ABFM exam cost: the $1,300 fee, retakes, prep and keeping certification
Last checked October 19, 2026 · Sources: ABFM’s exam information booklet (exam and re-exam fees) and 2026 registration booklet; AAFP’s board exam guide and board review prices; Rosh Review; UWorld prices as cited. Totals are our sums.
The ABFM exam cost for most residents is $1,300, the fee in ABFM’s 2026 booklet and the amount AAFP says most residents paid in 2024; applying after the first deadline adds a $100 late fee. A re-examination is $650. Prep runs from free (AAFP’s 1,360 member questions) to $279 for Rosh Review’s bank and up to $1,435 for an AAFP live course. After you’re certified, continuing certification is $200 a year, per AAFP.
ABFM fees
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| One-day certification exam | $1,300 | Most residents paid this in 2024, per AAFP |
| Late fee | $100, non-refundable | Applications after the first deadline |
| Re-examination | $650 | 50% of the current fee, per ABFM’s booklet |
| Cancellation and seat fees | Apply if you withdraw late | Withdraw 30+ days before to avoid the cancellation fee, 5+ days to avoid the seat fee |
| Continuing certification | $200 a year | ABFM’s 2026 booklet says the annual fee includes two exam attempts |
From ABFM’s booklets and AAFP, checked October 19, 2026.
What ABFM prep costs
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| AAFP board-style questions | Free (members) |
| Rosh Review Resident Qbank | $279 Basic; $549 Premium |
| AAFP FP Comprehensive online | $315 (member) |
| UWorld ABFM (90 days) | $499 (cited) |
| AAFP Board Review Express online | $925 (member) |
| AAFP Board Review Express live or livestream | $1,435 member; $1,045 resident |
From providers’ own pages; UWorld new-purchase prices as cited.
Example budgets
| Scenario | Items | About |
|---|---|---|
| Free prep | $1,300 exam + AAFP’s free member questions | $1,300 |
| Question bank | $1,300 exam + Rosh Review $279 | $1,579 |
| Course + bank | $1,300 exam + AAFP BRE online $925 + Rosh Review $279 | $2,504 |
| Late application, then a retake | $1,300 + $100 late fee + $650 re-exam | $2,050 before prep |
Our sums for a first-time pass; excludes AAFP membership dues and travel.
Ways to keep ABFM costs down
- Apply before the first deadline to avoid the $100 late fee.
- Ask your residency program whether it pays the exam fee or provides board review.
- Start with AAFP’s free member questions before buying a bank.
- Withdraw early if plans change: 30+ days before avoids the cancellation fee.
Common questions about ABFM exam cost
How much is the ABFM exam?
$1,300, per ABFM’s 2026 booklet and AAFP, plus $100 if you apply after the first deadline.
How much is an ABFM retake?
$650 per re-examination, per ABFM’s booklet.
How much does it cost to stay certified?
$200 a year for continuing certification, per AAFP; ABFM’s 2026 booklet says the annual fee covers two exam attempts.
Will my residency pay?
Many do; ask your program what it covers.
See also how to register, cheapest ABFM prep and our ABFM exam guide. MockTestPrep is independent and earns no commission from these providers.