American Board of Family Medicine

CAQ – Sports Medicine Candidate Information Booklet

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE BOOKLET CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE APPLICATION.

Schedule for December 2009

Application Registration Period September 17, 2009 through October 31, 2009 $1,200 fee Late Registration Period for Application November 1, 2009 through November 16, 2009 $1,400 fee

October 31, 2009 Deadline to Submit the Application ($1,200; No Late Fee Assessed) Priority Seating Ends – for best seating options select by this date.

(Beginning Nov. 1, candidates will be selecting test dates and locations in competition with other Prometric clients.)

November 16, 2009 Final Deadline to Submit Application ($1,400; Late Fee Assessed) Final Deadline to Submit Special Testing (ADA) Documentation November 23, 2009 Deadline to Clear All Application Deficiencies Deadline to Make Official Name Change with ABFM for Exam November 29, 2009 Final Deadline to Select Testing Date/Location (very limited availability after October 31) November 30, 2009 All Sports Medicine Fellowship Training Must be Completed 30 Days Prior to Deadline to Withdraw from the Exam without Cancellation Fee ($35) Scheduled Exam 5 Days Prior to Deadline to Withdraw from Exam Without Seat Fee ($100) Scheduled Exam 48 Hours Prior to Deadline to Change Testing Date or Location Scheduled Exam EXAM DATES: December 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 Candidates select one of these dates for a half-day examination

AMERICAN BOARD OF FAMILY MEDICINE• 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Ste. 550• LEXINGTON, KY 405011-1247 (888) 995-5700

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction...................................................................................................................1

Completing the Application............................................................................................2 Your Password ..........................................................................................................2 Name and E-mail .......................................................................................................2 Personal Information..................................................................................................2 Fee Payment .............................................................................................................2 Defer/Refund Policy ...................................................................................................3 Physician Specific Information ...................................................................................3 Certification Requirements - Initial Examination .........................................................3 Demographics............................................................................................................4 Medical License .........................................................................................................4 Special Testing Accommodations ..............................................................................5 Agreement ................................................................................................................7 Approval of Application & Selection of Exam Date/Location ....................................10 Exam Test Sites........................................................................................................10 International Test Centes .........................................................................................12 E-Ticket....................................................................................................................14 Reschedule or Withdraw from the Exam...................................................................15

Exam Information.........................................................................................................15 Content ....................................................................................................................15 Facts About the Examination....................................................................................16 Comfort Aids ............................................................................................................18 Study Materials ........................................................................................................18 Prometric Information ..............................................................................................19 Exam Day Schedule ................................................................................................ 19 ABFM Policies - Examination Administration Protocols & Procedures ..................... 19 Examination Results.................................................................................................25 Re-Examination ........................................................................................................25 Period of Certification ..............................................................................................25 Revocation...............................................................................................................25

1

INTRODUCTION Sports Medicine is a body of knowledge and a broad area of health care which includes: 1) exercise as an essential component of health throughout life; 2) medical management and supervision of recreational and competitive athletes and all others who exercise; and 3) exercise for prevention and treatment of disease and injury. The Sports Medicine Certification Program, jointly developed by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), the American Board of Emergency Medicine, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Pediatrics is designed to recognize excellence among those with special expertise in this field. The requirements for all Boards are similar. The examination will be administered to candidates from all four Boards at the same time in the same testing centers. The standard for passing the examination will be identical for all Boards. Family physicians must be certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and must be Diplomates in good standing at the time of the examination. This information booklet has been prepared by the American Board of Family Medicine for use by its Diplomates who are applying for the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine as certification or recertification candidates. The program will have three components:

• Satisfactory completion of training for certification candidates • Approval of formal application and accompanying documentation • Successful performance on a comprehensive, half-day examination

Participation in the certification/recertification program is voluntary. The CAQ in Sports Medicine is not a requirement to provide care and the Board's certificate does not confer privilege to practice. In consideration of cost, we allow candidates to apply and pay the fee during the initial application filing period; however, all remaining requirements and deficiencies must be met by the published deadlines. Please read this entire booklet carefully before you begin the application. Candidates will be notified via email of application approval or of any deficiencies immediately after the application is submitted. Although reminders of deficiencies or any missing materials will be sent by email, it is the candidate’s responsibility to frequently review the Physician Portfolio and submit all required items by the published deadlines. PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMPLETE EACH PAGE OF THE APPLICATION. Any application that remains deficient after November 23, 2009, will automatically be withdrawn and a partial refund will be issued. If you have further questions about the Sports Medicine Examination after you have read this booklet, you may contact the Support Center at (877) 223-7437 or help@theabfm.org. It is the sole responsibility of an ABFM candidate to be aware of and comply with registration deadlines. In fairness to all candidates, the Board adheres firmly to its published deadlines for registration and late registration for all examinations. Candidates are encouraged to apply early in the registration period to avoid late fees or problems. Issues arising from one’s inability to log on to the ABFM application system (e.g. forgotten ID/Password, computer technical difficulties or operator error) must be resolved and all components of the application completed prior to 12:00 am Eastern Time on the deadline date. The ABFM staff and Support Center make every effort to assist with these issues promptly; however, candidates are responsible for contacting the ABFM for assistance well in advance of the deadline.

2

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

Your Password The password which has been provided to you for accessing your Physician Portfolio should always be treated as “confidential”. Once you use the password initially provided, we strongly urge you to change it to something known only to you. There is a link in your Physician Portfolio that allows you to change the password. If you allow someone else access to your password they also have access to all secure information pertaining to you on our website. Keep in mind that your exam results will be accessible only on our website by using your ID and Password to enter your Physician Portfolio. Name and E-Mail Always make sure we have your current email address as this is how we will correspond with you. Furthermore, you are responsible for keeping both your postal and email addresses updated in your Physician Portfolio. Please remember you can update this information on our website at any time. Once you have confirmed your email address, you will need to go back to your application and complete all remaining pages. If you have a legal name change, we require a copy of the legal document (marriage, divorce, etc.) faxed to us before we can officially change your name. Keep in mind your name on record with the ABFM should be the same as the primary ID which you will present for admittance to the exam. Any discrepancy in your name will potentially delay or prevent your being admitted to the exam. All name issues should be resolved by November 23, 2009. If you need assistance with this, please contact our Support Center. Personal Information Enter your primary mailing address in this section. The additional address lines are provided only if your address contains more than one line (e.g., an apartment number, P.O. Box, or institution name). Please make sure everything is correct, and remember you are always able to update this information through your Physician Portfolio. All fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required. Fee Payment The online payment option of the American Board of Family Medicine utilizes Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to encrypt the personal and financial information being sent over the internet. Your browser will display the icon of a locked padlock near the bottom of the window to indicate that SSL encryption is being used. Consequently, you may rest assured that the easy-to-use online payment process is a highly secure payment option. No candidate will be allowed to take the examination until all fees are paid and all requirements have been satisfactorily met. In order to expedite the processing of your application, you are encouraged to pay the exam fee of $1,200.00 (which includes a non-refundable $200.00 application fee) online with your credit card. When you pay by credit card online and complete all sections of your application with no deficiencies, you will be prompted to pick your test center and date. Should you prefer to submit your credit card number in writing or pay by check, you will be required to print a payment page to

