Chicago, IL, May 27, 2020: In light of the forced closing of Prometric testing facilities throughout the United States and the continuing uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) announced today that it is investigating the possibility of offering a live, remotely-proctored testing option for the 2020 Initial Certification Examinations for its Specialties of Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Public Health & General Preventive Medicine and Subspecialties of Addiction Medicine, Clinical Informatics and Undersea & Hyperbaric Medicine.  ABPM is considering this alternative as it expects a material decrease in seating capacity at Prometric centers due to COVID-related closures in the Spring and Summer which will result in significant examinee displacement and thereby increase the number of examinees during the ABPM’s exam window.  Additionally, it is highly likely that new social-distancing requirements during in-person exams will further decrease the number of available seats at individual testing facilities.

By mid-June ABPM expects to announce a final decision on whether it will be able to provide a remotely proctored option for the 2020 Exam Cycle.  In the interim, it is important that Candidates with approved ABPM Applications register as early as possible to secure a seat for the desired testing facility.  Should remotely proctored exams become available, those Candidates who have previously secured a seat at a Prometric testing facility will have the option to withdraw from the in-person administration and register for the remotely proctored exam.

“Given the known decreased capacity/increased demand at Prometric testing facilities and the possible resurgence of the COVID-19 virus in the Fall, it is imperative that the ABPM investigate all reasonable, remotely-proctored options that will ensure the uninterrupted administration of the 2020 Initial Certification Examinations, all the while maximizing protection of the health and wellness of our Candidates,” said Hernando “Joe” Ortega, Jr., MD, MPH, ABPM Chair. “To accommodate higher risk individuals, ABPM has been proactive in examining proposals from several vendors in order to determine the feasibility of providing a live, remotely-proctored initial certification option.  Developing such an intricate contingency plan under these unprecedented circumstances is extremely difficult and time-consuming.  But I’m optimistic that the Board will be able to offer a live, remotely proctored exam solution.  Until then, I ask our Candidates for patience and understanding as ABPM Staff works to develop and finalize a viable, responsible plan that includes state-of-the-art security features protecting exam integrity while simultaneously ensuring multiple, flexible administration avenues for testing this Fall.”

The 2020 Initial Certification Examinations are currently scheduled for administration beginning on 7 October 2020 and continuing through 1 November 2020.  Beginning 26 May 2020 Candidates may register online through the ABPM’s Physician Portal. For additional updates on the 2020 Exam Cycle, please check the ABPM website at www.theabpm.org.

The ABPM is a Member Board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Founded in 1948, ABPM works with the ABMS in the development of standards for the ongoing assessment and certification of over 12,000 physicians certified by the ABPM in the Specialties of Aerospace Medicine, Occupational Medicine, and Public Health and General Preventive Medicine, and in the Subspecialties of Addiction Medicine, Clinical Informatics, Medical Toxicology and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.