In training ABPS

[Dr. Foot]

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Hey guys,
Got punch of questions for residents:
what is the in training APBS exam?
Is it multiple questions or short ans?
How important this exam to residents and program directors?
Does it affect you on the long run when you become certified as ABPS?
Thx in advance.

 

[jonwill]

Hey guys,
Got punch of questions for residents:
what is the in training APBS exam?
Is it multiple questions or short ans?
How important this exam to residents and program directors?
Does it affect you on the long run when you become certified as ABPS?
Thx in advance.

The ABPS in training exam is an exam that the ABPS puts out to help residents gauge their progress. First years are compared with first years nationwide and 2-3 years are compared against each other nationwide. I think the point of the exam is really to show residents how prepared they are to take the board qualifying exams. This year it was multiple choice questions and then some essay questions at the end. The importance obviously varies from program to program. At mine, as long as we are above the national average, our director doesn't care. I've heard of other programs where there are consequences for doing poorly. So no, it doesn't really affect you when becoming board certified other than to show you how prepared you are to take the written exams and become board qualified.

 

[Feli]

Jon is exactly right: It's basically just a barometer to see how well you might perform on the real thing. If a resident scores low, it might be a red flag that they need to upgrade studying or risk failing the real ABPS written tests.

On it's own, the ABPS In-Training doesn't carry much weight, but I think practicing for any exam is helpful and important for prep on the real thing. The real ABPS is tremendously important for getting on hospital staff, insurance plans, gaining hospital privileges, and probably jobs. Think of practice ABPS like just like practice MCATs, SAT, etc.

Our director might take us aside or give us a hint if we scored low, but that doesn't really ever happen at my program (j/k). When I was on general surgery at my program, they put a lot of weight on their in-training exam. I'd imagine some pod programs do also, but who knows?