3

complete and send with your payment. Once the ABFM has processed your credit card or check sent by postal mail, you will be able to complete your application and select a test center and date. Those who pay by credit card should be certain that the daily limit on the card is sufficient to permit charging the examination fee. If the credit card is declined or a check is returned by the bank, your fee must be resubmitted for the original amount plus a bounced money fee of $50.00 and must be paid by certified check or money order. Any candidate whose credit card is declined or check is returned will be removed from a testing center, and he or she will not be able to select a center until all fees have been paid. Defer/Refund Policy Applications and exam fees are valid only during the calendar year in which the application is filed. If you are unable to complete the application requirements and wish to withdraw, please return to your Physician Portfolio and click on the link “Defer Participation to a Future Exam.” Candidates found to be ineligible to sit for the examination due to inability to meet the requirements will receive a partial refund. Candidates who have scheduled an exam appointment with Prometric and find they need to cancel should do so at least 30 days or more prior to their scheduled exam date in order to avoid a late cancellation or seat fee. Anyone withdrawing within 29-5 days prior to the scheduled exam date will incur a $35 cancellation fee. Candidates who cancel their exam appointment less than 5 days prior to their scheduled exam will incur a seat fee of $100. Furthermore any candidate who fails to notify the ABFM to cancel their exam appointment will be considered a “no show” and will incur a seat fee of $100. Withdrawing from the exam must be done through the ABFM website. Do not contact Prometric directly to cancel your exam. Candidates requiring a refund will receive it within 2-3 weeks of notification of withdrawing from the exam. Please remember the application processing fee ($200) and any late fees paid are non-refundable. Furthermore any cancellation or seat fee incurred due to late withdraw will be withheld from the refundable amount of exam fee. Physician Specific Information In this section you will select your qualifying plan, indicate if special testing accommodations (Americans with Disabilities Act) are needed, and notify us if you do NOT want your scores released to your fellowship program. Special testing accommodations will be considered only with appropriate documentation. Please refer to that section of the booklet for specific information. Certification Requirements - Initial Examination A candidate must have successfully completed, or will have completed by November 30, 2009, a minimum of one year in an ACGME-accredited sports medicine fellowship program associated with an ACGME-accredited residency in Family Practice, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. A letter from the fellowship Program Director is required verifying satisfactory completion of the sports medicine fellowship program, indicating beginning and ending training dates (month, day

4

and year). Candidates who have not yet completed their fellowship program but will do so by November 30, 2009 should submit a preliminary letter of completion from the Program Director indicating the anticipated completion date. Upon completion of the fellowship, the Program Director should then submit to the ABFM a final letter verifying the date of satisfactory completion. The candidate’s examination results will not be released until the final verification letter is received. Demographics This section of the application must be completed as accurately as possible. The information will enable us to have more complete data on the scope of practice, geographical distributions, and interests of ABFM candidates. Medical License PLEASE NOTE: No candidate will be allowed to take the examination without a valid and unrestricted permanent license. The ABFM will verify the license status of all candidates through the Federation of State Medical Boards. All candidates must hold a currently valid, full and unrestricted active license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada. Institutional, temporary, and training medical licenses are not acceptable and should not be entered on the application. Furthermore, every license to practice medicine held by the candidate in any state or territory of the United States or province of Canada must be currently valid, full and unrestricted, whether or not the candidate in effect practices in such state, territory or province. Candidates shall be required to maintain a full and unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada even if they are out of the country for extended periods of time. Any candidate whose license to practice medicine has been revoked, restricted, or suspended in any state or territory of the United States or province of Canada shall be ineligible for certification until such time as the encumbered license is reinstated in full. Should a license be revoked, restricted, or suspended following the submission of an application for certification but prior to notification of examination results, the application and certification will be simultaneously invalidated. Furthermore, invalidation of an application prior to taking the exam will result in a partial refund of fee; whereas invalidation of an exam taken will result in forfeiture of the full exam fee. It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the Board in writing immediately upon a change in licensure status. If the candidate fails to notify the Board of any revocation, restriction, suspension, or probation within 60 days after the effective date, the physician shall be ineligible to seek certification for up to one year following the reinstatement of full and unrestricted licensure. A restricted medical license is any adverse action by a state licensing agency, agreement between a licensing agency and a physician, or voluntary action by a physician that revokes, restricts or suspends the physician’s medical license. In cases where a physician has changed his/her residence deliberately to avoid prosecution, loss of license, or disciplinary action by a state licensing agency, the Board reserves the right to revoke or suspend Diplomate status and/or prohibit application for certification. Unrestricted licenses which have become inactive (e.g., nonrenewal) do not violate the Board’s policy on licensure.

5

If and when the physician's revoked, restricted, or suspended license is reinstated in full (with no restrictions) and official written documentation of reinstatement is provided, the ABFM will honor the remainder of the current certificate and the Diplomate will not be required to be re-examined. If the current certificate has expired prior to the reinstatement of the license, the physician may make application for the next annual examination. Successful compliance with all application requirements in effect at that time will be expected. Any "YES" response to the question concerning revocation, modification, or restriction of your license requires submission of a written explanation, which will delay the processing/approval of your application until the issue has been resolved. Questions about licensure should be presented to the Board in writing. Special Testing Accommodations The American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) for individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodation. In accordance with these Acts, ABFM does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities in providing access to its examination program.

For the purpose of requesting test accommodations, the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 defines a person with a disability as someone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as walking, standing, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating or working.

The purpose of accommodations is to provide equal access to ABFM examinations for all individuals. Accommodations “match up” with the identified functional limitation so that the area of impairment is relieved by means of an auxiliary aid or an adjustment to the testing procedure. Functional limitation refers to the aspects of a disability that interfere with an individual’s ability to function in some capacity on a regular and continuing basis

The purpose of documentation is to validate that an applicant for test accommodations is a disabled individual as defined by the ADAAA and to provide guidance in determining effective accommodations. Comprehensive information by a qualified professional is necessary to allow ABFM to understand the nature and extent of the applicant’s disability and the resulting functional impairment that limits access to its examinations. It is essential that an applicant’s documentation provide a clear explanation of the functional impairment and a rationale for the requested accommodation.

No candidate shall be offered an accommodation that would compromise the ABFM examination’s ability to test accurately the skills and knowledge it purports to measure and no auxiliary aid or service will be provided which will fundamentally alter the examination or will result in an undue burden to ABFM.

General Guidelines for all Disabilities

The following guidelines are provided to assist the applicant in documenting a need for accommodation based on an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The examinee must personally initiate a request for accommodations within the on-line application, or for release of information relative to an accommodations request. Documentation submitted in support of a request may be referred by the ABFM to experts in the appropriate area

6

of disability for a fair and impartial professional review. Accommodations requests by a third party (such as an evaluator or a program director) cannot be honored.

• Documentation of disability assists the ABFM in determining reasonable accommodations and/or services, which are provided on a case-by-case basis. If the submitted documentation is incomplete or does not support the request, the applicant will be asked to provide additional documentation. The cost of obtaining all documentation is borne by the applicant.

• The documentation submitted should be as comprehensive as possible in order to allow the ABFM to make an informed decision on the accommodation request and to avoid delays in the decision-making process.

• Documentation in support of a request for accommodations should be submitted to the ABFM early enough to allow sufficient time to review the request and implement reasonable accommodations and/or services.

• Documentation must be provided by a licensed or otherwise properly credentialed professional who has undergone appropriate and comprehensive training, has relevant experience, and has no personal relationship with the individual being evaluated. The individual making the diagnosis must be qualified to do so (e.g., an orthopedic limitation might be documented by a physician, but not a licensed psychologist).

• Documentation should be typed or printed on official letterhead with the name, title, professional credentials, address, phone number, and signature of the evaluator, as well as the date of the report.

