From the Executive Director: ABR Tools Help Candidates Reduce Exam Day Stress
By ABR Executive Director Brent Wagner, MD, MBA
August 2026;19(4):2
Under the informal but broad principle that “every exam provides learning opportunities,” the ABR has continuously refined its remote exam model since launching it in 2021. A consistent theme has been the shared responsibility between examinees and the ABR to provide a secure assessment using software designed to minimize the stress of the experience. The goal of the platform is to allow examinees to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the specialty without the distraction of an unfamiliar user interface.
The remote exam protocol was designed to encourage candidates to complete as many activities as possible in the weeks prior to the exam rather than on exam day. The most important preparatory step for a computer-based exam is the Exam Readiness Check (ERC), which candidates can access via a link sent to them from the ABR after they register. This quick check helps candidates get comfortable with the exam interface, navigation, and tools before exam day. Users should complete the ERC exactly as they plan to take the exam: on the same computer and in the same location. After the ERC is launched, a quick technical verification checks the camera, microphone, internet, and software. Candidates are required to complete an identification check by scanning their ID and taking a selfie. Although this authentication is usually quick and easy, if issues do arise, it is best to resolve them before exam day.
The ERC may be repeated as needed, especially if the examinee changes computers or testing locations after the initial check. Unpredictable computer settings or network firewalls discovered on exam day may create an unexpected and frustrating distraction. Replicating the intended technical setup in advance helps reduce the risk.
A similar process is available for oral exams. The ABR provides a self-guided technical check that allows candidates to review the exam-day check-in process and the procedure for connecting with their examiners. These checks enable candidates to verify that their technical setup is compatible with ABR software and to become familiar with the exam flow and interface before exam day. Candidates can request assistance from ABR staff during their technical check if needed. The technical check should be repeated if the candidate changes their computer setup or location.
For computer-based exams, candidates can also access a set of specialty-specific sample questions after they complete the ERC. These questions demonstrate common question formats (most are “best answer” multiple choice) and allow the examinee to practice navigating the system. They also represent the approximate scope of content but should not be perceived as a complete outline of the domain or a predictor of exam performance. In other words, this set of sample questions should not be considered a “practice test” akin to those that provide a score when a trainee prepares for NBME step exams. As with the ERC, sample questions may be reviewed by the examinee as many times as desired.
The success of the ABR’s remote exam platform depends in part on candidates’ early technical preparation and use of the tools provided. Although the ABR assigns additional staff on exam days to address occasional system issues, we depend on candidate participation to help reduce the frequency and severity of potential technical disruptions.
