Application for Initial Certification

2024 Initial Certification Application

If applying for initial certification, please go to https://abomp.roc-p.com to create a profile through the “Apply for Account” link. Once you have logged in you will see the application to apply for the ABOMP certifying exam.

Initial Certification Exam Instructions

Exams will be administered at Pearson VUE professional centers in the continental United States and Canada starting in 2022.

The ABOMP Initial Certification examination is being given with assistance from the American Board of Pathology (ABPath). For this reason, you will notice the ABPath’s information and logo throughout the registration process.

Please click on any of the following links to read details about remote exam instructions in PDF format.

Instructions and Information to Candidates for the Certifying Examination – General Information

This information was prepared by the staff of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology in order to provide candidates with a better understanding of the application process and how the examination is conducted. It does not list the prerequisites and requirements necessary to qualify for the examination, the dates for receipt of applications, or the dates and location of the examination. This and related policy information are available in the Board’s Bylaws. In general, however, the final filing dates for receipt of applications and registrations for initial examination applicants, repeat examination participants, or initial examination participants who were previously declared qualified, is May 15th. Under extreme or unusual circumstances, applications may be accepted until June 1st although an additional late fee of $250 will be assessed.

Processing of the Application:

The processing of an application takes approximately six to eight weeks. The procedure for processing applications includes the following steps:

A review of the application is made to determine that all required information is complete, including CV, certificate of completion of the training program, and the $1,500 fee. If the application is not complete, it will be returned to the candidate. An incomplete application will not be processed until a complete application has been received.
If the application is complete, a letter will be sent to the candidate acknowledging receipt of the application and examination fee, indicating that the application will be processed.
A confidential evaluation form is then sent by the Board to the candidate’s most recent or principal training director after the application is deemed to be complete. In order to prevent any delay in the processing of the application, the candidate is asked to request that the director anticipates its arrival and promptly completes and returns the form.
After the reference form has been returned to the Board office, the application is reviewed by the Credentials Committee, which determines if the training requirements have been fulfilled. A candidate may not challenge an examination unless declared eligible by the Credentials Committee.
The candidate is notified by letter regarding Board eligibility. For those declared Board eligible, the period of time during which the candidate may challenge the examination is five years, starting with the year in which they are declared eligible. Submission of this application constitutes intent to sit for the current examination. If you cancel an appearance for the examination or do not appear for the examination, the entire application/examination fee is forfeited with the following exception: Personal illness at the time of the examination. If a candidate cancels the examination due to personal illness, the examination fee will be refunded minus a $100 administrative fee. This must be verified by the candidate’s personal physician and supporting documentation must be submitted and received by ABOMP within 30 days of the examination dates. If the cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the examination dates, an additional $400 Pearson VUE no-show fee will be withheld. Other extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
An application may be approved “pending receipt of issuance of satisfactory completion of the training program”. If you have not yet finished your program when you submit your application, the certificate of completion must be received the year you apply, and prior to sitting for the examination but no later than September 1st.

ABOMP Policy on Fairness in Examining and Exam Use

The ABOMP is committed to providing certification examinations that are fair to all candidates regardless of age, gender, disability, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, linguistic background, or other personal characteristics. Careful standardization of examinations and administration conditions helps to ensure that all candidates are given a comparable opportunity to demonstrate what they know, and how they can perform in the areas being examined. Fairness implies that every candidate has the opportunity to prepare for the examination and is informed about the general nature and content of the examination, as appropriate to the purpose of the exam. Fairness also extends to the accurate reporting of individual and group examination results.

With respect to the certification examination, the ABOMP will:

Indicate what the examination measures, its recommended uses, the intended candidates, and the strengths and limitations of the examination.
Describe how the content and skills to be examined were selected and how the examinations were developed.
Communicate information about an examination’s characteristics at a level of detail appropriate to the intended candidates.
Provide guidance on the levels of skills, knowledge, and training necessary for appropriate review of the examinations.
Provide evidence that the technical quality, including reliability and validity, of the examinations meet their intended purposes.
Provide to qualified candidates representative samples of examination questions and directions.
Avoid potentially offensive content or language when developing examination questions and related materials.
Make appropriately modified forms of examinations available for candidates with disabilities who need special accommodation.