The documentation should be current. Because the provision of reasonable accommodations is based on an assessment of the current impact of the applicant’s disability on the testing activity, it is important that the individual provide recent documentation. As the manifestations of a disability may vary over time and in different settings, it is expected that an evaluation will have been conducted within the past three years. Certain conditions such as some physical and psychiatric conditions are subject to change and should be updated for current functioning. To support a request for test accommodations, please submit a detailed, comprehensive written report from your treating professional describing your disability and its impact on your daily functioning. The report should also explain the need for the requested accommodations relative to your impairment. The report and accompanying documentation should clearly state the following: • A specific, professionally recognized diagnosis of the disability using diagnostic codes from

the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or other professionally recognized formulation.

• A description of the functional limitations resulting from the diagnosed disability, including the identification of the major life activity that is limited by the disability, and how that major life activity is impacted.

• A description of the specific diagnostic criteria and names of the diagnostic tests used, including date(s) of evaluation, specific test results and a detailed interpretation of the test results. This description should include the results of diagnostic procedures and tests utilized and should include relevant educational, developmental, and medical history.

• Specific test results using standard scores should be reported to support the diagnosis. Diagnostic methods used should be appropriate to the disability and current professional practices within the field. Any additional informal or non-standardized evaluation procedures should be described in enough detail that other professionals could understand their role and significance in the diagnostic process.

7

• Copies of records relating to and documenting the candidate’s disability, including a complete educational, developmental, and/or medical history relevant to the disability for which testing accommodations are being requested.

• A recommendation of specific accommodations and/or assistive devices for the ABFM examinations including a detailed explanation of why these accommodations or devices are needed and how they will reduce the impact of the identified functional limitations.

• Identification of the professional credentials of the evaluator that qualify him/her to make the particular diagnosis, including information about license or certification and specialization in the area of the diagnosis. The evaluator should present evidence of comprehensive training and direct experience in the diagnosis and treatment of adults in the specific area of disability.

If accommodations have not been requested previously, provide a detailed explanation to why no accommodations were sought in the past and why accommodations are needed now.

Send your documentation to: Accommodations Coordinator American Board of Family Medicine 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Ste. 550 Lexington, KY 40511-1247

All required documentation must be received by the final deadline for submitting an application. The last day to approve requests for special testing accommodations is the final deadline for clearing application deficiencies. After that date, requests that are lacking information or are incomplete for any reason will not be processed and the candidate will be required to take the exam under normal testing conditions or defer to a future examination.

For further information regarding Special Testing Accommodations, specifically disabilities such as learning and cognitive disorders, ADHD, physical disabilities, vision disabilities, and psychiatric disabilities, please refer to the Policy Statement for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance available on our website.

Agreement

Please read the following conditions regarding the administration of the examination. You will need to verify on the application that you have read and understand this agreement. Your application will not be processed without this acknowledgement. I certify that all the information in this Application is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I further certify that every license to practice medicine which I hold in any U.S. state or territory or Canadian province is currently full, valid and unrestricted, unlimited in scope and not temporary. Furthermore, I understand that the examination for which I am applying is voluntary on my part and I voluntarily accept and agree without reservation to the conditions set forth in the Application and the Candidate Information Booklet. I understand that in making this Application I am voluntarily requesting that the Board review and assess my professional standing and that the decision of the Board in making such review and assessment shall be final. I further understand and agree that the American Board of Family Medicine may withhold or rescind approval of this Application, and in the event I am certified/recertified in Sports Medicine, such certification/recertification may be revoked and my name deleted from the roll of certificate holders by order of the Board should it determine, in its absolute discretion, that:

8

1. any of the information in this Application is false or contains material misrepresentations or omissions;

2. my license to practice medicine has been revoked, restricted or suspended in any state or territory of the U.S. or province of Canada;

3. I fail to satisfy the criteria for certification/recertification in Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine.

I understand that in the event I am certified/recertified in Sports Medicine, such certification/recertification shall be for a limited period of time and shall not be valid beyond the date on my certificate, and further, that should I lose my primary certification as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine through expiration, revocation, etc., my certification/recertification in Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine will simultaneously expire. I also understand that should I withdraw from the Sports Medicine Examination for any reason after paying the required fee, the refund policy set forth in the Candidate Information Booklet for the current Sports Medicine Examination shall apply. If my Application to sit for the Sports Medicine Examination is approved, I understand and agree to the following conditions:

1. All examination questions and all other examination materials are the sole property of the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Board of Emergency Medicine, the American Board of Internal Medicine, and the American Board of Pediatrics. Questions or other materials have not been available for review by examinees before taking the examination and they will NOT be available for review by the examinees after taking the examination. No one is permitted to take any of the examination materials from the examination room. No one is permitted to reproduce the test questions in whole or in part, make written notes of the test content, or electronically copy, record and/or transfer test questions or preparatory material. No reference materials (texts, articles, or review materials) shall be permitted in the examination area. Following the examination, examinees may not discuss the content of exam questions with anyone.

2. I understand that I am expected to complete all sections of the exam and attempt all questions. Should I neglect to complete any section of the examination; I understand that any questions not answered will be counted as incorrect, I will not receive additional time, nor will I receive a refund of the exam fee or credit toward future fees.

3. During an examination, (when actively testing and the exam clock is running) I will not be permitted to have instructional material or personal items in my possession. Prohibited instructional information or personal items include, but are not limited to reference materials, texts, articles, review materials, written notes, electronic media, devices designed to augment knowledge or recall, an analog or digital watch, cellular telephone, pager, hand-held computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), mini-computer, or camera. Furthermore, I will not be permitted to communicate with other examinees or any individual, except members of the test administration staff. During an active exam, I will not be permitted to leave the testing center except for scheduled breaks. Following the examination, I may not discuss the content of the exam questions with anyone. Further, I will make no effort to observe the answers of other examinees or have anything at my workstation except materials that may be provided by the administrators at the test center. Only the distributed note board may be used for any written work preparatory to answering questions. The use of telephones or leaving the testing area during an examination is prohibited except as permitted by the test administrators.

9

4. I understand that I risk failing the entire examination if I do not follow instructions on the examination itself.

5. The American Board of Family Medicine reserves the right to refuse admission to any examinee after any session of the examination has actually begun.

6. The test administrators at my assigned test center are authorized by me to take all action they deem necessary and proper to administer the test securely, fairly and efficiently.

7. Smoking will not be permitted in the examination room.

8. In addition, should I do anything prohibited by the ABFM, or should I be in violation of ABFM policy, my test scores will be invalidated.

