ABPN Core Psychiatry Certification Exam

This exam is a crucial step for physicians seeking board certification in psychiatry. The ABPN Core Psychiatry Exam assesses a candidate's knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to provide safe and effective psychiatric care as a board-certified psychiatrist. The ABPN Core Psychiatry Exam is a rigorous assessment of a candidate's readiness to practice as a board-certified psychiatrist. Passing the exam demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to patients with mental health and neurological conditions.

To be eligible for the Core Psychiatry Exam, candidates must:

• Hold a valid medical license in the United States or Canada.
• Have completed an accredited residency training program in psychiatry.
• Meet all other ABPN credentialing requirements.

The Core Psychiatry Exam is a computer-based test consisting of approximately 450 multiple-choice questions and candidates have a total of 9 hours to complete it.

The exam is divided into two parts:

1. Neuroscience and Neurology (75-100 questions)
2. Psychiatry (325-350 questions)

The exam covers a wide range of topics in psychiatry and neurology, including:

• Neurodevelopment and neurodevelopmental disorders
• Substance-related and addictive disorders
• Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders
• Depressive and bipolar disorders
• Anxiety, obsessive-compulsive, and trauma-related disorders
• Somatic symptom and related disorders
• Neurocognitive disorders
• Personality disorders
• Neurological disorders
• Psychopharmacology and other treatments
• Ethics and professionalism

After passing the Core Psychiatry Exam and achieving board certification, psychiatrists must participate in the ABPN's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program to maintain their certification. The MOC program includes ongoing learning and self-assessment activities, as well as periodic MOC exams.

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) does not publish a specific passing score for the Core Psychiatry Examination. The ABPN uses a criterion-referenced pass/fail system, meaning that candidates are not graded on a curve or compared to other test-takers. Instead, a passing score is determined by a committee of subject matter experts who review the difficulty of the questions and establish a minimum threshold for competency.

The ABPN states that the examination "is designed to test the candidate's breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding of the field of psychiatry." The score required to pass may vary slightly from year to year depending on the specific questions asked and the judgment of the committee setting the passing threshold.

Who is eligible to take the Core Psychiatry Exam?
Candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited psychiatric residency program and hold an unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada.

When is the exam offered?
The exam is typically offered twice a year, in the spring and fall.

How long is the exam, and what is the format?
The exam is a one-day, computer-based test consisting of approximately 450 multiple-choice questions.

What content areas does the exam cover?
The exam covers a wide range of topics in psychiatry, including neuroscience, psychopathology, diagnostic criteria, treatment, and ethics.

How is the exam scored?
The ABPN uses a criterion-referenced pass/fail system. A passing score is determined by a committee of subject matter experts who review the difficulty of the questions.

Can I retake the exam if I don't pass?
Yes, candidates are allowed up to three attempts to pass the Core Psychiatry Examination, with a required one-year waiting period between each attempt.

How should I prepare for the exam?
The ABPN recommends a comprehensive study plan, including reviewing textbooks, journal articles, and practice guidelines. Many candidates also benefit from study groups, review courses, and practice questions.

Is board certification required to practice psychiatry?
Board certification is not legally required to practice psychiatry but is often desired by employers, insurers, and patients as an indicator of expertise and commitment to ongoing education in the field.