With respect to examination administration and scoring, the ABOMP will:

Provide a clear description of detailed procedures for administering examinations in a standardized manner.
Provide guidelines on reasonable procedures for accommodating candidates with disabilities who need special accommodations.
Provide information to candidates on examination formats, including information on the use of any needed materials and equipment.
Establish and implement procedures to ensure the security of examination materials during all phases of development, administration, scoring, and reporting.
Implement procedures that eliminate all information that can identify the candidate during examination scoring.
Monitor procedures, materials, and guidelines for scoring examinations, and for assessing the accuracy of the scoring process. The ABOMP will ensure adequate training of examiners scoring the exam.
Correct errors that affect the interpretation of the scores and communicate the corrected results promptly.
Develop and implement procedures for ensuring the confidentiality of scores.

With respect to reporting and interpreting examination results, the ABOMP will:

Provide information to support recommended interpretation of the results, including the nature of the content, norms or comparison groups, and other technical evidence.
Specify appropriate uses of examination content and results and warn candidates of potential misuses.
Provide the rationale, procedures, and evidence for setting performance standards for establishing passing scores.
Provide information that enables accurate interpretation and reporting of examination results.
Provide examination results in a timely fashion (within 4 weeks).

The information indicated above will be provided to test applicants on the ABOMP webpage (www.abomp.org).

Ref: This policy was modified from the CODE of Fair Testing Practices in Education. Joint Committee on Testing Practices (2004). American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC. 20002-4242.

ABOMP Policy on Rights and Responsibilities of Test Takers

The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology recognizes that the certification examination is a high-stakes examination that provides a pathway to Board certification. While the ABOMP will provide due diligence in examination construction and administration, the candidates challenging the ABOMP examination also have certain responsibilities, as follows:

With Respect for the Initial Certification Examinations:

Review of the ABOMP website for dates of all examinations for each calendar year.
Contact the ABOMP with any changes to personal contact information.
Provide the appropriate documentation (Certificate of Program Completion), and submit it to the Board office prior to challenging the examination.
Register for the upcoming ABOMP examinations by the deadline specified on the ABOMP webpage.
Review the ABOMP Guidelines for Certification (www.abomp.org) and provide the clinical documentation requested.
Review any materials provided by the ABOMP to be current on exam administration and content.
Remain in good standing with the ABOMP following certification.

ABOMP Policy on Testing Individual with Disabilities

Special Accommodations Policy

The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (ABOMP) will make every effort to provide all appropriate and reasonable accommodation requests in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with documented disabilities or qualifying medical conditions. All requests are made on an individual basis and are dependent on the nature of the disability and the testing requirements of the examination.

The ABOMP candidate must check “Yes” to the disability/special needs question on the application and must submit the required supporting documentation of an evaluation of the candidate (see below). No additional examination fees are associated with special accommodations.

Required Documentation:

The candidate must provide all required documentation to the ABOMP office by the application deadline. The following information must be included in the documentation of the disability in order for the candidate to be considered for appropriate accommodation(s):

Documentation of any previous accommodations provided by educational institutions or other testing agencies.
A recent (within the past three years) evaluation from a licensed, appropriately qualified professional (physician and/or psychologist). The report must be on professional letterhead and must include, but may not be limited to:
1. The professional’s qualifications, address, telephone number, and original signature.
2. The candidate’s name and date of evaluation(s).
3. The specific diagnostic tests or procedures administered. The diagnostic methods used should be specific to the disability and consistent with current professional standards and protocol.
4. The results of the tests or procedures and a comprehensive interpretation of the results.
5. The specific diagnosis of the disability, with an accompanying description of the candidate’s limitation due to the disability.
6. A summary of the completed evaluation with recommendations for the specific accommodations requested and how they will reduce the impact of identified functional limitations and how they pertain to participation in the ABOMP examination. The ABOMP will consider requests for the following accommodations:
  1. Extended time for challenging the examination (up to time and a half) for all written exams;
  2. Wheelchair-accessible testing stations;
  3. Distraction free rooms;
  4. Physical prompts (such as for individuals with hearing impairments; and
  5. Permission to bring and take medications during the examination.

