ABFM exam dates and deadlines: fall 2026 and 2027
ABFM’s one-day Family Medicine Certification Exam runs each April and November. For spring 2027, apply by January 19, 2027 to avoid a late fee, or by February 25 with a $100 non-refundable late fee, and finish residency by June 30, 2027. For fall 2027, the first deadline is August 16, 2027, and residency must be complete by December 31, 2027.
From ABFM’s Dates and Deadlines and 5-Year Cycle pages. Checked October 12, 2026. ABFM updates these pages as new dates are set.
One-day exam
| Spring 2027 | Fall 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| First application deadline (no late fee) | January 19, 2027 | August 16, 2027 |
| Final deadline (+$100 late fee) | February 25, 2027 | See ABFM |
| Residency complete by | June 30, 2027 | December 31, 2027 |
| Withdraw without cancellation fee | 30 days before your exam | 30 days before your exam |
| Withdraw without seat fee | 5 days before your exam | 5 days before your exam |
Longitudinal assessment, 2027 Quarter 1
Fall 2026: the next ABFM exam window
| Milestone | Fall 2026 |
|---|---|
| Final application deadline (with $100 late fee) | September 21, 2026 (passed) |
| Name-change deadline | October 12, 2026 (passed) |
| Testing days | November 9-14 and 16-18, 2026 |
| Residency complete by | December 31, 2026 |
| Results (tentative) | December 18, 2026 |
Fall 2026 dates as listed by AMBOSS from ABFM’s schedule, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm in your MyABFM Portfolio.
If you’re booked for fall 2026, remember ABFM’s withdrawal rules: withdraw at least 30 days before your exam to avoid the cancellation fee, and at least 5 days before to avoid the seat fee. See our how to register guide.
- January 1, 2027: Quarter 1 questions available.
- February 25, 2027: last day to register for the 5-Year Cycle without a $100 late fee.
- March 9, 2027: last day to complete registration (with the late fee) for Quarter 1.
- March 31, 2027: Quarter 1 questions due.
Common questions
Can I apply before finishing residency?
Yes. ABFM says you can start the application before completing initial certification requirements, but all must be met before approval; your expected residency completion date determines which exam you’re eligible for.
What are the exact 2027 testing days?
ABFM’s past pattern is a spring window across most of April and a fall window in mid-November. The fall 2026 window is November 9 to 18; ABFM publishes exact 2027 testing days nearer the time.
When do ABFM exam results come out?
Within 6 to 8 weeks of the testing window, according to ABFM. The tentative release date for fall 2026 is December 18, 2026.
What is the ABFM late fee?
ABFM charges a $100 non-refundable late fee for applications after the first deadline, up to the final deadline.