9. I understand that after the exam, I may not discuss the exam with anyone. I agree that if I wish to have my examination rescored, I must make the request, in writing, within 14 days of the release of the test results. This request must include both a completed ABFM Rescore Request Form and a check made payable to the ABFM for $200.00. I understand that this review will be limited to verifying (1) that the responses scored were indeed made by me and (2) that the scoring process correctly transformed my responses into a scaled score. I further understand that this review will not be a review of the content of the items, or a reconsideration of what the correct answer should be. In addition, I understand that the review will not be a reconsideration of the passing standard or of the acceptability of the testing conditions. I agree that the Board may, at its discretion, release information contained in this Application, my examination results and/or my examination scores to researchers selected by the Board to study the testing and evaluation programs of the Board under appropriate conditions of confidentiality established by the Board. Aside from such research purposes, I understand that my individual examination results and scores will be considered by the Board to be confidential, and, unless authorized by me, will not be released to others except pursuant to legal process. I agree to hold the American Board of Family Medicine, its members, examiners, officers and agents free from any complaints, claims or demands for damage or otherwise by reason of any act of omission or commission that they, or any of them, may take in connection with this Application, the availability of testing centers, exam administration, the grade or grades given with respect to my examinations or the failure of the Board to issue me such certificate. I hereby understand and agree that in the event I am certified as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine, that certification shall continue only for so long and during such time as I have a full, valid and unrestricted license to practice medicine. I further understand and agree that in the event my license in any state or in Canada is revoked, restricted or suspended for any reason or any term, I shall within 60 days so advise the American Board of Family Medicine at 1648 McGrathiana Parkway, Ste. 550, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1247, and cease immediately identifying myself in any way directly or indirectly as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT IF I FAIL TO NOTIFY THE AMERICAN BOARD OF FAMILY MEDICINE OF ANY SUSPENSION, REVOCATION OR RESTRICTION ON ANY OF MY MEDICAL LICENSES, WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE, I SHALL BE INELIGIBLE TO SEEK REINSTATEMENT OF MY DIPLOMATE STATUS FOR UP TO ONE YEAR FOLLOWING THE REINSTATEMENT OF FULL AND UNRESTRICTED LICENSURE. When official written documentation of reinstatement of license is provided, the ABFM will honor the remainder of the current certificate. If the current certificate has expired prior to the reinstatement of the license, an application for the next examination may be submitted. Compliance with all application requirements in effect at that time will be mandatory.

10

It is understood that the decision as to whether my examination qualifies me for a certificate rests solely and exclusively with the American Board of Family Medicine and that its decision is final. By my acknowledgment on the online Application Form, I intend to be legally bound by the foregoing. Approval of Application and Selection of Exam Date/Location Once all components of your application are completed and all deficiencies are cleared, we consider you as approved for the exam and the ABFM notifies Prometric that you are eligible to select your testing date, time and location. We strongly urge candidates to select a testing date and location as early as possible prior to October 31, 2009. Although we will allow test center selections after November 1, 2009, there will be very limited availability as candidates will be selecting their centers in competition with other Prometric examinees. On the Prometric website you can now check availability of seats prior to making your final selection of date/location. You may check for available seats at any time during the application process; however, seats are assigned on a first come, first served basis, therefore availability is constantly changing. To search for available seats, click on the link www.prometric.com/abfm, select “start” and select your state and “Search for Seat Availability”. Once your application is approved, you may select a date/location through your ABFM application where you will be redirected to the Prometric website to see the most current available test dates and locations. Once you have made your selection, within 24 hours you will receive a confirming email from the ABFM with your selected date/location. When you have the confirming email for the selected date/location, you can return to your Physician Portfolio and print your E-Ticket. If you need to reschedule, please refer to the “Reschedule or Withdraw from the Exam” section below for instructions on rescheduling. Please note that you must select a test date and location no later than November 29, 2009. Be advised that not all test centers are available on all exam dates.

2009 Computer-Based Exam Test Sites

(For specific locations of the centers below, go to www.prometric.com/abfm and click on “Locate a Testing Center”

United States & U.S.Territories Alabama Birmingham/Homewood Dothan Huntsville Mobile Montgomery Alaska Anchorage Arizona

Casa Grande Flagstaff Goodyear Phoenix Tempe Tucson

Arkansas Arkadelphia HSU Fort Smith Little Rock California Alameda Anaheim Camarillo California Cont’d

Culver City (LA Metro) Diamond Bar Fair Oaks Fremont Fresno Gardena Glendale Lake Forest

11

California Cont’d Rancho Cucamonga Redlands San Diego San Francisco/CA Street San Francisco/Kearny San Jose Santa Rosa South San Francisco Colorado Colorado Springs Grand Junction/Mesa St. Greenwood Village Longmont Connecticut Glastonbury Hamden Norwalk Delaware Newcastle Dist. of Columbia Washington Florida Boca Raton/FL Atl. U. Coral Springs Davie Gainesville Jacksonville Maitland Miami Sarasota Tallahassee Tampa Temple Terrace Georgia Athens/UGA Atlanta Atlanta/GSU Columbus Macon Marietta Savannah Valdosta Guam Hagatna Hawaii Honolulu Idaho Meridian Pocatello

Illinois Carterville Champaign Chicago Deerfield Homewood Lombard Peoria Springfield Sycamore Indiana Carmel Evansville Fort Wayne/IPFW Indianapolis Indianapolis/Airport Lafayette Merrillville Mishawaka Terre Haute Iowa Bettendorf Iowa City Sioux City Des Moines Kansas Hays/FHSU Kansas City/Overland Pk. Pittsburg Topeka Wichita Kentucky Lexington Louisville Louisiana Alexandria Baton Rouge Bossier City Metairie Maine Bangor Presque Isle South Portland Maryland Baltimore Bethesda Columbia Lanham Salisbury Towson

Massachusetts Boston Brookline Burlington Lowell West Springfield Worcester Michigan Ann Arbor Grand Rapids Lansing Livonia Sault Ste. Marie Troy Minnesota Duluth Edina Rochester Woodbury Mississippi Jackson Tupelo Missouri Jefferson City Kansas City Lees Summit Springfield St. Joseph St. Louis Montana Billings Helena Nebraska Columbus Kearney/U. of NE Lincoln Omaha Scottsbluff Nevada Las Vegas Reno New Hampshire Concord Portsmouth New Jersey Clark Deptford Fair Lawn Toms River West Orange

New Mexico Albuquerque Farmington Las Cruces Santa Fe New York Albany Brooklyn Buffalo East Syracuse Melville New York New York/Penn Plaza Poughkeepsie Purchase Queens Rochester Vestal Westbury White Plains North Carolina Asheville Charlotte Greensboro Greenville Raleigh Wilmington North Dakota Bismarck Fargo Ohio Beavercreek Cincinnati Cleveland Maumee Mentor Niles Stow Strongsville Worthington Oklahoma Oklahoma City Tulsa Oregon Eugene Le Grande Portland Redmond Pennsylvania Allentown Clarks Summit Conshohocken Erie

12

Pennsylvania Cont’d Harrisburg Lancaster Monroeville Philadelphia Pittsburgh York Puerto Rico Guaynabo Rhode Island Warwick South Carolina Aiken Charleston Columbia Florence Greenville Rock Hill South Dakota Rapid City Sioux Falls

Tennessee Chattanooga Clarksville Cordova Franklin Knoxville Madison Memphis/ U. Memphis Texas Abilene Amarillo Austin Beaumont Bedford College Station Corpus Christi Dallas El Paso Houston Lubbock McAllen San Antonio Tyler Waco Wichita Falls/Mdwst St. U

Utah Lindon Salt Lake City/U. of Utah St. George Taylorsville Vermont Williston Virgin Islands Christiansted Virginia Bristol Fairfax Glen Allen Lynchburg Newport News Roanoke Washington Mt. Lake Terrace Puyallup Spokane West Virginia Morgantown/ U. WV S. Charleston Wisconsin Brookfield Madison Wyoming Casper

Canada Alberta Calgary Alberta Cont’d Edmonton British Columbia Vancouver/Burnaby Manitoba Winnipeg Newfoundland St. Johns/Memorial U. Nova Scotia Halifax Ontario Hamilton London Toronto Ottawa Quebec Montreal Saskatchewan Saskatoon

International Test Centers The ABFM and Prometric are now offering testing at the following international locations for the 2009 examination. Prometric has in place an established network of professional test centers providing the same high level of security, candidate verification and secure exam administration as their U.S. testing locations. If you select one of the following international testing locations, you will be required to sign a consent agreement and submit the international testing fee of $200. This is an additional cost beyond the normal application fee and is applicable only to the international sites. As soon as you have received confirmation of the exam appointment for an international location, contact Brenda Davis by email, bdavis@theabfm.org or by calling 888 995-5700, ext. 1290. Brenda will assist in collecting the international testing fee and the signed consent agreement. On exam day, all ABFM candidates will be required to sign the logbook, show valid government-issued identification, a secondary form of ID bearing a signature, and a fingerprint scan to be admitted for testing.

