your browser will display the icon of a locked padlock near the bottom of the window to indicate that SSL encryption is being used. Consequently, you may rest assured that the easy-to-use online payment process is a highly secure payment option. No candidate will be allowed to take the examination until all fees are paid and all requirements have been satisfactorily met. In order to expedite the processing of your application, you are encouraged to pay the exam fee of $1, (which includes a non-refundable $ application processing fee) online with your credit card by the deadline of May 2, Applications can be filed after May 2 but no later than August 1, 2011; however, the increasing late filing fee will be added as of May 3. When you pay by credit card online and complete all sections of your application with no deficiencies, you will be prompted to pick your test center and date. Should you prefer to submit your credit card number in writing or pay by check, you will be required to print a payment page to complete and send with your payment. Once the ABFM has processed your credit card or check sent by postal mail, you will be able to complete your application and select a test center and date. Those who pay by credit card should be certain that the daily limit on the card is sufficient to permit charging the examination fee. If the credit card is declined or a check is returned by the bank, your fee must be resubmitted for the original amount plus a bounced money fee of $50.00 and must be paid by certified check or money order. Any candidate whose credit card is declined or check is returned will have their testing appointment cancelled, and he/she will not be able to reschedule until all fees have been paid. 2

6 REFUND POLICY Applications and exam fees are valid only during the calendar year in which the application is filed. If you are unable to complete the application requirements and wish to withdraw, please return to your Physician Portfolio and click on the link Withdraw. Candidates found to be ineligible to sit for the examination due to inability to meet the requirements will receive a partial refund. Candidates requiring a refund will receive it within 2-3 weeks of notification of withdrawing from the exam. Please remember the application processing fee ($200) and any late fees paid are non-refundable. Furthermore any cancellation or seat fee incurred due to late withdraw will be withheld from the refundable amount of exam fee. PHYSICIAN SPECIFIC INFORMATION In this section you will select your qualifying plan (Practice Pathway A, Practice Pathway B or Training Pathway) and indicate if special testing accommodations (Americans with Disabilities Act) are needed. Special testing accommodations will be considered only with appropriate documentation. Please refer to that section of the booklet for specific information. REQUIREMENTS Current primary certification in family medicine in order to apply Possession of a current, valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the U.S. or Canada Satisfactory documentation of requisite practice experience or completion of formal training requirements as specified in descriptions of the practice and training pathways below Completion of a formal sleep medicine examination application including the full examination fee Successful completion of a one-day computer-based examination REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION Current Diplomate Status - To submit an application for the Sleep Medicine Examination, a family physician must be currently certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (primary certification). Satisfactory Documentation of Practice Experience or Completion of Formal Training In Sleep Medicine Family Physician Diplomates can apply for the sleep medicine exam via one of the three pathways listed below. There are currently two practice eligible pathways as well as the formal training route. Please note the practice pathways will be available only for exams given in 2007, 2009 and After 2011 anyone applying for the Sleep Medicine Exam must have satisfactorily completed a full 12 months of ACGME accredited training in Sleep Medicine. Pathway A Requires that the Diplomate attest to having spent the equivalent of 12 months of full-time (postresidency training) practice experience providing clinical care of patients with sleep disorders, accumulated over a maximum of five years ( ) prior to application. 3

7 Licensure It also requires that the Diplomate attest that during this five year practice experience to having a minimum experience of the following: Evaluating a minimum of 400 individual patients with sleep disorders Interpreting and reviewing raw data of 200 polysomnograms Interpreting and reviewing raw data of 25 multiple sleep latency tests Pathway B Requires that the Diplomate hold a current (unexpired) certificate from the American Board of Sleep Medicine. Verification of certificate is required. Training Pathway The training pathway requires 12 months of sleep medicine fellowship training satisfactorily completed no later than October 31, 2011 which meets the following criteria: Sleep medicine fellowship training taken prior to July 1, 2009 must have been conducted within an ACGME accredited fellowship program or a fellowship affiliated with an ACGME accredited residency program in one of the specialties