{"id":2428,"date":"2023-05-16T19:11:43","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T19:11:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abpath.org\/?page_id=2428"},"modified":"2024-12-03T18:36:49","modified_gmt":"2024-12-03T18:36:49","slug":"faqs-primary-and-subspecialty","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/abpath.org\/faqs-primary-and-subspecialty\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs – Primary and Subspecialty"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

FAQs Primary and Subspecialty Certification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Please refer to the Booklet of Information<\/a> for specific policy information about board certification. If your question is not answered below and you need further assistance, e-mail <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2022   Mary@abpath.org<\/a> for Primary certification<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022   Renee@abpath.org<\/a> for Subspecialty certification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
How does the ABPath communicate with applicants?<\/summary>
\n

All communication between the ABPath and applicants for certification regarding their applications occurs via email. This includes requests for additional information to complete your application, approval of the application, payment receipt, scheduling email, and when the examination results are available. Please be sure the email address in your \u201cMy Profile\u201d tab in PATHway is current.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How do I request an application for Primary\/Subspecialty certification?<\/summary>
\n

All applications are online available through Pathway, with the exception of Clinical Informatics and Single certification, these are paper applications found on the ABPath website. For Primary certification, once logged into PATHway the application\/registration link is under the \u201cPrimary\u201d tab at the top of the page. For Subspecialty certification, the application\/registration link is under the \u201cSubspecialty\u201d tab.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I logged into PATHway and there is not an application available for me. What should I do?<\/summary>
\n

If there is not an application\/registration link available under the \u201cPrimary Certification\u201d tab for primary certification contact Mary@abpath.org<\/a>, or an application\/registration link for subspecialty certification under the \u201cSubspecialty Certification\u201d tab, please contact  Renee@abpath.org.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When are application\/registration links available and what is the deadline to submit my application\/registration?<\/summary>
\n

All application\/registration dates and deadlines are on the ABPath website on the Examination Dates, Deadlines and Fees pages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Primary Dates, Deadlines and Fees <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Subspecialty Dates, Deadlines and Fees<\/a>.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When will my application be processed? How long does the process take?<\/summary>
\n

This process may take 4 \u2013 6 weeks after the submission of the application. Applicants will be able to track the progress of their applications on the Board Correspondence tab through PATHway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Your application is not reviewed immediately upon finalization.<\/strong> You will not see progress on your Board Correspondence screen until your application is reviewed by the ABPath.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Does my application have to be approved by my program director and the ABPath by the deadline date?<\/summary>
\n

No, the deadline date is for submission of your completed application and payment only, not the approval of the application. As long as your application was submitted by the deadline date you have met the deadline.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I have submitted my application, but why are the boxes indicating requirements for application (medical license, diploma, etc.) not checked off on my Board Correspondence screen yet?<\/summary>
\n

These will not be checked until the application is reviewed and approved by the ABPath Credentials Committee. We receive hundreds of applications during the application window. Please be patient.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Does the ABPath have a finance or payment plan?<\/summary>
\n

No, payment is to be submitted when your application\/registration is finalized. Payments must be made by credit card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What is a full and unrestricted medical license? I have a training license, is this acceptable to apply for board certification?<\/summary>
\n

A medical license that allows a physician to practice in state, jurisdiction, or Canadian territory with no restrictions. A training license is NOT full and unrestricted. A medical license that allows a physician to practice in state, jurisdiction, or Canadian territory with no restrictions. A training license is NOT full and unrestricted. Please refer to the ABPath website, Booklet of Information<\/a>, \u201cMedical Licensure\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I am starting a fellowship in July and the program told me that I only need to apply for a training license, so why do I have to apply for a full and unrestricted medical license?<\/summary>
\n

For board certification, you must have a full and unrestricted medical license or have applied for a full license. Please refer to the ABPath website, Booklet of Information<\/a>, \u201cMedical Licensure\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I applied for a medical license, but will not get it until after the deadline. Can I still apply for the examination?<\/summary>
\n

