How many times can you retake ABIM

You’ve finally made it. After years of intense studying, long nights on call, and countless sacrifices, you have completed medical school and residency in Internal Medicine—a tremendous accomplishment that truly deserves recognition and celebration. For many physicians, this milestone represents the end of formal training and the beginning of independent practice. However, before you can fully cross the finish line, there is one final and very important step: the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Examination.

Why the ABIM Exam Deserves Serious Preparation

The ABIM exam is designed to be the culmination of everything you have learned during residency. It assesses not only your medical knowledge, but also your clinical reasoning and ability to apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. While many residents hear that the exam is “very passable,” it should not be underestimated. Although the overall pass rate is reported at approximately 98%—a figure that includes both first-time and repeat test takers—the reality for first-time examinees is more nuanced. In 2024, the pass rate for first-time test takers was 87%, meaning that a meaningful number of well-trained physicians did not pass on their initial attempt. This is why thoughtful, deliberate preparation is so important.

What Happens If You Don’t Pass on the First Attempt

Not passing the ABIM exam on the first try can feel stressful and discouraging, especially because board certification plays such a critical role in career progression. Hospitals, fellowship programs, and many employers require board certification. Fortunately, candidates who do not pass the exam can retake it. There is no absolute lifetime limit on the number of attempts; however, there are important rules to keep in mind. After three consecutive failed attempts—defined as three failures in three consecutive years—candidates must observe a mandatory one-year waiting period before sitting for the exam again.

Because the ABIM certification exam is offered only once per year, typically in August, a retake automatically adds another year to the timeline.

Each attempt also requires payment of the exam fee, increasing both the financial and emotional burden.

In addition to limits on retesting frequency, there is another critical policy that examinees must consider: the “seven-year rule.” Under this rule, an individual remains “Board Eligible” for only seven years following graduation from their residency training program. During this seven-year window, the physician must pass the ABIM certification exam. If they do not successfully pass within that timeframe, they lose board eligibility status.

At that point, physicians can regain eligibility only by completing an additional year of accredited training in the relevant specialty and meeting all ABIM requirements.

The training must come from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, or the Collège des Médecins du Québec.

Because this requires a substantial investment of time and resources, passing the exam early is especially important.

Why First-Time Success Makes a Real Difference

For all of these reasons, passing the ABIM certification exam on the first attempt can relieve a tremendous amount of anxiety and uncertainty. While retaking the exam is possible, minimizing the number of attempts is clearly advantageous, both professionally and personally. A strong first-time performance allows you to move forward confidently into your career without unnecessary delays or additional stress.

The good news is that you do not have to navigate this process alone. Our team includes highly qualified tutors who have successfully passed the ABIM certification exam. They also have extensive experience helping others do the same.

We focus on individualized study plans, effective test-taking strategies, and high-yield content. This approach keeps preparation efficient and focused.

With the right guidance and structure, the ABIM exam becomes more manageable. With support in place, it can be a successful final step in your training journey.