sponsoring the Sleep Medicine Exam. Sleep medicine fellowship training undertaken July 1, 2009 and after must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Training experience must be consistent with guidelines established by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The Board will require verification by the training program director that the fellow s clinical competence as a sleep medicine consultant is satisfactory. Fellows must obtain satisfactory rating of their ability to interpret results of the following diagnostic tests: polysomnography, multiple sleep latency testing, maintenance of wakefulness testing, actigraphy, and portable monitoring related to sleep disorders. All candidates and Diplomates must hold a currently valid, full and unrestricted active license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada. All licenses held by a physician, in any state or territory of the United States or province of Canada must be currently valid, full and unrestricted, whether or not the physician practices in the state, territory or province. Candidates shall be required to maintain a full and unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada even if they are out of the country for extended periods of time. Any action by a licensing authority potentially places a physician in jeopardy of losing Diplomate status and /or eligibility for certification or recertification. Should a physician be uncertain about the status of a medical license relative to ABFM policy, a written inquiry should be made to the Board prior to attempting an application. A violation of ABFM policy on licensure can be any action by a state licensing agency, agreement between a licensing agency and a physician, or voluntary action by a physician that revokes, restricts or suspends the physician s medical license. In cases where a physician has changed his/her residence deliberately to avoid prosecution, loss of license, or disciplinary action by a state licensing agency, the Board reserves the right to revoke or suspend Diplomate status and/or prohibit application for certification. Should a license be revoked, restricted, or suspended following the submission of an application but prior to the examination, the application will be invalidated and the candidate will be prevented from taking the examination. A partial refund of fees will apply. Unrestricted licenses which have become inactive (e.g., expired, nonrenewal) are not a violation of the Board s policy on licensure, as long as the physician maintains at least one other current, full, valid, and unrestricted medical license in the U.S. or Canada. 4

8 Should a license be revoked, restricted, or suspended following the examination but prior to the notification of examination results, the application and certification will be simultaneously invalidated. The full examination fee will be forfeited. If and when the physician's revoked, restricted, or suspended license is reinstated in full (with no restrictions) and official written documentation of reinstatement is provided, the ABFM will honor the remainder of the current certificate and the Diplomate will not be required to be re-examined. If the current certificate has expired prior to the reinstatement of the license, the physician may make application for the next annual examination. Successful compliance with all application requirements in effect at that time will be expected. The ABFM will verify the license status of all candidates through the Federation of State Medical Boards. However, it is the responsibility of family physicians to inform the Board in writing immediately following action by a licensing authority. If the candidate fails to notify the Board of any action within 60 days after the effective date, the physician shall be ineligible to seek certification for up to one year following the reinstatement of full and unrestricted licensure. Applicants should respond "YES" to the question concerning revocation, modification, or restrictions of your license, if there have been any actions taken. You will be required to provide specific information regarding the action, which will temporarily delay the processing/approval of your application until the issue has been resolved. Questions about licensure should be presented to the Board in writing. DEMOGRAPHICS This section of the application must be completed as accurately as possible. The information will enable us to have more complete data on the scope of practice, geographical distributions, and interests of ABFM candidates. SPECIAL TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) for individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodation. In accordance with these Acts, ABFM does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in providing access to its examination program. For the purpose of requesting test accommodations, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 defines a person with a disability as someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, standing, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating or working. The purpose of accommodations is to provide equal access to ABFM examinations for all individuals. Accommodations match up with the identified functional limitation so that the area of impairment is relieved by means of an auxiliary aid or an adjustment to the testing procedure. Functional limitation refers to the aspects of a disability that interfere with an individual s ability to function in some capacity on a regular and continuing basis The purpose of documentation is to validate that an applicant for test accommodations is a disabled individual as defined by the ADAAA and to provide guidance in determining effective accommodations. Comprehensive information by a qualified professional is necessary to allow ABFM to understand the nature and extent of the applicant s disability and the resulting functional impairment that limits access to its examinations. It is 5