Note: List is subject to change. Selection of testing location through application will provide current availability.

13

EUROPE CITY COUNTRY CITY COUNTRY

Yerevan Armenia Amsterdam Netherlands

Vienna Austria Lelystad Netherlands

Sofia Bulgaria Warsaw Poland

Zagreb Croatia Lisbon Portugal

Prague Czech Republic Bucharest Romania

Copenhagen Denmark Moscow Russia

Helsinki Finland St Petersburg Russia

Paris France Ljubljana Slovenia

Toulouse France Barcelona Spain

Tblisi Georgia Villaviciosa De Odon (Madrid) Spain

Berlin Germany Geneva Switzerland

Frankfurt Germany Ankara Turkey

Hamburg Germany Istanbul Turkey

Munich Germany Izmir Turkey

Athens Greece Kiev Ukraine

Thessaloniki Greece Birmingham United Kingdom

Budapest Hungary Bournemouth United Kingdom

Dublin Ireland Bristol United Kingdom

Tel Aviv Israel Cardiff United Kingdom

Milan Italy Edinburgh United Kingdom

Rome Italy Glasgow United Kingdom

Almaty Kazakhstan Leeds United Kingdom

Riga Latvia London United Kingdom

Vilnius Lithuania Manchester United Kingdom

Luxembourg Luxembourg Newcastle United Kingdom

Peterborough United Kingdom

Tashkent Uzbekistan

LATIN AMERICA REGION

CITY COUNTRY CITY COUNTRY

Buenos Aires Argentina Bogota (Chia) Colombia

La Paz Bolivia Cali Colombia

Belo Horizonte Brazil Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

Brasilia Brazil Guatemala City Guatemala

Curitiba Brazil Guadalajara Mexico

Porto Alegre Brazil Mexico City Mexico

Recife Brazil Monterrey Mexico

Rio De Janeiro Brazil Lima Peru

Sao Paulo Brazil Caracas Venezuela

Santiago Chile

14

MIDDLE EAST

CITY COUNTRY CITY COUNTRY

Manama Bahrain Dammam Men Saudi Arabia

Cairo Egypt Dammam Women Saudi Arabia

Amman Jordan Dubai United Arab Emirates

Kuwait City Kuwait Ramallah West Bank

Beirut Lebanon

AFRICA

CITY COUNTRY CITY COUNTRY

Gaborone Botswana Cape Town South Africa

Kinshasa Congo Johannesburg South Africa

Accra Ghana Parktown South Africa

Nairobi Kenya Dar Es Salaam Tanzania

Quatre Bornes Mauritius Kampala Uganda

Abuja Nigeria Harare Zimbabwe

Lagos Nigeria

ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

CITY COUNTRY CITY COUNTRY

Melbourne Australia Kathmandu Nepal

Sydney Australia Auckland New Zealand

Dhaka Bangladesh Cebu City Philippines

Hong Kong Hong Kong Makati City Phillipines

Jakarta Indonesia Manila Philippines

Osaka Japan Singapore Singapore

Tokyo Kayabacho Japan Kaohsiung Taiwan

Tokyo Temple Japan Taipei Taiwan

Yokohama Japan Bangkok Thailand

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

E-Ticket (Electronic Admission Ticket) The E-Ticket for the exam will be available to print as soon as you receive the test center selection confirmation email from the ABFM. The receipt of this email may take up to 24 hours from the time you make a selection of date/time/location. Upon receipt of this email, you can then return to your Physician Portfolio and click on the “E-Ticket” link. By clicking the “E-Ticket” link you will be presented with the E-Ticket on your screen with a prompt to “Print E-Ticket” in the upper right corner of the screen. You must have this ticket with you at the exam because it contains a six-digit Validation Code that must be entered into the computer to begin the exam. Please review the E-Ticket thoroughly since it contains critical information about the examination, your Validation Code, Exam Confirmation Number, and the location of the testing center. Please note your name on record with the ABFM must be the same as the primary ID which you will present for admittance to the exam. Any discrepancy in your name will potentially delay or prevent your being admitted to the exam.

15

The last day to make a name change is November 23, 2009. If you need to reprint your E-Ticket, there is always a copy in your Physician Portfolio. Reschedule or Withdraw from the Exam Reschedule Exam Candidates who need to reschedule their exam date and/or location for the winter exam may do so through the ABFM website which will redirect you to Prometric’s website. To reschedule you will be required to enter your Exam Confirmation Number from your Test Center Selection Email or your E-Ticket. You may reschedule an exam appointment at no cost if done at least 30 days or more prior to your scheduled exam date. Rescheduling within 29-5 days prior to your scheduled exam will result in a reschedule fee of $35. Any reschedule within 4 days to 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam will result in a reschedule fee of $60. The deadline to reschedule an exam is 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam appointment. All reschedule fees will be payable to Prometric at the time of reschedule. Cancelling Exam If you choose to withdraw from the exam, you must do so on the ABFM website. Do not contact Prometric directly to cancel your exam. In order to prevent a cancellation fee you must withdraw 30 days or more prior to your scheduled exam date. Cancelling or withdrawing from the exam within 29 to 5 days prior to your scheduled exam date will incur a cancellation fee of $35. Any cancellation/withdraw less than 5 days prior to your scheduled exam date will result in a seat fee of $100. Please refer to our Refund policy for additional information regarding a refund.

EXAM INFORMATION

Content The practice of Sports Medicine is the application of the physician's knowledge, skills and attitudes to all persons engaged in sports and exercise. The content of the examination will include: • Physiology and biomechanics of exercise

• Basic nutritional principles and their application to exercise • Psychological aspects of exercise, performance and competition • Guidelines for evaluation prior to participation in exercise • Physical conditioning requirements for various activities • Pathology and pathophysiology of illness and injury as it relates to exercise • Effects of disease on exercise and the use of exercise in the care of medical

problems • Prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of injuries

16

• Understanding pharmacology and effects of therapeutic, performance-enhancing, and recreational drugs

• Promotion of physical fitness and healthy lifestyles • Functioning as a team physician • Ethical principles as applied to exercise and sports • Medical-legal aspects of exercise and sports • Anatomy related to exercise • Growth and development related to exercise

Facts About the Examination The examination is offered in computer-based format. Key points concerning the computer-based examination are as follows:

1. Extensive familiarity with computers is not required, but the use of a computer keyboard and computer mouse should be within the experience of all candidates.

2. An online tutorial (exam orientation) is available on our website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to gain familiarity with the computer-based testing system by logging on to https://www.theabfm.org/examtutorial.htm. You can also access the tutorial from the ABFM home page: www.theabfm.org, by clicking on “Certification/Recertification Exam”, and then, “Exam Tutorial”.

3. On exam day there will be a brief orientation/tutorial prior to starting the exam allowing candidates to re-familiarize themselves with the exam process

4. The examination is proctored by staff from the Prometric Company.

5. Computer-based testing options include the ability to navigate forward and backward through the exam, mark items for further review, review answered, unanswered and marked items. Items must be reviewed or changed prior to expiration of time for that section. Once an exam section is ended by the candidate or the exam has timed out, you cannot return to questions in that section.

