The ABAM Certification and Recertification Examination December 11, 2010

Introduction to the ABAM Examination Purpose: To identify physicians with the knowledge, experience and skills to provide quality healthcare within the specialty of Addiction Medicine. ABAM-certification involves a rigorous test designed & administered by specialists in the field of Addiction Medicine. Certification closely parallels ABMS standards. Select criteria must be met to sit for the examination. To date, ABAM has certified nearly 2,100 Physicians in Addiction Medicine.

ABAM-Certified by ABMS Board

ABAM-Certified by Specialty

Value of ABAM Certification to Physicians Treatment centers, hospitals, & managed care orgs. actively recruit ABAM-certified members to provide direction and leadership for their programs. Many organizations require Medical Directors be certified in Addiction Medicine. Physicians who hold ABAM-certification qualify to receive a waiver from the special registration requirements of the Controlled Substances Act for the provision of medication-assisted opioid therapy. For those physicians interested in medical school faculty appointments, board certification enhances an application. State hospitals & medical facilities call on ABAM-certified Physicians for testimony on issues and legislation related to substance abuse & treatment. The widely-recognized National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA) 2008 Standards for Accreditation of Managed Behavioral Healthcare Organizations (MBHOs) require such MBHOs to have policies & procedures for credentialing "psychiatrists and/or physicians who are certified in addiction medicine." NCQA- recognition supports ABAM-certified physicians’ eligibility for credentialing by these MBHOs. Certification provides credibility with 3 rd -party payers when advocating for patient treatment.

Number Certified by Year in Addiction Medicine Pass Rates 1986 (76%) 1987 (79%) 1988 (83%) 1990 (84%) 1992 (89%) 1994 (83%) 1996 (79%) 1998 (80%) 2000 (86%) 2002 (85%) 2004 (88%) 2006 (85%) 2008 (86%) applicants

To Do Prior to the Exam Download your electronic permit & schedule your preferred Prometric test center. (477 test centers nationally) Review the Tutorial on the ABAM Web Site Confirm your testing appointment & verify your test time 7 days prior to the exam. (Test times vary)

Exam Day Get to the Test Center 30 minutes early. Don’t be late for the exam. Bring to the test center -A copy of your electronic permit -Government-Issued Identification -Test Center Confirmation, Address & Phone # -Snacks

Examination Schedule Optional Tutorial15 minutes Block 1: 50 Items60 Minutes Block 2: 50 Items60 Minutes Block 3: 50 Items60 Minutes Block 4: 50 Items60 Minutes Block 5: 50 Items60 Minutes Optional Break Time15 Minutes Optional Survey Total:5.5 Hours Possible Break TimeUp to 30 minutes

Reviewing the Exam Tutorial on the ABAM website

Instructions to Download Tutorial on the ABAM website The Instructions to access the tutorial look like this: [This only works in Windows, not on Macs.] Instructions for Installing and Using the ABAM Certification/ Maintenance of Certification Examination Orientation Materials Installing the ABAM Certification/Maintenance of Certification Examination Orientation Materials: Double-click the ABAM Install icon.

17 Sample Questions Available on the website

Computer Examination

Good Luck on the Exam.