9 essential that an applicant s documentation provide a clear explanation of the functional impairment and a rationale for the requested accommodation. No candidate shall be offered an accommodation that would compromise the ABFM examination s ability to test accurately the skills and knowledge it purports to measure and no auxiliary aid or service will be provided which will fundamentally alter the examination or will result in an undue burden to ABFM. General Guidelines for all Disabilities The following guidelines are provided to assist the applicant in documenting a need for accommodation based on an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The examinee must personally initiate a request for accommodations within the on-line application, or for release of information relative to an accommodations request. Documentation submitted in support of a request may be referred by the ABFM to experts in the appropriate area of disability for a fair and impartial professional review. Accommodations requests by a third party (such as an evaluator or a program director) cannot be honored. Documentation of disability assists the ABFM in determining reasonable accommodations and/or services, which are provided on a case-by-case basis. If the submitted documentation is incomplete or does not support the request, the applicant will be asked to provide additional documentation. The cost of obtaining all documentation is borne by the applicant. The documentation submitted should be as comprehensive as possible in order to allow the ABFM to make an informed decision on the accommodation request and to avoid delays in the decision-making process. Documentation in support of a request for accommodations should be submitted to the ABFM early enough to allow sufficient time to review the request and implement reasonable accommodations and/or services. Documentation must be provided by a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience, and has no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated. The individual making the diagnosis must be qualified to do so (e.g., an orthopedic limitation might be documented by a physician, but not a licensed psychologist). Documentation should be typed or printed on official letterhead with the name, title, professional credentials, address, phone number, and signature of the evaluator, as well as the date of the report. The documentation should be current. Because the provision of reasonable accommodations is based on an assessment of the current impact of the applicant s disability on the testing activity, it is important that the individual provide recent documentation. As the manifestations of a disability may vary over time and in different settings, it is expected that an evaluation will have been conducted within the past three years. Certain conditions such as some physical and psychiatric conditions are subject to change and should be updated for current functioning. To support a request for test accommodations, please submit a detailed, comprehensive written report from your treating professional describing your disability and its impact on your daily functioning. The report should also explain the need for the requested accommodations relative to your impairment. The report and accompanying documentation should clearly state the following: A specific, professionally recognized diagnosis of the disability using diagnostic codes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or other professionally recognized formulation. A description of the functional limitations resulting from the diagnosed disability, including the identification of the major life activity that is limited by the disability, and how that major life activity is impacted. A description of the specific diagnostic criteria and names of the diagnostic tests used, including date(s) of evaluation, specific test results and a detailed interpretation of the test results. This description should 6

10 include the results of diagnostic procedures and tests utilized and should include relevant educational, developmental, and medical history. Specific test results using standard scores should be reported to support the diagnosis. Diagnostic methods used should be appropriate to the disability and current professional practices within the field. Any additional informal or non-standardized evaluation procedures should be described in enough detail that other professionals could understand their role and significance in the diagnostic process. Copies of records relating to and documenting the candidate s disability, including a complete educational, developmental, and/or medical history relevant to the disability for which testing accommodations are being requested. A recommendation of specific accommodations