PGY1&2 News! Take Your Exam from Home: Announcing Online Proctored In-training Didactic Exams

ABFAS has introduced an alternative for residents who do not wish to take the exam at a Pearson VUE testing center: the ability to take the PGY 1&2 didactic exams online. You can choose whether to take the exam online or at the testing center. 

Unfortunately, due to the technical nature of how online proctoring works, we cannot offer the CBPS exam online, so residents must visit a testing center for the CBPS ITE.

ABFAS offers the online proctored didactic exams 24/7 during the regular ITE window, and residents can schedule at any time during that window. However, because a live person proctors these exams, we can offer only limited availability to schedule an exam at a particular time. 

What is online proctoring? 

Pearson VUE online proctoring allows residents to take the ITE didactic examinations in the comfort of their own homes, offices, or any secure, quiet location. The exam process involves a simple check-in, interaction with a live proctor, a check of identification, and face-matching technology.

What equipment do you need to take an online proctored exam?

Eligibility for an online proctored ITE didactic exam requires a functioning personal computer with a webcam and a strong, reliable, web connection, as well as a cell phone with video capability. Candidates should check their computer’s compatibility to Pearson VUE’s software prior to the exam. Finally, testing rooms must be free of test preparation materials, noise, or any distractions, which include roommates, pets, or any other people.

When can I schedule my online proctored didactic ITE?

Residents may schedule all exam portions after their Residency Director registers them and they have completed their PRR profile. All residents will receive an email from ABFAS with directions once both steps have been completed.

If you intend to visit a Pearson VUE center for both exams, you can schedule both as soon as your program director registers you and you complete your PRR profile. Please schedule the CBPS exam at a testing center as soon as you can.

What do I need to do to schedule the ITE?

After your residency program director or coordinator registers you for your ABFAS ITE and you complete your online profile, you will be able to login to your ABFAS.org profile and link to the Pearson VUE scheduling site. Once there, you will have the option to schedule your didactic ITEs as either an online proctored or Pearson testing center exam and the CBPS exam at the Pearson center. Scheduling instructions are available on the How to Schedule page.

Read more on Pearson VUE’s online proctored examinations and watch a video tutorial on how it works.