How Many Questions on Pulmonary Boards?
The pulmonary boards, also known as the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Pulmonary Disease Certification Examination, are a significant milestone for physicians specializing in pulmonary medicine. One of the most common queries among candidates is, “How many questions are on the pulmonary boards?” Understanding the format and structure of the examination can help candidates prepare more effectively for this crucial assessment.
The pulmonary boards consist of a comprehensive exam that covers a wide range of topics in pulmonary medicine. The exam is divided into two parts: a written examination and a practical examination. The written examination is a computer-based test, while the practical examination involves patient encounters and problem-solving scenarios.
Written Examination: The Core of Pulmonary Boards
The written examination is the first part of the pulmonary boards and is typically taken over two days. It consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions, which are divided into two sections:
1. Single best answer (SBA) questions: These questions require candidates to choose the single best answer from a list of options. There are approximately 150 SBA questions in the examination.
2. Extended matching questions: These questions present a list of items, such as patient scenarios, and candidates must match each item with the correct answer from a list of options. There are approximately 50 extended matching questions in the examination.
The total number of questions on the written examination is approximately 200, with a mix of SBA and extended matching questions. Candidates are given approximately 5.5 hours to complete the written examination.
Practical Examination: Assessing Clinical Skills
The practical examination is the second part of the pulmonary boards and is designed to assess candidates’ clinical skills and knowledge. This examination consists of patient encounters and problem-solving scenarios. The practical examination is typically held over two days and includes the following components:
1. Patient encounters: Candidates are presented with patient cases and must demonstrate their ability to diagnose and manage the patient’s condition.
2. Problem-solving scenarios: Candidates are given scenarios that require them to apply their knowledge and skills to solve clinical problems.
The practical examination does not have a specific number of questions, as it is designed to evaluate candidates’ overall clinical skills and knowledge. However, it is important for candidates to be prepared for various patient encounters and problem-solving scenarios that may arise during the examination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the pulmonary boards consist of approximately 200 questions in the written examination, which is divided into SBA and extended matching questions. The practical examination does not have a specific number of questions but is designed to assess candidates’ clinical skills and knowledge. Understanding the format and structure of the examination can help candidates prepare more effectively for this crucial milestone in their careers.