and/or assistive devices for the ABFM examinations including a detailed explanation of why these accommodations or devices are needed and how they will reduce the impact of the identified functional limitations. Identification of the professional credentials of the evaluator that qualify him/her to make the particular diagnosis, including information about license or certification and specialization in the area of the diagnosis. The evaluator should present evidence of comprehensive training and direct experience in the diagnosis and treatment of adults in the specific area of disability. If accommodations have not been requested previously, provide a detailed explanation as to why no accommodations were sought in the past and why accommodations are needed now. Send your documentation to: Accommodations Coordinator American Board of Family Medicine 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Ste. 550 Lexington, KY All required documentation must be received by the final deadline for submitting an application. The last day to approve requests for special testing accommodations is the final deadline for clearing application deficiencies. After that date, requests that are lacking information or are incomplete for any reason will not be processed and the candidate will be required to take the exam under normal testing conditions or defer to a future examination. For further information regarding Special Testing Accommodations, specifically disabilities such as learning and cognitive disorders, ADHD, physical disabilities, vision disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities, please refer to the Policy Statement for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance available on our website. Since administration of the examination is handled by the American Board of Internal Medicine, special testing accommodations you may have received for any examination administered by the American Board of Family Medicine may not be available for the Sleep Medicine examination. Physicians who require testing over multiple days due to an approved special accommodations request can expect their exam to be administered within the following date range: November 14-18, AGREEMENT PAGE OF APPLICATION On this page of the online application, you are asked to attest to having read the Candidate Information Booklet including the full Agreement at the end of the Candidate Information Booklet, and are agreeing to be bound by the conditions therein. You are also confirming that all the information provided in the application is complete and true. Your full name and ABFM ID number will be presented to identify that you are the person signing the agreement. You are asked to electronically sign the agreement by clicking, Yes I Agree and by providing the last four digits of your social security number. 7

11 APPROVAL OF APPLICATION AND SELECTION OF EXAM DATE/LOCATION Once all components of your application are completed and all deficiencies are cleared, we consider you as approved for the exam and the ABFM notifies the ABIM that you are eligible to select your testing date, time and location. We strongly urge candidates to select a testing date and location as early as possible. Please note that you must select a test date and location no later than August 15, Be advised that not all test centers are available on all exam dates. HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR TEST CENTER Shortly after your ABFM online application has been approved, we will notify the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) of your approval for taking the exam. Since ABIM is responsible for the administration of the examination, they will send you an Interim Letter with instructions for contacting Pearson VUE to schedule a test center and appointment time. The first interim letters from ABIM are scheduled to start on May 15, You must call Pearson VUE and schedule your appointment by August 15, Remember, appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. When you call Pearson VUE, you will need your ID number and should state that you are an ABFM candidate taking the ABIM exam for sleep medicine. Ask the Pearson VUE agent to give you a confirmation number for your appointment. After you schedule your appointment, Pearson VUE will send you a letter confirming the date and time for your exam. For a listing of available Pearson VUE testing centers, please visit International Testing Locations While international sites are offered by ABIM/Pearson Vue, should you choose one of these sites when you contact Pearson Vue, you will owe an additional $500 payable to the American Board of Family Medicine immediately upon selection of the international test site. This fee is charged by Pearson Vue; the testing vendor, and passed on to us from Internal Medicine. This $500 fee is an additional cost beyond the normal application fee and is applicable only to the international sites. Please submit a certified check or money order in the amount of $500 to the American Board of Family Medicine as soon as you select an international test site. Along with your certified check or money order, enclose a note with your ID, name, address, the international site you have selected, and the exam you are taking (Sleep Medicine). CHANGING YOUR TEST CENTER EXAM CANCELLATION Should you wish to change your test center; you will need to contact Pearson VUE directly no later than August 15, Do not contact the ABFM to request a change in test center. The contact information for Pearson VUE will be provided in the letter you receive from ABIM about scheduling your exam and in the confirmation letter you receive from Pearson VUE. Candidates who need to withdraw from the examination must do so through the ABFM website by October 31, Anyone withdrawing after October 31, 2011 will be subject to a $150 seat fee. The $150 seat fee is equal to the cost incurred by the ABFM due to late cancellations. notification or phone calls to cancel an examination that are made to ABFM within 48 hours prior to the examination date are considered a no show and will be subject to the $150 seat fee regardless of the circumstances for cancellation. 8