Ref: https://www.ada.gov/regs2014/testing.accommodations.html

Linguistic Considerations:

According to the ABOMP Guidelines for Certification (www.abomp.org), all examinations will be given in the official language of the ABOMP, i.e., English. This meets the standards of current Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) guidelines for all CODA approved graduate programs in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

Service Animals:

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a “service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must directly relate to the person’s disability.” As a courtesy to other candidates, if a service animal will be in or near the exam center, they will be notified in advance.

Use of a service animal must be associated with a specific disability as defined by the ADA. This includes a service animal trained to detect medical conditions such as an epileptic seizure or adverse diabetic condition. This specifically excludes emotional support animals.
No specific documentation of certification relative to the training of the service animal is required to demonstrate the task(s) that are to be performed by the service animal. Any request for the use of a service animal during the taking of an ABOMP examination; however, must be submitted in writing by the application deadline. The information must include:
1. The disability that requires the use of a service animal.
2. The candidate’s name and date of evaluation(s).
The examinee is responsible for supervising and controlling the behavior of the service animal. An examinee who fails to control the behavior of the service animal during the examination session will have the examination session terminated. No additional examination time will be added to accommodate controlling the service animal.
The use/presence of a service animal does not, in and of itself, justify any additional examination time. The nature of the disability and the necessary accommodations for that disability will be the sole considerations with respect to any additional examination time.

Contact Information:

All applications arriving at the ABOMP office past the application deadline, regardless of the reason, will not be accepted and will be returned to the candidate. All submissions must be sent to:

The American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
One Urban Centre, Suite 690
4830 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33609

Decision and Outcome:

The Credentials Committee will evaluate the documentation, and decide which accommodations are in compliance with the ADA. The Credentials Committee will determine if special testing circumstances will be approved. If the Credentials Committee deems it necessary, it may require an independent evaluation of the applicant’s disability. Only accommodations requested by the application deadline, and approved in advance by the ABOMP, will be honored at the examination site. No accommodation requests will be considered or approved at the examination site. No extensions to an application will be granted because of failure to identify a disability or special need as required in the application materials. ABOMP personnel will acknowledge receipt of each request and notify applicants when their submissions are complete. Those submissions deemed incomplete as of the application deadline will be excluded from consideration.

Decisions on accommodation requests will be made in writing within 30 days after the deadline. If a candidate is dissatisfied with the ABOMP’s decision concerning a request for accommodation, they may request reconsideration. The candidate must send a letter to the ABOMP stating in specific detail why the initial decision was incorrect and provide all additional documentation the candidate wishes the ABOMP to consider. Any request for consideration must be received no later than 30 days from the date of ABOMP’s written decision concerning the request for accommodation. ABOMP may grant or deny the request or seek additional information.

Information sent to Candidates:

If a candidate is declared eligible and has applied to challenge an examination, the following materials will be forwarded approximately six weeks prior to the examination:

A schedule of the examination giving dates and times of the various sections of the examination.
Behavioral guidelines.

Travel and Hotel Accommodations:

All candidates are responsible for their own travel and hotel accommodation arrangements and all their expenses. Candidates are responsible for reporting to the examination site at the time stated on the examination schedule form.

Preparations for the Examination:

In preparing for the examination, the candidate should become familiar with the formats of the questions used.

It is very difficult to keep the temperature in the examination centers at a level that is satisfactory to all. Frequently, some find it too warm and others too cool. It is strongly suggested that those persons sensitive to cooler temperatures bring a sweater or jacket to the examination center.

Suggested study materials:

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th edition. Neville BW, Damm DD, Allen CM, Bouquot JE. 2015. Elsevier.
Oral Pathology. A Comprehensive Atlas and Text. Woo SB. 2017. Elsevier.

Head and Neck Pathology

Atlas of Head and Neck Pathology. Wenig BM. 2016. Elsevier
Diagnostic Pathology Head & Neck. Thompson LDR, Wenig BM, Muller S, Nelson B. 2016. Elsevier.
WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumors. El-Naggar AK, Chan JKC, Grandis JR, Takata T, Slootweg PJ. 2017. IARC.
Diagnostic Surgical Pathology of the Head and Neck. Gnepp DR. Saunders

Bone Tumors

Dorfman and Czerniak’s Bone Tumors. 2016. Saunders.

Soft Tissue Tumors

Diagnostic Pathology Soft Tissue Tumors. Lindberg MR. 2016. Elsevier.

