ABFM Family Medicine Certification Examination

Exam at a glance

Questions

300

Duration

380 minutes

Pass mark

not published

Sections

Section: 75 · 95 min / Section: 75 · 95 min / Section: 75 · 95 min / Section: 75 · 95 min

Exam type

Written

Language

English

Authority

ABFM

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 10 modules · 321 questions

1. 01Cardiovascular57 questions · 17.8 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: anatomy of the heart
   • Foundations: conduction system and cardiac cycle
   • Foundations: circulation and blood vessels

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 68-year-old man who smoked until age 50 asks about cardiovascular screening. Which one-time test is recommended for him?

   ACarotid artery duplex scanBExercise treadmill stress testCAbdominal aortic ultrasoundDResting 12-lead ECGECoronary artery calcium scan

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Endocrine and metabolic52 questions · 16.2 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: endocrine glands and feedback control
   • Foundations: the thyroid in the neck and endocrine emergencies

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 52-year-old woman has a TSH of 6.8 mIU/L with a normal free T4 on two checks. She feels well and is not planning pregnancy. What is the best approach?

   AStart levothyroxine 100 µg dailyBOrder thyroid ultrasoundCMeasure reverse T3DBegin selenium supplementsERepeat TSH in 6 to 12 months

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Gastrointestinal51 questions · 15.9 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the digestive tract, digestion and absorption
   • Foundations: peptic ulcer disease and upper GI bleeding

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 46-year-old man at average risk asks about colorectal cancer screening. He has never been screened. What should he be told?

   AScreening begins at 50BOnly a colonoscopy is acceptableCScreening is recommended nowDScreening is needed only with symptomsEA CEA blood test is enough

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Musculoskeletal and sports medicine12 questions · 3.7 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
   • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
   • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 38-year-old warehouse worker has had low back pain for 10 days after lifting. There is no leg weakness, fever or bladder change. What is the best management?

   ALumbar spine MRIBBed rest for one weekCOral opioid analgesic for the next 4 weeksDNSAIDs, heat and staying activeEEpidural steroid injection

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Nervous system and special senses50 questions · 15.6 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: brain anatomy and clinical localisation
   • Foundations: reflexes, the spinal cord and upper versus lower motor neuron signs
   • Foundations: the eye and the visual pathway
   • Foundations: the ear and the larynx
   • Foundations: paranasal sinuses and neck lymph nodes

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 68-year-old man develops right-sided weakness and aphasia 2 hours before arrival. Blood pressure is 168/94 mmHg and glucose is 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L). Noncontrast head CT shows no hemorrhage. He takes no anticoagulants and has no recent surgery. What is the most appropriate treatment?

   AAspirin 325 mg alone and admitBIntravenous alteplaseCIntravenous unfractionated heparin infusionDIntravenous labetalol to lower systolic pressure below 140 mmHgEObservation with repeat imaging at 24 hours

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Care of children and adolescents10 questions · 3.1 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the newborn and the transition after birth
   • Foundations: growth and development
   • Foundations: the child's airway, vital signs and resuscitation
7. 07Population-based care, prevention and skin12 questions · 3.7 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: skin structure, primary lesions and burn depth
8. 08Psychogenic and behavioral health11 questions · 3.4 % of the bank
9. 09Respiratory54 questions · 16.8 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: anatomy of the respiratory tract
   • Foundations: alveoli and gas exchange
   • Foundations: mechanics and control of breathing
10. 10Female reproductive and maternity care12 questions · 3.7 % of the bank

    Chapters

    • Foundations: female pelvic anatomy
    • Foundations: placenta, pregnancy physiology and fetal circulation
    • Foundations: labour and the fetal skull
    • Foundations: the menstrual cycle in the ovary, endometrium and cervix
    • Foundations: breast anatomy and lymphatic drainage

What you get

• Question bank with a detailed explanation for every answer
• Timed mock exams in the real exam format, with score report by topic
• Personal study plan up to your exam date and review of weak topics
• AI tutor that explains any question in plain words
• One account for the app (iPhone, iPad) and the browser

From registration to licence

The usual steps with ABFM. Details can change; check the current rules with ABFM before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with ABFM and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

Frequently asked questions