ABMM Exam Information
OBJECTIVE
EXAM FORMAT
ABOUT THE EXAM QUESTIONS
SCORING
WHAT IF I DO NOT PASS THE EXAM?
EXAM CONTENT
PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
To measure the candidate’s knowledge in the five subject areas considered necessary for the effective practice of clinical or public health microbiology:
- Bacteriology
- Mycology
- Virology
- Parasitology
- Universal
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions.
It is computer-based and administered at testing centers worldwide.
Candidates are allowed six hours to complete the exam. The time allotted is considered to be much greater than required for answering the questions, but the committee does not wish time constraints to be a factor in performance.
- Each question is multiple-choice with only one correct answer.
- Questions have a stem and four possible responses.
- Two types of questions are incorporated in the exam:
- Questions designed to test basic recall knowledge, direct interpretation of data, or simple synthesis of information
- Questions that require a higher level of thought process, reasoning skills, or interpretation of data to arrive at the correct answer.
- Questions designed to test basic recall knowledge, direct interpretation of data, or simple synthesis of information
- In some cases, questions may require calculations. Examples include assessment of sensitivity, specificity, antimicrobial concentrations, dilution factors, and cost accounting results.
- Questions are updated and reevaluated annually. Candidates should expect to see questions on technical advances or issues that occurred during the past year.
The certification exams of the American College of Microbiology use a criterion-referenced scoring system. This method sets a standard of performance in absolute, not relative, terms. Candidates are not graded on a curve and do not compete against each other. Instead, each candidate’s performance is measured solely against established criteria and standards. Candidates must demonstrate that they have mastered these criteria in order to pass the exam. Candidates who perform at or above the established performance standard pass the exam and are certified. Each candidate’s score is based only on the number of correct answers; there is no penalty for guessing.
WHAT IF I DO NOT PASS THE EXAM?
Candidates not passing the exam on their initial attempt will have two additional opportunities to reexamine; thereafter, a new application will be required. Additionally, candidates must successfully reexamine within three consecutive exam cycles or their application will be withdrawn. The reexam fee is the same as the initial exam fee (i.e., $400).
The exam is comprised of 20 photo questions and 180 non-photo questions.
The content of the exam is distributed as follows:
Content area |
% of exam |
Bacteriology |
40-50 |
Mycology |
15–20 |
Parasitology |
10–15 |
Virology |
15–20 |
Universal |
5–10 |
Questions testing bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and virology cover four areas: (a) diagnostic systems and interpretation of laboratory data, (b) public health, (c) infection control, and (d) infectious disease and pathogenesis.
Suggested study topics are listed below; however, test questions may not be limited to these topics.
Diagnostic Systems and Interpretation of Laboratory Data
- Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of positive and negative test results; know the formulas for these characteristics of diagnostic assays and how to interpret them on the basis of actual data
- The principles and details of performance of commonly used and newly accepted assay systems, including antigen detection, direct fluorescent-antibody stains, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), molecular diagnostics, and cultures. Be able to determine which methods are superior in specific circumstances
- Proper and appropriate specimen collection and transport, tailored for specific disease processes
- Automated blood culture systems, identification systems, and antimicrobial susceptibility test systems—how they work and the kinds of technical problems associated with their use
Public Health
- How to handle an outbreak of any communicable disease, including the appropriate specimens to collect and to whom they should be sent
- Recommended immunizations, when to give them, and populations for which each vaccine is efficacious
- Serologic tests useful for epidemiological versus diagnostic studies (fungal serologies, for example)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-mandated reportable diseases and reportable isolates, including case definitions
Infection Control
- Proper protocols for handling infected employees, patients with communicable diseases, and laboratory exposures to infectious agents
- Standard, contact, and airborne precautions, as well as other types of isolation as they pertain to specific infectious disease situations
- Infection control measures to practice in the case of exotic or new hemorrhagic fevers or other communicable diseases that were previously limited to geographically isolated areas
- The principles and performance of molecular epidemiological methods
- Serologic tests recommended for employees, immunocompromised patients, and other groups at risk for acquiring infections
- Biohazard classifications, waste disposal, and laminar flow hood use
- Other issues of laboratory and hospital biological safety
Infectious Disease/Pathogenesis
- Modes of actions of antibiotics, toxicities, and mechanisms of resistance
- Suitability of antimicrobials for specific infectious processes (for example, those that penetrate the cerebrospinal fluid [CSF] and might be useful for treatment of meningitis, those used for treatment of common diseases, and those used as antivirals and antifungals)
- Disease processes and pathogenesis and diagnostic strategies for infectious diseases based on signs and symptoms
- Specimens appropriate for the diagnosis of infectious disease, based on the disease process
- General patterns of susceptibilities for microorganisms with predictable patterns
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and interpretations, quality control practices, and NCCLS guidelines
- The molecular basis for common mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance
- Serologic responses to common infections for which serology is the main diagnostic tool, such as hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, brucellosis, toxoplasmosis, parvovirus, and other viral infections
- Life cycles of parasites as they pertain to diagnostic testing and infectious stages
- Staining characteristics of pathogenic microbes
Universal
- Microbial genetics
- Serology
- Cost accounting
- Shipping and mailing etiologic agents
- Preparations of dilutions or media
- Decision-making strategies for choosing a test method
- Laboratory operation and management, including personnel and legal issues associated with directing a laboratory
- General aspects of laboratory safety and biohazard management (for example, working with radioactive compounds, earthquake-proofing equipment, and electrical precautions)
- Quality control and quality assurance activities
- Federal regulations governing laboratories, including the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
Please click here to download preparation suggestions and the suggested resources list.
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The ABMM Examination Listserv is an e-mail based discussion group (Listserv) which is maintained by the American Society for Microbiology. This service is intended for individuals who are preparing to take the ABMM written examination. The goal of this Listserv is to encourage studying, sharing resources, and networking for those taking the exam. This forum may be used to discuss any topic related to the ABMM examination. Click here to sign up.
Please click here to download sample questions for the ABMM exam.
