ABFM exam day and results: the schedule, breaks and when scores arrive
Last checked October 19, 2026 · Sources: ABFM one-day exam and exam requirement pages; AAFP’s board exam guide; fall 2026 dates as listed by AMBOSS citing ABFM. Prometric’s general test-center rules apply; confirm details in your scheduling email.
On ABFM exam day you sit four 95-minute sections of 75 single-best-answer questions at a Prometric test center, with 100 minutes of pooled break time to use between sections. With check-in and the tutorial, plan for a full day. You don’t get a score at the center: ABFM sends results within 6 to 8 weeks of the testing window, with December 18, 2026 the tentative date for the fall 2026 window.
The exam-day schedule
| Part | Time |
|---|---|
| Section 1 | 95 minutes, 75 questions |
| Section 2 | 95 minutes, 75 questions |
| Section 3 | 95 minutes, 75 questions |
| Section 4 | 95 minutes, 75 questions |
| Breaks | 100 minutes in total, taken between sections as you choose |
| Testing time | 380 minutes plus up to 100 minutes of breaks, by our arithmetic |
From ABFM’s one-day exam page. Total time on site is longer once check-in and the tutorial are included.
Planning your breaks
Because the 100 minutes are pooled, you decide how to split them across the three gaps between sections. Splitting evenly gives about 33 minutes per gap, by our arithmetic; many people keep a longer break for the middle of the day. Practice a full-length timed session beforehand so the pace feels familiar.
Before exam day
- Check your name: ABFM sets a name-change deadline before each window (October 12 for fall 2026), so your ID matches your record.
- Confirm your Prometric appointment and the center’s rules on ID and personal items.
- Know the withdrawal rules: withdraw 30+ days before to avoid the cancellation fee and 5+ days before to avoid the seat fee.
- Take care of yourself: AAFP recommends plenty of sleep in the week before, and confirming travel if you’re going out of town.
Results
ABFM sends scores within 6 to 8 weeks of the testing window, and the tentative release for fall 2026 is December 18. Scores are reported as scaled scores; prep providers citing ABFM score reports put the minimum passing score at 380, and ABFM’s residency summaries show national averages of 535 for 2024 graduates and 516 for 2025. See our ABFM pass rates page.
After the exam
- If you pass: you’re board certified and enter ABFM’s five-year cycle, with a $200 annual fee per AAFP.
- If you don’t: you apply again for a later window; ABFM’s booklet lists $650 for a re-examination.
- Later exams: for continuing certification you can choose the longitudinal assessment, 25 questions a quarter, instead of another one-day exam.
Common questions about ABFM exam day
How long is the ABFM exam day?
Four 95-minute sections plus up to 100 minutes of breaks, so about eight hours of exam and breaks before check-in and the tutorial, by our arithmetic.
When do I get my ABFM results?
Within 6 to 8 weeks of the testing window, according to ABFM; December 18, 2026 is the tentative date for fall 2026.
When can I take breaks?
Between sections, from a pooled 100 minutes you can split however you like.
Where do I take the ABFM exam?
At Prometric test centers in the US and some international locations.
See also how to register, ABFM exam dates and ABFM exam cost. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with ABFM, AAFP or Prometric.