ABIM Exam Issues

[medlaw06]

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Hey guys,

As time approaches for recent grads to take their ABIMs, I was wondering if any of you had any insight into some of the questions I have and am unable to find any answers. I have done my due diligence and researched this, but maybe I'm not researching the right stuff, which is why I came to you guys for answers/help:


1) Anyone know what the %age needed to pass the ABIM is? I know what the pass rate is (approx 90%), but what is percentage needed correct to pass the exam?

2) How much studying is needed to securely pass the exam?

3) Any correlations between %age correct on MKSAP questions and passing? Getting 60% right on cards (for example) Qs means what? Is that a good score to feel that you'll pass?

4) Are MKSAP questions appropriate questions for the exam? Are they indicative of the level/depth/caliber of questions you will encounter on the exam?

Thanks once again! Good luck studying!!

 

[medlaw06]

No one knows? 😴😴😴 Aren't you guys wondering about this too? 😕😕😕

 

[DrWBD]

Hey guys,

As time approaches for recent grads to take their ABIMs, I was wondering if any of you had any insight into some of the questions I have and am unable to find any answers. I have done my due diligence and researched this, but maybe I'm not researching the right stuff, which is why I came to you guys for answers/help:


1) Anyone know what the %age needed to pass the ABIM is? I know what the pass rate is (approx 90%), but what is percentage needed correct to pass the exam?

2) How much studying is needed to securely pass the exam?

3) Any correlations between %age correct on MKSAP questions and passing? Getting 60% right on cards (for example) Qs means what? Is that a good score to feel that you'll pass?

4) Are MKSAP questions appropriate questions for the exam? Are they indicative of the level/depth/caliber of questions you will encounter on the exam?

Thanks once again! Good luck studying!!

I'll try to answer as best I can. I took and passed the ABIM examination a few years ago.

#1 - I don't know. I suspect that the % needed to pass varies slightly from year to year since the exam is supposedly curved relative to the performance of the examinees.

#2 - It depends on how much time you devote per day to studying. I had a relatively difficult third year of residency with many of my work rotations near the end of the academic year, which limited the amount of studying I could do those months. I spent about 4-5 months in total with MKSAP and MedStudy. If you can do more intensive studying per day the prep time could be lowered, I suppose.

#3 and #4 - My opinion was that the MKSAP questions were more difficult than the actual ABIM exam. If you can do well on the MKSAP, you probably will do well on the actual ABIM exam.

Some other bits of advice I can think of:
1- take a review course. People I know who took the Dhalla class swear by it. Unfortunately my schedule precluded me from taking it, and my residency did not allot time for the 3rd years to attend a board review.
2- if you know MedStudy inside and out you will be in good shape for the exam.

Good luck.

 

[medlaw06]

Thanks WannabDO...appreciate your help. Gettin' a little nervous as time approaches. I have held off starting a job in order to study for the test, as I am a notorious bad test taker!!

In any case, if anyone else can provide more input, please feel free, as I am sure others are in a similar boat....

Good luck folks!! Hope to hear from you...