12 PRACTICE EXAM/TUTORIAL The ABFM strongly urges candidates to practice the online tutorial at home PRIOR to exam day. Familiarity with the computer-based exam will greatly improve your test day confidence. The tutorial takes about 30 minutes and offers you the opportunity to practice: ~ Answering questions ~ Changing answers ~ Making notes electronically ~ Accessing the table of normal laboratory values ~ Marking questions for review To view the online tutorial explaining the computer testing process: Go to: Select Prepare for the Exam: Take the Tutorial Choose a tutorial based on your operating system. Please note, you should choose the tutorial that is labeled Certification and MOC Exam Tutorials for All Other Subspecialties STUDY MATERIALS The Board does not provide bibliographies or review materials. However, you may find it helpful to read a section on our website titled Exam Preparation. This can be found on our website: by clicking on Certification/Recertification and then selecting Exam Preparation. Here you will find videos as well as documents regarding study tips. Furthermore, the ABIM suggests that regardless of the method used to prepare, it is important it be broad based and focus on the clinical aspects of your specialty. The ABIM found that in correspondence with candidates who have had difficulty with an examination over a period of time and who ultimately are successful, the major factor to which they attribute their success is an intensive, disciplined review of the specialty. They speak to the comprehensive review of one of the standard textbooks, combined with a self-assessment program that provides the opportunity to practice answering questions while giving feedback on test performance. The choice of media is up to the candidate and will depend on the format that the candidate has found most helpful in preparing for tests in the past. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMINATION The Sleep Medicine Examination will be a comprehensive one-day computer-based examination of multiplechoice questions in the single best answer format with an absolute standard for passing. The examination will assess the candidate s knowledge and clinical judgement in aspects of sleep medicine required to demonstrate at a high level of competence. The Sleep Medicine Certification Examination blueprint can be found on the ABIM website: Go to Select Get Information by Specialty (go to Sleep Medicine) Select Sleep Medicine Exam Dates and Content Select Exam Content and Blueprint Select Sleep Medicine Certification Examination Blueprint (pdf) 9

13 WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON EXAM DAY? Every Pearson VUE site offers a quiet, distraction-free, professional testing environment in a small setting that averages from 8 to 20 private workstations. Each testing center includes a waiting room, a testing room, two or more test administrators, and the proctor workstation. In addition to those taking the Sleep Medicine exam, people from other organizations may be taking computer exams at the test center on the same day. EXAM DAY SCHEDULE Detailed information about the format of the exam can be found by clicking the links. These links will also be found in the interim letter you will receive later from ABIM. and The total time for your exam is ten hours, but you may finish earlier. The schedule includes registration, optional tutorial, instructions, exam, optional breaks, and an optional survey. The breakdown of time is as follows: Registration of Candidates Varies Tutorial Optional, up to 30 minutes Instructions and Pledge of Honesty Up to 10 minutes First Session Up to two hours Morning Break Optional, up to 20 minutes Second Session Up to two hours Lunch Break Optional, up to 60 minutes Third Session Up to two hours Afternoon Break Optional, up to 20 minutes Fourth Session Up to two hours Optional Survey Optional, Up to 10 minutes Total Approximately 10 hours Note: each session contains 60 multiple choice, single best answer questions. You can choose to use some or all of your break time. If you finish your testing session early, you can combine your unused test time with the subsequent break. However, unused break time is not cumulative and cannot be accrued during the day or applied to testing time. If you do not use time available for a scheduled break, it is forfeited. WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE - WHAT IF I ARRIVE LATE? Arrive 30 minutes prior to your individual appointment time. (Your appointment time will be indicated on the confirmation letter you receive from Pearson VUE.) Candidates arriving late will not be admitted to the exam. Make certain that you know the location of the test site and parking facilities. In addition to the directions provided by Pearson VUE, the Board recommends that you review a map to confirm driving directions. 10