Yes, your application will be processed, and if approved, you will be allowed to take the exam.  The ABPath will place the examination results in a \u201cWithhold Results\u201d status. This means you will not receive your exam results until you have uploaded a copy of your full and unrestricted medical license showing the expiration date in PATHway, My Profile<\/strong><\/em> tab.  You will have two years from taking the exam to obtain a full and unrestricted license.  If you have not reported such to the ABPath, your exam results will be invalidated, and you will have to take the exam once again if you want to be ABPath certified.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Autopsies and Surgical Specimens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
How many shared, single organ, limited and fetal autopsies can I submit?<\/summary>
\n

For the current requirements for certification, please see the Booklet of Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I won\u2019t have 30 autopsies before the application deadline for submission. What should I do?<\/summary>
\n

For the current autopsy requirements for certification, please see the Booklet of Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You must have completed the required 30 autopsies by the application submission deadline date (January 15 for the spring exam) or you will have to wait until the next exam session.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Which ACGME Autopsy Log should I upload to my application?<\/summary>
\n

The ACGME autopsy log is located on the ACGME website under “Specialty Specific Reports” in the case log system.The log includes age group, gender, primary diagnosis (as would be reported on a death certificate), and PGY year the autopsy was performed. Age group must be listed as: fetal; infant (up to 12 months); child (1-12 years); adolescent (13-18 years); adults (>18 years).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Do not include any identifying information on the log (e.g. case#, medical record#), this would be a violation of HIPPA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The ACGME autopsy log will look like the sample log below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n
The application form asks for the number of surgical specimens that I have examined. I don\u2019t know the exact number. What should I do?<\/summary>
\n

Many hospital LIS systems can search for reports with your name as the resident of record. If you cannot do this, an estimated number is acceptable.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Scheduling Exams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
I am a 3rd year resident in an APCP program and have completed the required 18 months of AP rotations. Can I apply to take the AP part of the exam this year and take the CP exam next year, when I complete the required CP rotations (or vice versa)?<\/summary>
\n

No, you cannot apply for any portion of the APCP exam until the last year (4th year) of training<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I started my training off-cycle (after July 1) and will not complete training until after July 1. Can I still apply for the spring examination?<\/summary>
\n

It depends on the date of completion of training. If you complete the required 48 months of training by Aug. 31, you can apply for the spring exam; however, you will have a \u201cWithhold Results\u201d status on your exam results until the ABPath receives a letter from your program director verifying satisfactory completion of training no more than 2 weeks prior of completion. If you complete your training after Aug. 31, but before December 31 you can apply for the fall exam.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I am in an APCP program and I want to be certified in APCP. Can I take the AP portion of the exam in the spring and then take the CP portion later (or vice versa) or do I have to take the AP and CP exams both at the same time?<\/summary>
\n

Yes, you can take one portion (AP or CP) of the exam in one session (spring or fall) and the other portion during another session within your period of board eligibility; however, you should consider the additional expenses for registration. The fee to take a single exam (AP or CP) is $2100, rather than $2600 if both are taken in the same session. If you pass the AP or CP portion of the exam, you are not board certified until you have taken the other portion of the APCP exam and passed that exam.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I am taking the Spring Primary exam this year. Can I apply for a Subspecialty exam this year too?<\/summary>
\n

A candidate for the Spring Primary examinations (AP and\/or CP) who wishes to apply for a Subspecialty examination in the same year must submit the Subspecialty application prior to the Subspecialty application deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

a. If the candidate is successful in the primary AP and\/or CP examination, the ABPath will automatically process the application for the subspecialty examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

b. If the candidate is not successful in the primary AP and\/or CP examination, he\/she will be notified and the subspecialty examination fee minus a $200 administrative fee will be refunded. A new subspecialty application must be completed for future examinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

You must be successful in both the AP and CP part before taking the subspecialty examination.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When can I schedule my examination with Pearson VUE?<\/summary>
\n

