Part I Qualification Exam Overview
Examination Window Eligibility
Information on exam window eligibility is available on the Part I Exam Registration and Scheduling webpage.
Part I Board Qualification Examinations
There are two types of Part I (Board Qualification) examinations: a Didactic examination and a Computer-based Patient Simulation (CBPS) examination. Each exam measures different aspects of the competencies required of ABFAS Diplomates. There are Didactic and CBPS examinations for both Foot Surgery and RRA Surgery Board Qualification.
The Didactic Examination
The Didactic examinations are multiple-choice computer-adaptive tests (CAT). As you answer each question, the computer assesses your response and selects the next question based on whether you answered the previous question correctly. The questions become progressively more or less difficult as the examination establishes your level of knowledge.
Exam Objective: Measures clinical knowledge acquired in podiatric medical school and in residency.
Exam Type: Computer-adaptive, multiple-choice exam.
Exam Structure: 80 questions, 120 minutes.
The NEW CBPS Examination
The NEW CBPS examination presents a simulated case that describes a patient’s condition and may include medical history, images, and other pertinent information. You then select case-relevant physical exam tasks, imaging, laboratory tests, and/or diagnostic procedures. As you select options, more information may be displayed that could help you arrive at a diagnosis. Next, you determine treatment, additional diagnoses, and follow-ups as needed. Scores are earned on each aspect of case management, not just diagnosis and treatment.
The “NEW” CBPS refers to the length of the examination, not the content. The NEW CBPS examination has 12 Foot Surgery and 12 RRA Surgery cases, replacing the previous Part I and Part II CBPS examinations.
Exam Objective: Measures case management skills including patient examination, data gathering, and critical analysis of collected clinical data to arrive at a diagnosis and/or treatment.
Exam Type: Computer-based simulated clinical environment.
Exam Structure: 12 cases, 15 minutes per case.