14 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE AT THE TEST CENTER? The staff at each Pearson Professional Center will follow standardized procedures to ensure that the operation of the test center meets the ABFM, ABIM, and Pearson VUE testing criteria. The information below describes the process that will occur when you arrive at the test center. 1. You will present your personal identification, as described below. 2. An electronic fingerprint and/or palm scan, signature, and photograph will be taken. You cannot take the exam without having your fingerprint/palm scan, signature, and picture taken. 3. You will be required to leave your personal belongings, including your watch, wallet, and/or purse, outside the testing room. Secure, individual storage lockers will be provided. Storage space is limited, however, so candidates should plan accordingly. The ABFM, ABIM and Pearson VUE Professional Centers assume no responsibility for candidates personal belongings. While the temperature in the exam room should be comfortable, dressing in layers is recommended. 4. You will be asked to read an ABIM Candidate Rules Checklist agreeing to the security terms of the administration of the exam. 5. The test administrator will provide noteboards that may be replaced as needed during testing. 6. If you are easily distracted by noise, you may request earplugs from the test administrator. Headphones, electronic devices, and your own earplugs are not permitted in the test center. 7. The testing administrator will give you a short orientation and then escort you to a computer terminal/testing station in the testing room. If you are left-handed, you may request that the mouse be reset and moved to the left side of the computer monitor. IDENTIFICATION When you arrive at the test center, you will need to present the required identifications listed below: Your Primary ID: A current government-issued form of ID that contains a recent photograph of you and your signature. A valid driver s license, passport, or state identification card is acceptable. The name that appears must be the same as the name the Board has on record for you. Your Secondary ID: Does not require a photograph, but must include your signature. For example, a social security card, valid credit card, or ATM card is acceptable. Note: Candidates without both a valid primary and secondary ID will not be admitted to the exam room. WHAT CAN T I BRING? In order to maintain the security of the exam, the following items are prohibited in the testing room: Electronic devices, such as cellular phones, cameras, recording devices, calculators, hand-held computers/personal digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, or beepers. Watches or timepieces of any kind The time of day will be displayed on a clock in the exam room, and the testing time remaining will be displayed on each computer screen. Calipers, nomograms, or other interpretive aids. 11

15 Study materials, reference materials, texts, articles, books, notes, scratch paper, etc. Pens, pencils, highlighters, or other writing instruments The test administrator will provide noteboards that may be replaced as needed during testing. Noteboards may not be removed from the testing room and must be turned in to the test administrator after you complete each session of the exam. In addition, notes may be made electronically in the Notes section of each question. Both the noteboards and the Notes section of each question are provided for your convenience and will not be considered in the evaluation of your exam. Personal items, such as luggage, briefcases, or backpacks. Wallets or purses. Tobacco products. Food or drinks Drinking water will be available at the test center. In addition, friends or relatives who accompany you to the test center will not be permitted to wait in the test center or to contact you while you are taking the exam. Candidates who fail to adhere to these policies are subject to disciplinary action which could lead to dismissal from the exam, invalidation of the exam, disqualification from future exams, or other sanctions deemed appropriate by the ABFM. COMFORT AIDS Items allowed in testing room: Diabetic Supplies Water/beverage in a sports bottle Wet Naps for a person with sleep apnea Extra chair Sunglasses Glare screen Important medication (asthma inhaler, nitroglycerin) Sweater Snack Foot stool Pillow Glucose monitoring device HOW WILL THE EXAM START? At the start of the exam process, you will see several instructional screens reviewing information about taking the test and about exam security. You will be asked to agree to a Pledge of Honesty affirming that you will follow the ABIM and Pearson VUE rules. WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE EXAM? Exam structure: The exams are given in modular format with a maximum of 60 multiple-choice questions per exam session. Exam time: You will have up to two hours to complete each session. The time remaining for each session will appear in the upper right-hand corner of the computer screen. The time of day will be displayed on a clock in the testing room. 12

