Conduct of the Examinations

1. The only personal items permitted at the workstations are jackets or sweaters, eyeglasses, microscopes, and ancillary microscope tools (e.g., oil, polarizing lenses, etc.). No other personal items are permitted at the workstations. Do not bring communication devices, including pagers and cell phones, personal organizers, calculators, books, notes, or papers to the examination center. If a candidate is found to have a cell phone or other electronic device at a workstation, the device will be removed by staff and returned at the end of the day. A written description of the incident will be provided to the Trustees of the ABP, who may or may not decide to invalidate the results of that individual's examination.
   
   
2. Food (including candy), drinks, and gum are not permitted at workstations. However, drinks, candy, and medications may be stored in the storage area, and access to this area is available with proctor notification. A drinking fountain is available in the hall. Smoking is not permitted in the building.
   
   
3. A sheet indicating the candidate's name and number will be placed at a specific seat in the examination center. This sheet is not to be removed. Times listed on the schedule are the actual starting times of the examinations. The candidate is expected to be at the assigned seat and ready to take the examination at the time listed.
   
   
4. No notes may be made during or between examinations in the examination room. A candidate may be subject to disciplinary action should this occur. Examination instruction books may be used for calculations, etc. All examination instruction books, honor statements, and questionnaires must be given to the proctor.
   
   
5. The ABP examinations and illustrative materials are copyrighted and are the sole property of the ABP. They must not be removed from the test area or reproduced, either in part or in whole. Reproduction and/or use of copyrighted material will lead to legal action.
   
   
6. One candidate of each gender is permitted to leave the examination room at the same time for brief restroom breaks only. No candidate is allowed to leave for a restroom break during the last 10 minutes of a session.
   
   
7. There is to be absolutely no communication between candidates during an examination.
   
   
8. Proctors will not give answers to specific questions on the examination under any circumstances. Proctors will refer queries from candidates regarding examination questions to the appropriate committee for assessment.
   
   
9. Candidates are expected to maintain professional conduct during the examination. Any conduct that is considered inappropriate will be documented by the proctors and reviewed by the trustees to determine appropriate action. Inappropriate behavior includes cheating, suspicion of cheating, aggressive behavior toward proctors or other candidates, disregarding examination rules, and any other behavior determined to be detrimental to the administration of the examination.

This page was last modified on January 8, 2009.