Dermatopathology

McKee’s Pathology of the Skin with Clinical Correlations. Calonje E, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, Billings SD. 2020 Volumes 1 and 2. Elsevier.
Weedon’s Skin Pathology. Patterson JW. 2016. Churchill Livingston.
Dermatopathology. Elston DM, Ferringer T. 2019. Elsevier.

Reactive and Neoplastic Lymphoid Tissues

Diagnostic Pathology Lymph Nodes and Extranodal Lymphomas. Madeiros LJ, Miranda RN. 2018. Elsevier.

General Pathology

Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. 2015. Elsevier.
Robbins Basic Pathology. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Aster JC. 2013. Elsevier.

Histology

Histology for Pathologists. Mills SE. 2020. Wolters Kluwer.

Imaging

Diagnostic Imaging Oral and Maxillofacial. Koenig LJ, Tamimi D, Petrikowski CG, Perschbacher SE, Ruprecht A, Hatcher D, Potter BJ, Benson BW, Harnsberger HC. 2017. Elsevier.
Diagnostic Imaging Head and Neck. Koch BL, Hamilton BE, Hudgins PA, Harnsberger HR. 2017. Elsevier.

Immunohistochemistry

Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry. Theranostic and Genomic Applications. Dabbs DJ. 2018. Elsevier.

Journals

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology
Head and Neck Pathology

Examination Scoring and Candidate Anonymity

The candidate will receive a coded candidate number at the beginning of the examination that will be used to identify each candidate on all four parts of the examination. The Directors will not “break” the code that identifies the individual until after scoring of the examination is complete. The candidate should help ensure their anonymity by not sharing their candidate number with anyone.

Description of Examinations and Question Formats

SURGICAL:

The surgical pathology portion of the examination is administered in multiple parts, with a time limit for each part. Each part may include one or two cytologic preparations. The oral and maxillofacial pathology cases will cover all categories of disease and a microscopic diagnosis is expected for each case. They are computer-based examinations consisting of free-response virtual microscopy cases. Each part of the surgical examination consists of 30 oral and maxillofacial pathology microscopic cases, divided into three sections of 10 questions, as well as 5 general pathology microscopic cases. The 5 general pathology microscopic cases are in their own section at the end of the exam.

Candidates may not return to a previous section after the session time has ended or the candidate has ended the section. There is a countdown clock on the computer screen to keep track of time.

The candidate will record the most likely and specific diagnosis possible in a free text box. The computer will not auto correct spelling. The diagnosis line must be filled in for each case. If a diagnosis box is left blank, in addition to being marked incorrect, the question will be assessed the penalty of a critical error of additional lost points. If the slide shows an ameloblastoma, listing the diagnosis of “ameloblastoma” is sufficient and appropriate. Do not use acronyms or abbreviations in your answers, spell everything out. For example, if the slide shows a “squamous odontogenic tumor”, do not simply write “SOT”. The use of acronyms may result in partial credit only. If the diagnosis is uncertain, a comment may be added to describe limiting factors or the microscopic differential diagnosis. If special stains or other procedures could help establish a more definitive diagnosis, these may be included in the comment section along with alternative diagnostic considerations. A rationale should be provided for the listed stains. For example: Diagnosis: malignant spindle cell neoplasm suggestive of spindle cell carcinoma.

Comment: Although the clinical and histologic features are most suggestive of spindle cell carcinoma, the differential diagnosis includes melanoma and leiomyosarcoma. Immunohistochemical stains for cytokeratin, S100 protein, HMB-45, smooth muscle actin, and desmin could support this interpretation while excluding other entities.

If the diagnosis is straightforward, leave the comment section blank. Everything entered will be assessed as part of the scoring process. Inappropriate or inaccurate comments can negatively impact the score for that case. Critical errors, which are diagnosing a benign lesion as malignant or a malignant lesion as benign, are assessed an additional penalty of lost points.

For each of the general pathology cases, the candidate will list the specific organ or tissue and provide the microscopic diagnosis of any pathologic process(es) present. Critical errors are not assessed in this portion of the examination.

Summary:

Review each case thoroughly.
Type your diagnosis in the space provided. There is a limit of 8000 characters per text field.
If you choose to explain or justify your diagnosis, do so concisely and as accurately as possible. If a diagnosis is clearly evident on the basis of the material supplied, lengthy differential diagnoses and requests for unnecessary special stains may count against your score for that case.
Remember that everything you enter will be graded in the context of that specific case.

