GENERAL INFORMATION
·Microscope during examination
If you are taking an examination with a microscopic section, Nikon Alphaphot 2
microscopes with 10x widefield oculars, 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x oil immersion
objectives, non-removable mechanical stages, abbe condensers, and built-in light
sources will be provided in the ABP Exam Center. You may bring your own if
you wish. If you bring your own microscope, include an extra bulb. Ancillary
microscopic tools (e.g. polarizing lenses, lens paper) will not be supplied by
the ABP. Please bring with you any and all ancillary microscopic tools that you
believe you may need whether or not you bring your own microscope.
·AP Virtual Microscopy examination
The fifty (50) questions using glass slides and the twenty-six (26) virtual microscopy questions have been combined into one 3½ hour examination. The sequence numbers and types of questions are: 1-16 glass slides,
17-24 virtual, 25-41 glass slides, 42-50 virtual, 51-67 glass slides, 68-76 virtual. Instructions for both types of questions will be given at the beginning of the examination. There will no longer be a separate instruction book for the virtual portion of the examination. Otherwise, the examination procedure will be the same. When a candidate is finished with the box of slides that he/she was initially given, the candidate will return these slides to the proctor in exchange for the next box. Candidates will not be able to return to a slide box after it has been turned in; however, all virtual slides will be available throughout the examination. There will be no official break during this 3½ hour period. Restroom breaks will be available to candidates logged into an examination, one of each gender at a time. Candidates must check with the proctor before leaving for restroom breaks. Candidates are expected to practice using the virtual microscopy system and to be familiar with it prior to the scheduled examination. The practice virtual microscopy examination is available on the ABP web site (www.abpath.org). One virtual microscopy question will be included on the practice examination administered at the beginning of the examination day.
·Queries during examination
In spite of the great care exercised in the proofreading of examinations,
typographical errors may occur. In practically all instances, these are simply
spelling or typing errors, and the meaning is readily apparent. Out of fairness
to all candidates taking the examination, examiners and proctors are instructed
not to answer individual questions, make judgments, or interpret a possible
error. It is asked that the candidate accept the fact that, as in daily
activities, errors in typing or recording of information may occur. Nonetheless,
if a candidate believes that an error exists, he or she should bring the matter
to the attention of a proctor during or immediately following that section of
the examination. The ABP reviews the entire examination prior to scoring. If it
is determined that an error is critical to correctly answering a question, that
question is eliminated from the final scoring of the examination.
·Examination time
Times listed are the actual starting times of the examination. Please be ready to enter the examination center approximately
10 minutes before the posted starting time so you will be settled in your assigned seat and ready to
begin the examination. Announcements and instructions will begin immediately.
Once you have entered the center, you are expected to take your seat and remain
seated until you have logged in to the examination and the first item appears on the screen.
·Restroom breaks
The restrooms are located on either side of the elevator lobby. The only
breaks allowed during the examination are for brief restroom visits that are
available to one of each gender at a time. No restroom breaks are allowed during
registration, during the practice exam and announcements, or during the last 10
minutes of the examination. Please check with a proctor before you leave the
center.
·Notes during an examination
No notes may be made during or between examinations in the examination
center. A
candidate may be subject to disciplinary action should this occur. Examination
booklets may be used for calculations, etc. All examination booklets must be
returned intact at the completion of the examination.
·Personal items in the examination center
The only personal items permitted at the workstations are jackets or sweaters, eyeglasses, microscopes, and ancillary microscope tools (e.g., polarizing lenses). No other personal items are permitted in the workstations. Do not bring communication devices, including pagers and cell phones, personal organizers, calculators, books, notes, pens/pencils or papers to the examination center. A pen will be provided for you. Food (including candy) and drinks 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.
·Blue Exam ID Card
A blue Exam ID Card will be given to you at registration. This card is to be
visible on your desk when you are seated in the examination center and carried with you when you leave
the center for any reason. It will be returned after the examination is
completed.
·Temperature of examination center
Because of the difficulty of adjusting the temperature of the examination center to the
satisfaction of all, you may wish to bring a sweater or jacket.
·Waiting area
There is no reason to come to the ABP Exam Center earlier than 10 minutes before
the start of the examination. There is a designated waiting area on the first
floor atrium. At 10 minutes before the examination, proceed to the examination center. While
there, please wait in the designated waiting area for examination center doors
to open. Please do not block office entrance areas or the elevator area while
waiting. Go directly to the examination center door and wait in the designated
area to the right of the door. Once you complete your examination you should return to the
first floor lobby area. Please plan to meet your colleagues in the first floor lobby
area, and not outside the examination center.
·Sounds, scents, and civility
In consideration of other candidates, please avoid wearing strong fragrances,
making unnecessary noise, and other actions that may be disruptive to others.
Earplugs are available on individual request.
·Personal conduct
You 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.