An email will be sent out when the scheduling window will open with Pearson VUE. Candidates will schedule their own exams with Pearson VUE testing centers. Applicants must apply for the certification exam through PATHway prior to scheduling their exam date with Pearson VUE test centers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How do I schedule my exam with Pearson VUE?<\/summary>
\n

1. Is the ABPath going to schedule my exam date?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates will schedule their own exam(s) dates. Once ABPath notifies candidates that the scheduling period is open, they must create an account with Pearson VUE and then schedule the testing date and test center location of their choice based on availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. How do I schedule an exam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates will schedule their exam(s) online. Once the scheduling period is open, go to the ABPath homepage on the Pearson VUE website (link will be provided) and create an account using your ABPath ID#. Once the account is created, you can sign in to select the exam you need to schedule. All candidates must create a new account, even if they have used a Pearson VUE center in the past.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friendly tip: You can select up to three test centers to compare appointment availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. I am taking both the AP and CP exam. Do they have to be scheduled together<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each exam will be scheduled separately and they do not need to be taken on consecutive days or at the same test center. Candidates can schedule each exam on whatever day and\/or test center they choose during the testing period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Are there going to be extended dates to take the exam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

ABPath Primary exams must be taken during the announced testing dates. No exams will be administered after those dates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. Can I take the exam remotely?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No, ABPath is using only Pearson Professional Testing Centers to administer the exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Can I travel to a different state\/jurisdiction to take my exam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates are responsible for ensuring that there are no travel restrictions in place for the location where they want to take the exam. If a candidate travels to another state or country with travel restrictions in place, they may be turned away or required to quarantine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. My exam is not available at my preferred testing location. What should I do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test centers vary in terms of the days and times they\u2019re open and the exams they deliver. If your exam or date is not available at your preferred test center, please try an alternative date or search for other test centers. Appointment availability can change, so be sure to check back regularly to see if the date you desire becomes available. The earlier that you schedule, the more likely you are to get your preferred date and location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Friendly tip: You can select up to three test centers to compare appointment availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Are Pearson VUE test centers open on the weekend?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Test centers vary in the days and times that they are open. Candidates will need to determine days and times of availability with the test center they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Will there be microscopes at the testing centers?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microscopes are no longer required for the Primary and Subspecialty Exams. The exams will be administered using only virtual microscopy images when applicable and noted in the daily exam schedules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. May I wear earplugs or headphones during the exam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Candidates may use foam earplugs supplied by Pearson VUE Professional Test Centers. Personal earplugs or headphones are not permitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. May I bring or use scrap paper during the exam?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whiteboards and markers will be provided for use during the exam(s). No items are permitted in the exam room except for your ID and locker key if you are using a locker for personal belongings, food, and beverages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. What form of identification (ID) will I need to show?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will need to show 2 forms of identification for check-in at the test center and when returning from breaks. One must be an original (no photocopies), valid (unexpired) government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver\u2019s license, passport) that includes your name, photograph and signature. All IDs required must be issued by the country in which you are testing. If you do not have the qualifying ID issued from the country you are testing in, an International Travel Passport from your country of citizenship is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Please be sure your FIRST<\/strong> and LAST<\/strong> name on your photo IDs match your first and last name in PATHway, If it does NOT match, contact us to update your information in PATHway at Renee@abpath.org<\/a> or Mary@abpath.org.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Cancelling an Exam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
I am an APCP resident and have registered for the AP and CP examinations, but I won\u2019t have time to study for the CP or AP part of the exam. How do I cancel one part?<\/summary>
\n

There is not an option to cancel a portion of the examination once your application and payment have been received.  If you decide not to show up for one part of the exam, you may email Mary (mary@abpath.org<\/a>).   There is no refund of the fee if you are a no-show.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How do I cancel an examination for which I am registered?<\/summary>
\n

To cancel a Primary exam, contact Mary@abpath.org<\/a>. To cancel a Subspecialty exam, contact Renee@abpath.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Please be aware of the cancellation deadline and fees <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n