6. The computer based examination contains a clock showing the time remaining in the top right of the exam screen. Completed questions, incomplete questions, and marked items are located by clicking the “Review” button at the bottom of the exam screen.

Candidates should report promptly to the assigned test center at least 30 minutes prior to the appointment time listed on the E-Ticket. This allows time for completing the registration process which includes verifying ID, E-Ticket, signature, and a fingerprint scan (which will be discarded after the examination). The E-Ticket and two pieces of positive identification must be brought to the test center in order to be admitted. The primary form of ID must be a government-issued, non-expired ID, containing both a photo and signature. The primary ID must be one of the following: driver’s license, passport, or a state/county identification card. The name on the primary ID must be the same as the name on your E-Ticket. Employee IDs/work badges, school IDs, and credit

17

cards are NOT acceptable as primary IDs. Candidates presenting with a primary ID that does not match the name of record with the ABFM or with an expired ID or one that does not contain a photo and signature will not be admitted to the exam. The secondary form of ID must be one of the following: employee ID/hospital ID/work badge, school ID, credit card, bank automatic-teller machine (ATM) card or one of the IDs listed above as an acceptable primary ID. The secondary ID must have a signature and bear the same name as your E-ticket and primary ID; however, it does not require a photo. Personal items, such as cellular phones, hand-held computers/personal digital assistants (PDA’s), analog or digital watches, or other electronic devices, pagers, purses, hats, bags, books, and notes are not allowed in the testing room and we strongly encourage you to leave them at home or in your car. If you take a cellular telephone or any electronic device into the examination room (even by accident), you risk invalidation of your entire examination. Sweaters or jackets must be worn if taken into the exam room. You must store all personal items in a locker. Candidates are NOT permitted to take any examination materials from the test center or to make written notes of the contents of the test. Candidates found to be violating these rules will have their test performance voided. During an active exam, examinees may not use telephones, leave the examination center (except for scheduled breaks), or communicate with one another in any way. Furthermore, examinees may not discuss the content of the questions with anyone during or following the examination. Candidates who do so will have their test performance voided. An erasable note board will be provided at your workstation during the exam for any work preparatory to answering a specific question. The note board will be collected at the conclusion of the exam. Prometric, the ABFM’s computer-based testing vendor, administers examinations for a variety of clients. Consequently, ABFM Diplomates and candidates may be testing with others who are required to use the computer keyboard to type their answers. Any noise due to keyboard clicking can be minimized by use of ear plugs or headphones available at the exam. Once the examination begins, if the examinee fails to complete and/or attempt any part of the exam, he/she must understand that any questions not answered, will be counted as incorrect. When there are unanswered items, or exam sections that are not attempted, additional time will not be allowed (beyond the set exam time) for completion, nor will there be any refund of the exam fee or credit toward future fees. Failure to follow instructions on the computer or instructions provided by the test administrator can result in an examinee's entire test being voided.

18

Comfort Aids Items allowed in testing room (all other personal items must be stored in locker).

• Eyeglasses • Hearing aids • Earplugs • Neck Braces or collars • Insulin Pump • Sweaters, sweatshirts, blazers must be worn at all times; they cannot hang on the

back of the candidate’s chair – if removed must be placed in locker. • Pillows for back/neck support due to injury are permitted but require advance

notification and inspection. • Motorized cart/chair • Wheel Chair • Crutches, Cane, Walker • Religious Headwear/Scarf/Hat • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Tens Unit) • Test Monitors without blood letting / attached to candidate • Extra chair or footstool to support injured leg

Items that must be stored in the locker or left with the Test Center Administrator

• Cough drops and throat lozenges • Required oral medication • Antacids • Source of Rapid Glucose • Chewing Gum – Not allowed • Eye drops (prescription or over the counter) • Diabetic Test Equipment (Glucose Monitor) • Lip Balm • Candy as substitute for smoking; to relieve test anxiety • Asthma Puff Inhalers

The following items are provided by Prometric

• Tissues • Dry erase board and marker (candidate cannot bring own)

Study Materials

The Board does not provide bibliographies or review materials. However, you may find it helpful to read a section on our website titled “FailSafe - Exam Study Tips”. This can be found on our website: www.theabfm.org by clicking on Certification/Recertification and then selecting “FailSafe - Exam Study Tips”. In the Certificate of Added Qualification section of our website, you may click the Sports Medicine link for additional information regarding exam content. Candidates may wish to contact the American College of Sports Medicine (317) 637-9200 for information on team physician courses.

19

Prometric Information Prometric is the computer-based testing vendor the ABFM uses to administer the exam. To locate a test center or for specific directions to your test site, please visit their website at www.prometric.com/abfm. If you need further assistance, we ask that you do not call Prometric directly; instead, please contact the ABFM Support Center at (877) 223-7437 or at help@theabfm.org. EXAM DAY SCHEDULE Please note that exam start times may vary due to the fact that candidates can schedule

their exam appointment at different times. Candidates who arrive 30 minutes or more after

their scheduled exam time will be considered tardy and will not be seated or permitted to

test.

SAMPLE FOR 8:30 AM START TIME – 2009 Sports Medicine Exam

8:00- 8:30 AM Registration, Checking ID, and Seating

Approx. 8:30 - 8:50 AM Enter Validation Code, Review of ABFM rules, Exam Tutorial, Instruction

for Exam

Approx. 8:55 AM Exam - 200 Multiple Choice Questions (4 Hours)

Approx. 12:55 PM Brief Exam Survey (5 minutes)

Approx. 1:00 PM End of exam day

NOTE: The examination is timed, and once completed, voluntarily quit, or timed out; the

questions cannot be accessed again.

ABFM Policies Examination Administration Protocols and Procedures Violation of Written Procedures - Registration Process

• E-Ticket Any candidate who is unable to present a valid E-Ticket at the testing site must telephone the ABFM to obtain the validation code and other pertinent information. Prometric will not have this information. The candidate will not be permitted to use the testing center phone but should call from the lobby by using their personal cell phone or locate and use the nearest pay phone.

20

• Government-Issued Form of Identification A candidate is required to present a non-expired government-issued, photo and signature bearing ID in order to be admitted to the exam. Anyone unable to present a valid ID with signature or whose name does not match the name on the eligibility file provided to Prometric, will be denied admission to the examination. Acceptable identification in this category includes: driver’s license, passport, state/county identification card, or other government-issued ID.

• Secondary Form of Identification

A secondary form of identification that is non-expired and signature bearing (credit card, hospital identification, etc.) is also required. Anyone unable to present a valid secondary ID with signature or whose name does not match the name on the eligibility file provided to Prometric, will be denied admission to the examination.

• Fingerprint As a secure means for the candidate to enter and exit the testing room a single fingerprint will be required. Any candidate who refuses to provide a single fingerprint on exam day will be denied admission. All fingerprint data is deleted at the end of the exam day.

Violation of Written Procedures Within the Testing Room Areas within a testing vendors’ jurisdiction and control are generally recognized as the examination registration area, waiting area, locker area, and testing room. “Active testing” is any period during which a candidate’s exam time clock is running.

