Practice Tips and Efficacy

What To Expect While Examining

by Charlene Lam, MD, MPH, FACMS

For many of us, this fall Board Exam will be very different than our original dermatology board exam.  In some ways, it might be better – no more getting on the plane to get to the exam, gone are the days of sharpening your #2 pencils, no need to throw elbows to find a good seat.  You will be able to take this exam on the day and time of your choice between October 4-8.  Hopefully, you have registered for the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery (MDS) subspecialty exam at your neighborhood Pearson Vue center.  Below are some tips and what to expect on the exam.

Exam Basics:

• 4.5-hour exam contains 200 items, broken into 2 sections with a 30-minute break in between.
  • Review the ACMS Member ABD MDS Board Prep Study Guide 2021 prepared by Dr. Sumaira Aasi and team. It is excellent.
  • The ABD also has a study guide outline with an overview of topics potentially covered in the exam. MDS Exam Study Guide
• ~20 questions will utilize an embedded virtual dermatopathology (VDP) viewer to simulate reviewing slides under a microscope.
  • The ABD created a set of six sample VDP questions.
    These sample items will help you practice using the VDP viewer on your computer with Google Chrome or Firefox browsers.  Don’t try it on your phone or tablet as it will not give you a realistic experience.  The questions have no indication of the content or the difficulty level of questions on the actual exam. 
  • User Tips
    • Opening the Scan: The EXHIBIT link within each item launches the associated virtual scan.**The virtual scan appears in a pop-up window. Disable pop-up blockers if necessary
    • Opening the Scan: The EXHIBIT link within each item launches the associated virtual scan.**The virtual scan appears in a pop-up window. Disable pop-up blockers if necessary
    • Zooming: Zoom with the mouse, hover the pointer over the area of interest, and scroll up on the mouse wheel. Zoom with the screen-based tools, click the + button in the top left corner. Click on the image and drag it over to re-center it, as needed.
    • Move Slide: use a click and drag technique: place the pointer over the area of interest, press and hold down the mouse button, then move the mouse while still holding down button.
    • Navigating: The orientation box in the lower-left corner demonstrates the screen view relative to the full slide or tissue section.

Day of the Exam: *These suggestions are based on the Pearson Vue website and polled experience of former residents and fellows.  Your individual experience may be different.*

1. Arrive Early
   Arrive at the test center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, you may be refused admission and the exam fees will be forfeited.
2. Prepare Necessary Documents
   You are required to present two forms of original (no photo copies), valid (unexpired) IDs; one form as a primary ID (government-issued with name, photo, and signature) and one form as a secondary ID (with name and signature or name and recent recognizable photo). The first and last name that you used to register must match exactly the first and last name on the ID that is presented on test day. All IDs required must be issued by the country in which you are testing
3. Prior to exam
   You will sign in at the front desk and go through a verification process. You will be asked to read and agree to test rules.  They will check your ID(s) (see above) and have you sign your name on a digital sign-in pad. You may be asked to scan your palm and then you will be asked to take a photo. Go to the bathroom before you go into the testing room.
4. Locker
   No personal items may be taken into the testing room. This includes all bags, books not authorized by the sponsor, notes, phones, pagers, watches and wallets. Make sure you are not on call the day of the exam or you have coverage.
5. Dress comfortably
    Layers are key as you will not be able to control the temperature of the room.  Avoid clothing with many pockets as it will slow down your check-in process. The exam proctor may ask you to empty your pockets during the check-in process.
6. Testing Room
   You will be given an erasable notepad and escorted to a cubicle. You will be monitored by a proctor and recorded. You may be given a headset to block out noise if needed. There will be different exams going on at the same time so people might come and go.
7. Break during exam
   If you need a break, raise your hand and the proctor will assist you. You will need to show your id or scan your palm each time you leave the testing room.
8. Bring a snack and water for your 30-minute break.

Best of Luck this Fall!