Preparing for the FMCLA or board exam
A physician’s maintenance of certification journey continues throughout their career. Explore our tools and tips to help you satisfy your ABFM board exam requirements.
ABFM 5-year cycle
The ABFM uses the Continuous Certification 5-Year Cycle to maintain certification. This cycle applies to all diplomates as of January 1, 2025, and includes five components.
Visit the ABFM website for more details on eligibility.
FMCLA
The Family Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment—also known as the FMCLA or the longitudinal assessment—is a board evaluation process that serves as a flexible alternative to the traditional one-day exam.
FMCLA quick facts
300 total questions per 5-Year Cycle
Maximum 25 questions per quarter
Minimum 275 questions by end of year four
Five minutes per question
References allowed
For more information and eligibility information, visit the ABFM website.
One-day board exam
The one-day exam is the traditional ABFM board certification exam method. Available in April or November, the one-day exam provides a straightforward way of meeting the exam component of the ABFM certification requirement. Residents must pass the one-day ABFM board exam for their initial certification.
After passing the initial certification, all ABFM diplomates automatically transition to the longitudinal assessment. However, any diplomate may voluntarily withdraw from the FMCLA if they prefer to take the one-day exam instead.
FMCLA and exam resources
Whether you’re taking the longitudinal assessment or the one-day exam, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has the best board review resources to help you get your best score. Simply select the learning style that works for you.
For dedicated, focused study time, select one of our in-person or livestream events.
For flexible, on-demand study time, select one of our online courses.
Frequently asked questions
How does the longitudinal assessment work?
The FMCLA consists of 300 questions that must be answered within the 5-year cycle. There are 25 timed questions available per quarter, with five minutes available per question. You may answer the entire set of 25 questions at one time or space them out over the quarter. It is an open-book exam, and resources may be used while answering each question. You must answer a minimum of 275 total questions and meet the minimum passing standard by the end of year four.
Visit the ABFM website for timing and eligibility details.
How does the one-day ABFM exam work?
The one-day exam is an all-day exam where 300 multiple-choice questions must be answered in four 95-minute sections. The ABFM provides testing dates in April and November, and the exam is proctored at one of approximately 350 Prometric test centers across the United States and in various international locations.
I just finished residency. Can I take the longitudinal assessment?
No. Residents must pass the one-day exam to be initially certified by the ABFM.
I’m already a board-certified family physician. Do I have to take the longitudinal assessment?
No. While every ABFM diplomate will transition to the longitudinal assessment, you may voluntarily withdraw if you prefer completing this requirement within one day. The one-day exam also remains an option for those unable to successfully complete the longitudinal assessment.
What is the ABFM blueprint?
The ABFM blueprint is the outline of the content areas and the targeted percentage of questions within each for the one-day exam and the longitudinal assessment. For 2025, the ABFM blueprint has been revised to align better with clinical activities of the practicing physician. The exams will continue to include a broad-based assessment of family medicine topics.