16 Assistance during an exam session: You must remain in your seat during an exam session, unless authorized to leave by a test center administrator. Raise your hand to notify the administrator if you: Have a problem with your computer Need a clean board Need to leave the testing room for any reason Have inadvertently brought any personal belongings into the testing room Need earplugs or headphones if you are easily distracted by noise, including typing noise Need assistance for any other reason Leaving the testing room during an exam session: If you need to leave the testing room during the exam session, the clock will continue to count down the time remaining. The test administrator will set your computer to "Unscheduled Break" mode. The screen will display the session time with the clock counting down, and the display screen you are working on will be hidden. You should exit the testing room as quietly as possible. You may not leave the immediate vicinity of the testing room or restrooms while an exam session is in progress. Returning to the testing room during an exam session: You must provide an electronic fingerprint each time you enter and exit the testing room. When you return to your workstation, the test administrator will reset your computer so that you may continue the exam. Five-minute notification: A message box will appear on your computer screen as a reminder when five minutes remain in a session. If you are still working at the end of the two-hour session, the computer screen will turn gray, a message will state that your time has expired, and no further keyboard and mouse responses will be recorded. Taking breaks: Scheduled breaks occur at the completion of each session. Taking scheduled breaks is optional. You can decline a break and immediately begin the next two-hour exam session. You can choose to use some or all of your break time. If you finish your testing session early, you can combine your unused test time with the subsequent break. However, unused break time is not cumulative and cannot be accrued during the day or applied to testing time. If you do not use time available for a scheduled break, it is forfeited. Returning from a scheduled break: You must provide an electronic fingerprint each time you enter and exit the testing room. Because you must be at your seat before the end of a scheduled break, allow sufficient time (as much as ten minutes) for checking back in. At the end of a scheduled break, the clock on the computer will automatically start the next exam session. Technical or computer problems: In the event of a computer or other technical problem, the Pearson VUE system will ensure that no testing time is lost and all your answer choices are saved. Raise your hand to notify the proctor if there is a problem. The proctor will follow established procedures to resolve the problem. IRREGULAR BEHAVIOR ON EXAMINATIONS The Board s examinations are copyrighted and administered in secure testing centers by test administrators who are responsible for maintaining the integrity and security of the certification process. Test administrators are required to report to the Board any irregular or improper behavior by a candidate, such as giving or obtaining information or aid, looking at test material of others, removing examination materials from the test center, taking notes, bringing electronic devices (e.g., beepers, pagers, cell phones, etc.) into the examination, failing to comply with time limits or instructions, talking, or other disruptive behavior. Irregular or improper behavior that is observed, made apparent by data forensics, statistical analysis, or uncovered by other means will be considered a subversion of the certification process and will constitute grounds for invalidation of a candidate s examination. 13

17 HOW ARE THE EXAMS SCORED? Your score is determined by the number of questions answered correctly. There is no penalty for guessing; therefore, you should answer every question. The minimum passing score reflects an absolute standard developed by the ABIM Board of Directors and is independent of the performance of any group of candidates. WHEN CAN I EXPECT MY RESULTS? After the exam is given, it will be analyzed and evaluated to ensure the reliability of individual results. Score reports will be available on our website, in your Physician Portfolio in early The ABFM website will have a posted notice when results are available and candidates will receive personal notice of the availability of scores. PERIOD OF CERTIFICATION Those who are successful on the examination will be awarded an ABFM Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sleep Medicine. The certificate will bear a date limiting the duration of its validity to ten years. Reassessment will be required for renewal of the certificate. The requirements for Recertification in Sleep Medicine are yet to be determined. If, for any reason, primary certification in Family Medicine is not maintained (e.g., expiration, revocation, etc.), certification in Sleep Medicine will simultaneously be withdrawn at the time of the loss of the primary certificate. Upon restoration of the Family Medicine certificate, the CAQ in Sleep Medicine will simultaneously be restored for the remainder of the current certificate. RE-EXAMINATION There is no limit to the number of times a qualified candidate may take the