• Possession or Use of Prohibited Instructional Information or Personal Items If a candidate while actively testing is observed to have prohibited instructional information or personal items in his or her possession, which may include but not be limited to reference materials, texts, articles, review materials, written notes, electronic media, devices designed to augment knowledge or recall, an analog or digital watch, cellular telephone, pager, personal digital assistant (PDA), mini-computer, or camera, the test administrator will immediately advise the candidate that a violation of the ABFM testing policy has occurred. The candidate will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of the ABFM investigation. All materials found in the examination room will be inventoried by the test administrator and listed in a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

• Communication with Others

If a candidate while actively testing is observed communicating with another ABFM candidate in the examination room, regarding medical information, exam content, or unknown topics, regardless of mode of communication, the test administrator will advise the candidates that a violation of the ABFM testing policy has occurred. The candidates will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of the ABFM investigation. The test administrator will provide a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

• Looking at the Answers of Another Candidate

If a candidate while actively testing is observed looking at the answers of another ABFM candidate, the candidate will be advised that a violation of ABFM testing policy has occurred. The candidate will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination

21

of the matter will be withheld pending the results of the ABFM investigation. The test administrator will provide a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

Violation of Written Procedures Within the Registration, Waiting, or Locker Areas

• Possession or Use of Prohibited Instructional Information or Personal Items If a candidate while actively testing (e.g. on an unscheduled break) removes prohibited instructional information or personal items (see Section II, A.) from his or her locker and the removal of items is observed by testing personnel the test administrator will immediately instruct the candidate to return the prohibited information to the locker. If the candidate is not compliant, the test administrator will remind the candidate of the requirements for testing during an active exam. If the material or personal items have not been accessed the candidate may continue testing without penalty. However, if the prohibited information or personal item has been accessed, the candidate will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of the ABFM investigation. All materials removed from the locker by the candidate will be inventoried by the test administrator and listed in a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

• Communication with Others If a candidate while actively testing is observed communicating with other persons, including but not limited to other candidates, regarding medical information, exam content, or unknown topics, regardless of mode of communication, the test administrator will immediately determine the nature of the conversation and remind all parties involved that no communication of any kind is permitted during active testing. The candidate(s) will be warned that testing will continue without penalty, but a repeat violation will terminate the testing process. The test administrator will provide a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination. Violation of Written Procedures in External Areas

External areas are defined as locations within the building that houses the testing center which are not under the vendor’s direct purview, such as bathrooms, lobbies, foyers, and cafeterias, but are observable by interested parties such as other candidates or test center personnel.

• Possession or Use of Prohibited Instructional Information or Personal Items

If a candidate while actively testing (e.g. on an unscheduled break) is observed to have prohibited instructional information or personal items in his or her possession, (see Section II, A) the test administrator will immediately advise the candidate that a violation of the ABFM testing policy has occurred. The candidate will not be permitted to continue testing and a final determination of the matter will be withheld pending the results of an ABFM investigation. All materials found in the examination room will be inventoried by the test administrator and listed in a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination.

• Communication with Others

If a candidate while actively testing (e.g. on an unscheduled break) is observed communicating with other persons, including but not limited to other candidates, regarding unknown topics, the test administrator will immediately attempt to determine

22

the nature of the conversation and remind all parties involved that no communication of any kind is permitted during active testing. The candidate(s) will be warned that testing will continue without penalty, but a repeat violation will terminate the testing process. The test administrator will provide a detailed written Candidate Problem Report following the examination. Examination Administration Parameters

• Failure to Comply With Specific Test Administrator Instructions During the testing day, candidates must comply with the directions/instructions of the test administrator. Any candidate who does not follow the instructions of the test administrator may be subject to dismissal from the testing center and/or having his or her examination invalidated.

• Late Arrivals

Candidates who arrive 30 minutes or more after his/her scheduled exam start time will be considered tardy and will not be seated or permitted to test.

• A Vendor-Caused Delay If a candidate arrives at the test center on time, but begins the exam later than the scheduled appointment time or due to a technical issue or other vendor-caused delay the candidate will be given the full amount of testing time. Any candidate in this situation will be seated as quickly as possible.

• Unscheduled Breaks During Testing The ABFM recognizes that candidates may need to take an unscheduled break from testing while the exam clock continues to run. Extended absences, multiple breaks, or excessive cumulative time away from testing will be subject to scrutiny by the ABFM.

Guideline for the Handling of Critical Irregularities During Exam Administration

• An Interruption Not Controlled by the Candidate An examination interrupted by external causes or technological problems not controlled by the candidate will be continued if at all possible. All interruptions in testing greater than one hour will be reported to the ABFM by the test administrator or other designated employee. If the examination is predicted to resume within the next hour, candidates will be encouraged to remain at the testing center to complete the examination. Candidates who wish to leave will have their examination rescheduled at a mutually convenient time for the candidate, the ABFM, and the Vendor. Any exam section that is not completed will be replaced for any subsequent testing. (e.g., if a candidate has completed 100 of 200 questions, the entire test form will be replaced and the candidate will subsequently take a new 200 question form.) Should an interruption exceed two hours, candidates will be advised that testing for the day has terminated and the examination will be rescheduled at the earliest possible mutually convenient time for completion of the examination.

• Scoring the Examination Following an Interruption

Any candidate whose examination was interrupted longer than one hour for non-candidate issues, whether or not the candidate was able to finish the examination, will be contacted by the ABFM prior to scoring to determine if the candidate wishes the examination scored. The candidate must indicate in writing that he/she wishes to have the examination scored,

23

or the results invalidated. If a candidate elects to proceed with scoring, their test performance result will stand as valid and consequential. If a candidate chooses to negate the examination, their results will be erased without scoring and no performance feedback will be provided. The candidate will be rescheduled at the earliest possible mutually convenient time for retesting. Candidates will not be charged for the retest experience. Post Examination Issues

• Statistical Analysis of Performance Statistical evidence of suspicious results, a grossly statistical significant improvement from one examination to another, and response patterns of incorrect answers significantly similar to another examinee at the same or different testing center, would strongly suggest that the content of the test has been exposed prior to or during the examination. The ABFM has the option to nullify exam results without refund if any of the above suspicious results are found through the use of software programs generally accepted among the psychometric community for detecting such results. A cutoff of sixty days following an examination has been established by the ABFM for follow-up with the candidate, review of statistical data, examination of log files, and review of audio/video as needed.

• Review and Analysis of an Irregularity Following the observation of and the action taken for an irregularity the ABFM staff will review and analyze all information at its disposal to confirm the occurrence of a testing violation. Such information will include, but may not be limited to: Candidate Problem Reports from test administrators, audio recording records, video recording records; notations and descriptions of prohibited instructional material or personal items in the possession of the candidate, and an explanation of the event/irregularity from the candidate. If the ABFM determines in its sole discretion that a violation of testing policy has occurred, the candidate will be notified in writing by certified mail. The candidate will be advised that the sanction for such a violation is ineligibility for a period of not less than six continuous years as of the date of the examination. The physician will be informed also that he or she may request reconsideration of the action by the Credentials Committee of the ABFM. As with all Credentials Committee cases, the physician may submit written material for review by the Committee.

Candidate Problem Reports

• Communication, Notification, and Documentation Procedures

Included in the report of an irregularity, test administrators will make specific notation of the time of day, the part of the exam version at the time an incident was noted. Consequences of Violating the ABFM’s Examination Protocols and Procedures

Following the observation of and the action taken for an irregularity, ABFM staff will review and analyze all information at its disposal to confirm the occurrence of a testing violation. If the testing violation is confirmed, the candidate will be notified in writing by certified mail. The candidate will be advised that the sanction for such a violation is ineligibility for a period of not less than six continuous years as of the date of the examination. The physician will be informed also that he or she may request reconsideration of the action by the Credentials Committee of the ABFM.