WRITTEN:

The written examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit for each section. There are 25 general pathology questions on the written exam. All 100 questions are mixed together. It includes theoretic, interpretive, and statistical aspects of pathology. Certain questions test the candidate’s recognition of the similarity or dissimilarity of pathologic processes. Other questions evaluate the candidate’s judgment as to cause and effect, the lack of causal relationships, or the clinical implications. The candidate controls the amount of time spent on each question and may return to previously viewed questions at any time.

Multiple-Choice Example

Directions: Each of the following questions is followed by three to five suggested answers. Select the one answer that is best in each case. If you want to change your answer, you may do so by clicking a different radio button.

What are the oral manifestations of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome?

A) multiple papillomas

B) gingival hyperplasia

C) sebaceous glands in the oral mucosa

D) silver pigmentation of the oral mucosa

E) multiple pigmented macules

ANSWER: E.

The candidate will click on the radio button in front of “E” to select the correct answer. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it is in the candidate’s best interest to answer all questions.

CLINICAL:

The clinical examination consists of 50 cases. The examination is time limited for each section. For each case, one to six images will appear on the candidate’s computer monitor, together with a brief clinical history and/or a question. All answers are fill-in-the-blank format, requiring either a single diagnosis or a brief differential diagnosis. The candidate will record the most likely and specific diagnosis possible in a free text box. The computer will not auto correct spelling. Images cannot be enlarged. This section focuses on the clinical aspects of disease but may include correlation with immunofluorescence or other clinical laboratory studies.

Completion:

This type of question is used on the clinical examination and will ask for a single diagnosis or several differential diagnoses. For example; a clinical photo of a lobular midline mass of the palate appears along with a radiograph showing dense bone. The question may read:

What is the most likely diagnosis for this 2-cm palatal mass?

List three differential diagnoses for this 2-cm palatal mass.

The candidate should only list as many differential diagnoses as requested, not more or less, and they should be listed in the order of probability. Providing more that the requested number of responses only increases the risk, as any incorrect answer may be counted against the candidate. For example, if four answers are provided for a question that requests only three responses and one of the four answers provided is incorrect, points may be deducted for the wrong answer even though three correct answers were provided as requested.

Source of Questions

All ABOMP Directors submit questions to the Board. Only questions evaluated by the Test Construction Committee and found to be appropriate and unambiguous are accepted as valid test questions. A grid/matrix is used to create the examination to ensure that all aspects of oral and maxillofacial pathology are tested, and no single subject receives undue emphasis.

Categories	Written 75-OP questions 25-GenP questions	Clinical/Image 50 questions	Surgical/Microscopic 2 sections of 35 questions 70 questions total
Oral & Maxillofacial Lesions/Conditions (inflammatory and immunologic disorders, microbial diseases, mucosal lesions, salivary gland disorders, soft tissue tumors, bone lesions, hematologic/lymphoid disorders, odontogenic cysts and tumors, facial pain, etc.)	40-50%	55-65%	65-75%
Developmental Disorders, Dental Abnormalities, Syndromes	5-7%	15-20%	3-5%
Dermatologic/Cutaneous Lesions	3-5%	10-12%	7-10%
Other Head and Neck Lesions	2-3%	0-5%	0-5%
Systemic Diseases/Neuromuscular/ Psychogenic	5-7%	1-5%	1-5%
General Pathology (including normal structure & function)	25%	0-2%	14%
Head & Neck Anatomy/Development	1-2%	0-2%	0-5%
Misc.: Forensics, Laboratory Techniques, Molecular Genetics, History, Cytology, Imaging, Nonsurgical Therapeutics	5-7%	0-2%	1-5%
Totals	100% (100 Qs)	100% (50 Qs)	100% (70 Qs)