examination. An application is valid only for the examination held in a single calendar year. Candidates who are unsuccessful on any examination may apply for re-examination, and full fees are charged for each examination. Keep in mind the exam is only given every other year. Furthermore the practice pathways will be available only for the exams given in 2007, 2009, and However, candidates who applied via Practice Pathway A or B and attempted the exam in 2007, 2009 or 2011 and were unsuccessful will be permitted to apply for future exams based on the practice pathway qualification. REVOCATION Each certificate issued by the Board of Directors of the American Board of Family Medicine shall be subject to revocation in any of the following circumstances. General The issuance of such certificate or its receipt by the person so certified shall have been contrary to, or in violation of, any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of the American Board of Family Medicine, Inc., or of the Bylaws of the American Board of Family Medicine. 14

18 The person so certified shall not have been eligible to receive such certificate, irrespective of whether or not the facts constituting such ineligibility were known to, or could have been ascertained by, the Directors of the Corporation or its representatives. The person so certified shall have made a misstatement of fact in the application for such certificate or in any other statement or representation to the Corporation or its representatives. The person so certified shall at any time have neglected to maintain the degree of competency in the field of Family Medicine established by the Board. The person so certified shall have fraudulently altered, copied, or changed a certificate of the American Board of Family Medicine, or has fraudulently presented, or allowed to be presented on behalf of the individual, an altered, copied or changed certificate of the Board. In such cases, the Board reserves the right to revoke, suspend, and/or prohibit subsequent certification of the offending party for a period not to exceed six (6) years from the date of discovery of the offense. In the event the individual appeals or otherwise challenges the suspension, the six (6) year period shall be tolled until the action of the Board is determined to be final and enforceable. Licensure Status A Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine shall be required to hold a currently valid, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada. Furthermore, every license to practice medicine held by a Diplomate in any state or territory of the United States or province of Canada must be currently valid, full and unrestricted, whether or not the Diplomate in effect practices in such state, territory or province. Diplomates shall be required to retain a full and unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada even if they are out of the country for extended periods of time. Failure to retain a license will result in loss of Diplomate status and will result in the loss of the ability to make application for certification, recertification, or other examinations offered by the Board. In the event a Diplomate's license to practice in any state or territory of the United States or province of Canada is revoked, restricted or suspended, the Diplomate's certificate is simultaneously rescinded at the time of the licensure revocation, restriction or suspension. The physician must advise the American Board of Family Medicine within 60 days and cease immediately identifying himself/herself in any way directly or indirectly as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. If the physician fails to notify the American Board of Family Medicine of any revocation, restriction or suspension within 60 days after the effective date, he/she shall be ineligible to seek reinstatement of Diplomate status for up to one year following the reinstatement of full and unrestricted licensure. Candidates for the Certification Examination and Diplomates of the ABFM should be aware that the ABFM receives periodic Disciplinary Action Reports from the American Board of Medical Specialties and the Federation of State Medical Boards to obtain actions by states against medical licenses. Any adverse action by a state licensing agency, agreement between a licensing agency and a physician, or voluntary action by a physician, that revokes, restricts or suspends the physician s medical license is a violation of ABFM policy. In cases where a physician has changed the physician's residence deliberately to avoid prosecution, loss of license, or disciplinary action by a state licensing agency, the Board reserves the right to revoke or suspend Diplomate status and/or prohibit application for certification. Questions about licensure should be presented to the Board in writing. If and when the physician's revoked, restricted, or suspended license is reinstated in full (with no restrictions) and official written documentation of reinstatement is provided, the ABFM will honor the remainder of the current certificate and the Diplomate will not be required to be reexamined. If the current certificate has expired prior to the reinstatement of the license, the physician may make application for the next annual examination. Successful compliance with all application requirements, in effect at that time, will be expected. 15