24

Policy for Examination Retakes Occasionally problems occur during the administration of examinations that may impede the examination process. Weather problems, mechanical failures, hardware and software problems, and human errors have the potential of interfering with some part of the examination process. When such problems occur, the ABFM will review all information at its disposal. An opportunity for reexamination will be offered should the ABFM in its sole discretion determine that an incident or irregularity could have affected a candidate’s performance. A re-examination shall be the candidate's sole remedy. The ABFM shall not be liable for inconvenience, expense or other damage caused by any problems in the administration or scoring of an examination, including the need for retesting or delays in score reporting. In no circumstance will the ABFM reduce its standards as a means of correcting a problem in examination administration.

• Physicians who experience incidents or irregularities during testing must inform the ABFM by letter, fax, or email within one (1) week following the examination. A detailed explanation of the circumstance or event that occurred during testing is required.

• If it is determined that an incident or irregularity had the potential of influencing a

candidate’s examination performance, the physician will have two options: (1) to be retested at the earliest possible time; or, (2) to have the examination scored.

• If the retest option is chosen, the response data from the recently completed

examination will be invalidated and expunged from the ABFM records. Make-up examinations are based on the following time-frame:

o Summer Exam – deadline for retake is October 31 of same year. o Winter Exam – deadline for retake is February 28 of following year.

• For incidents resulting in the invalidation of a summer exam and retest:

o Successful performance on the retake exam will apply to the previous exam date.

o Unsuccessful performance on the retake exam will be recorded as an unsuccessful attempt and the candidate will be allowed to apply for the winter examination.

• For incidents resulting in invalidation of a winter exam and retest, a change in

certification status will be delayed pending the results of the make-up examination. o Successful performance on the retake exam will apply to the previous

examination date, allowing for continuous certification. o Unsuccessful performance on the retake exam will be recorded as an

unsuccessful attempt. If the candidate is in their final year of certification at the time of the winter exam, this will also result in the loss of certification effective December 31st. The candidate will remain eligible to apply for the following summer examination.

• Candidates who choose the option of having their examination scored will receive a

report of their performance and a letter indicating whether they were successful or unsuccessful. The examination fee will be applied toward the examination.

• Candidates who are unable or unwilling to be reexamined within the above

timeframes will be permitted to make application and sit for the next regularly

25

scheduled examination without additional fees. If the physician’s certification is due to expire, there will not be an extension and the certificate will expire at the regularly scheduled time. Candidates who are unable to take the next regularly scheduled examination will receive a fee refund consistent with published policy.

Examination Results It takes approximately 6-8 weeks for candidates to receive their examination results, which can be accessed in your Physician Portfolio when available. Each question is analyzed to establish the percentage of family physicians with the minimum level of certifiable knowledge who would answer the question correctly. This psychometric process allows us to establish the cut score for the examination. Re-Examination There is no limit to the number of times a qualified candidate may take the examination. An application is valid only for the examinations held in a single calendar year. Candidates who fail the examination will be given the opportunity to take it again. Full fees are charged for each examination. Period of Certification Those who are successful on the examination will be awarded an ABFM Certificate of Added Qualifications in Sports Medicine. The certificate will bear a date limiting the duration of its validity to ten years. Reassessment will be required for renewal of the certificate. If, for any reason, primary certification in family medicine is not maintained (e.g., expiration, revocation, etc.), certification in Sports Medicine will simultaneously be withdrawn at the time of the loss of the primary certificate. Upon restoration of the family medicine certificate, the CAQ in Sports Medicine will simultaneously be restored for the remainder of the current certificate. In order to maintain primary certification, the Diplomate must successfully complete the program of Maintenance of Certification for family physicians (MC-FP). Diplomates who complete the MC-FP process in accordance with published timelines will have their primary certification extended from seven to ten years. Please review the requirements of the MC-FP program at: www.theabfm.org. Revocation Each certificate issued by the Board of Directors of the American Board of Family Medicine shall be subject to revocation in any of the following circumstances.

26

General The issuance of such certificate or its receipt by the person so certified shall have been contrary to, or in violation of, any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of the American Board of Family Medicine, Inc., or of the Bylaws of the American Board of Family Medicine. The person so certified shall not have been eligible to receive such certificate, irrespective of whether or not the facts constituting such ineligibility were known to, or could have been ascertained by, the Directors of the Corporation or its representatives. The person so certified shall have made a misstatement of fact in the application for such certificate or in any other statement or representation to the Corporation or its representatives. The person so certified shall at any time have neglected to maintain the degree of competency in the field of family medicine established by the Board. The person so certified has fraudulently altered, copied, or changed a certificate of the American Board of Family Medicine, or has fraudulently presented, or allowed to be presented on behalf of the individual, an altered, copied, or changed certificate of the Board. In such cases, the Board reserves the right to revoke, suspend, and/or prohibit subsequent certification of the offending party for a period not to exceed six (6) years from the date of discovery of the offense. In the event the individual appeals or otherwise challenges the suspension, the six (6) year period shall be tolled until the action of the Board is determined to be final and enforceable. Licensure Status A Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine shall be required to hold a currently valid, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in the United States or Canada. Furthermore, every license to practice medicine held by a Diplomate in any state or territory of the United States or province of Canada must be currently valid, full and unrestricted, whether or not the Diplomate in effect practices in such state, territory, or province. Diplomates shall be required to retain a full and unrestricted medical license in the United States or Canada even if they are out of the country for extended periods of time. Failure to retain a license will result in loss of Diplomate status and will result in the loss of the ability to make application for certification, recertification, or other examinations offered by the Board. In the event a Diplomate's license to practice in ANY state or territory of the United States or province of Canada is revoked, restricted or suspended, the Diplomate's certificate is simultaneously rescinded at the time of the licensure revocation, restriction or suspension. The physician must advise the American Board of Family Medicine within 60 days and cease immediately identifying himself/herself in any way directly or indirectly as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. If the physician fails to notify the American Board of Family Medicine of any revocation, restriction or suspension within 60 days after the effective date, he/she shall be ineligible to seek reinstatement of Diplomate status for up to one year following the reinstatement of full and unrestricted licensure. Candidates for the Certification Examination and Diplomates of the ABFM should be aware that the ABFM receives periodic Disciplinary Action Reports from the American Medical Association of actions by states against medical licenses.

27

Any adverse action by a state licensing agency, agreement between a licensing agency and a physician, or voluntary action by a physician, that revokes, restricts or suspends the physician’s medical license is a violation of ABFM policy. In cases where a physician has changed his/her residence deliberately to avoid prosecution, loss of license, or disciplinary action by a state licensing agency, the Board reserves the right to revoke or suspend Diplomate status and/or prohibit application for certification. Questions about licensure should be presented to the Board in writing. If and when the physician's revoked, restricted or suspended license is reinstated in full (with no restrictions) and official written documentation of reinstatement is provided, the ABFM will honor the remainder of the current certificate and the Diplomate will not be required to be reexamined. If the current certificate has expired prior to the reinstatement of the license, the physician may make application for the next available examination. Successful compliance with all application requirements in effect at that time will be expected. At the time the application is submitted for review, each candidate is required to verify that he or she complies with the Board’s policy on licensure. Any candidate’s license that requires additional documentation and correspondence with the licensure board must be resolved by November 23, 2009. Authority The Board of Directors of the American Board of Family Medicine shall have sole power and authority to determine whether or not the evidence or information before it is sufficient to constitute grounds for revocation of any certificate issued by this Corporation. The Board of Directors may, however, at its discretion, require any person so certified to appear before the Board of Directors, upon not less than thirty (30) days written notice by registered mail, and to show cause, at the time and place specified in such notice, why the certificate should not be revoked. The failure of any person so notified to appear as required in such notice shall, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, constitute cause for revocation of the certificate. The decision of the Board of Directors in all such matters shall be final.