Conduct of the Examination

In the examination center, candidates should sit at their assigned seat. Times listed on the schedule are the actual starting times of the examination. The candidate is expected to be at their seat and ready to take the examination at the designated time. Candidates will not be given additional time if they are late for an examination. Their computer will be logged on for them and the time clock will start if they are not seated when an examination begins.
Personal items in the examination room: The only personal items permitted in the examination room are jackets or sweaters, and eyeglasses. Specifically excluded are all calculators (a calculator is available on the computer), watches, personal organizers, books, notes, and any other papers. Pagers, cell phones, and other communication devices are not allowed in the examination center.
Examination scratch paper: Each candidate will be given an examination scratch paper that they may keep for the duration of the examination. Examination scratch paper may be used for calculations, etc. and must be returned intact at the completion of the examination.
Computer usage: Before the start of the examinations there will be a practice test so that candidates can become familiar with the computer testing process. The items contained in the practice test will not be scored. All questions will be displayed on the computer screen; candidates will enter their answers by either typing in the free text box or selecting one of the radio buttons. Computer skills are not needed to take the examination.
Surgical examinations: For the surgical pathology examinations, the cases will be presented with a virtual microscopy image and possibly supporting still images.
Examination conclusion: Answers for all four sections of the examinations will be submitted on the computer. There is a countdown clock on the computer screen to keep track of time. If a candidate finishes before the allotted time for the examination, they are free to leave once they have “quit” the examination. A pop-up box will give the candidate warning when there are 15, 5, and 1 minute remaining before the computer will end the examination session.
Queries during examinations: In spite of the great care exercised in the proofreading of examinations, typographical errors may occasionally occur. In practically all instances, these are simple spelling or typing errors and the meaning is readily apparent. Out of fairness to all candidates taking the examination, examiners and proctors are instructed not to answer individual questions, make judgments, or interpret a possible error. Candidates should exercise their own judgment. Nonetheless, if a candidate feels that an error exists, the candidate should bring the concern to the attention of a Proctor during or immediately following that section of the examination. The Board reviews the examination prior to scoring. If the Board determines that an error is critical to correctly answering a question, that question will be eliminated from the final scoring of the examination.
Smoking and beverages: Food (including candy and gum) and drinks are not permitted at workstations. However, drinks, candy, and medications may be stored in the storage area, and access to this area is available with proctor notification. A water fountain will be available just outside the room. Smoking is not permitted in the building.
Restroom breaks: Only one male and one female candidate at a time are permitted to leave the examination center for a brief restroom break. The candidate should check in with the proctor before leaving the room. Nothing in the storage area, including cell phones or any other electronic device, may be taken to the restroom. Candidates may not leave the examination center except to use the restroom. Candidates may not leave the examination floor until that section of the examination is completed. While away from their workstation, the examination scratch paper should be turned over.
Communication between candidates: Communication between candidates during an examination is absolutely prohibited.
Sounds, scents, and civility: In consideration of other candidates, please avoid wearing strong fragrances, making unnecessary noise, and other actions that may be disruptive to others.

Irregularities

The examination will be supervised to ensure that the examination is properly conducted in accordance with the rules of the Board. Candidates are expected to maintain professional conduct during the examination. Any conduct that is considered inappropriate will be documented by the proctors and reviewed by the Directors to determine appropriate action. Inappropriate behavior includes cheating, suspicion of cheating, aggressive behavior towards proctors or other candidates, disregarding examination rules, and any other behavior determined to be detrimental to the administration of the examination.

In the interest of protecting the integrity of the ABOMP and its certification examinations, the following irregular behaviors may be sufficient to bar a person from future examinations, to terminate one’s participation in the examination, to invalidate the results of one’s examination, to cause the withholding or revocation of one’s scores or certificate, or to merit other appropriate action by the Board.

The giving or receiving of aid in the examination as evidenced by observation.
The unauthorized possession, reproduction, or disclosure of any ABOMP examination-related materials, including, but not limited to, examination questions or answers, before, during, or after the examination.
The offering of any benefit to any agent of the Board in return for any right, privilege, or benefit which is not usually granted by the Board to other similarly situated candidates or persons.

In addition, the Board may withhold a candidate’s scores and require that the candidate retake the examination if presented with sufficient evidence that the security of the examination has been compromised, notwithstanding the absence of any evidence of the candidate’s personal involvement in such activities.

Retaking the Examination

The fee to retake the examination is $1,500. The fee and Examination Registration Form must be submitted through your profile at https://abomp.roc-p.com. Under extreme or unusual circumstances, applications may be accepted until June 1st although an additional late fee of $250 will be assessed.

ABOMP Application for Certification