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After completing the Qualifying Examination (QE), candidates can find important information and policies related to the post-exam process on this page. It includes details on how results are released and how scores are determined, as well as official policies regarding rescore requests, appeals, re-examination eligibility, and the duration of certification. This guidance is intended to help candidates understand their outcomes and next steps with clarity and confidence.
Results and Scoring
The results of the Qualifying Examination will be reported online to each candidate on or before the last Friday in October. We recognize waiting close to 12 weeks for these important results is difficult and the format of the examination creates an expectation for immediate feedback.
Please be assured during this post-examination period, extensive quality assurance checks take place to ensure your test result is fair and accurate. For example, content on the exam is re-reviewed to identify potentially flawed questions. If ABOG determines a question with more than one correct answer (or no correct answer) was on the exam, test-takers will not be penalized for that item.
When results are released, ABOG will provide the candidate their scaled test score in addition to the result of “pass” or “fail.” Each candidate, regardless of whether they pass or fail, will be provided with the percent scored in each of the major topic areas. The cut-point for passing the exam is determined using standard setting methodology every 3-5 years and is equated statistically between that time.
In order to release a result, ABOG must receive the Residency Training Affidavit verifying completion of training completed by the current Program Director. Additionally, if ABOG does not receive notification of residency completion from the Program Director by January 1, 2026, the results of the examination will be voided.
As part of the application process, the applicant will be required to irrevocably agree that the results of the applicant’s examination may be made available to the Program Director of any residency program in which the applicant may have participated or in which the applicant is currently involved, and/or the American Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) for any and all purposes. The candidate will also be given the opportunity to release their scaled score on the examination to their current Program Director.
Furthermore, the applicant will be required to release and agree to indemnify and hold the ABOG and its officers, directors, and employees harmless of and from any and all claims the applicant may have with regard to the effect or impact upon the applicant of the release of the applicant’s examination results to the applicant’s Program Director or the ACGME and waive any rights the applicant may have, if any, to have the examination results maintained in confidence.