ABFM pass rates and scores
ABFM publishes one-day exam pass rates by year on its site. Published figures put first-time pass rates in the high 80s: a study in ABFM’s journal found 88.3% of US medical graduates passed, and the 2022 first-time rate is reported at 86.5%. The national average scaled score for first-time takers fell to 516 for 2025 graduates, from 535 for 2024.
National average scaled scores from ABFM Residency Program Examination Performance Summaries (2024-2026) as published by a residency program; the 88.3% from a Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine study; the 2022 rate as reported by PracticeLink. Checked October 12, 2026. Check ABFM’s exam page for the latest pass rates.
National average scaled scores
| Graduation year | National average scaled score |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 532 |
| 2022 | 532 |
| 2023 | 533-534 |
| 2024 | 535 |
| 2025 | 516 |
First-time examinees by graduation year, from ABFM Residency Program Examination Performance Summaries.
Reading these figures
- Program pass rates vary, and ABFM sends each residency program its own performance summary, which some programs publish; ask yours.
- Where you trained matters: the JABFM study found Canadian graduates passed at 93.8% against 88.3% for US graduates, and that location of medical school training affects results.
- Scores come within 6-8 weeks of the testing window, per ABFM.
Why ABFM pass rates you see online differ
Sources quote very different figures. AAFP’s resident guide says more than 98% of family physicians pass on their first attempt, while the JABFM study found 88.3% of US graduates passed and PracticeLink reports 86.5% for 2022. The gap likely reflects different groups and timeframes, such as recent residency graduates versus all candidates, or eventual versus first attempts, so check what a figure measures before relying on it. ABFM’s own residency performance summaries report a national average scaled score of 529 for first-time takers who graduated in 2021 to 2025.
| Source | Figure | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| AAFP resident guide | More than 98% | Family physicians passing the one-day exam on their initial attempt, per AAFP |
| JABFM study | 88.3% | US medical graduates over the study period (60,328 of 68,332) |
| PracticeLink | 86.5% | First-time pass rate, 2022, as reported |
| ABFM performance summaries | 529 average | National average scaled score, first-time takers graduating 2021-2025 |
How each source describes the figure it reports.
Common questions about ABFM pass rates
What is the ABFM pass rate?
It depends on the group. Published figures for first-time takers range from 86.5% (2022, as reported) to 88.3% for US graduates in a JABFM study; AAFP says more than 98% of family physicians pass on their initial attempt.
What is the average ABFM score?
516 for first-time takers who graduated in 2025, down from 535 for 2024, according to ABFM’s residency performance summaries.
What score do you need to pass?
Prep providers citing ABFM score reports put the minimum passing scaled score at 380.
Can I see my residency program's pass rate?
Yes. ABFM sends each residency program a performance summary, and some programs publish theirs; ask your program for its results.
We first checked these sources on October 12, 2026 and rechecked them on October 19, 2026. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with ABFM or AAFP.