ABIM Statement on Exam Anomalies
Philadelphia, May 15, 2024 - The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) has identified statistical anomalies with response data from some 2023 Internal Medicine Certification exam takers. ABIM has determined that the results of 62 exams are unreliable. ABIM has notified these examinees that their 2023 results will be invalidated and that they will need retake the exam. Our investigation is continuing.
Since its founding in 1936 to answer a public call to create more uniform standards for physicians, certification by ABIM has stood for the highest standard in internal medicine and its 20 subspecialties. Certification has meant that internists have demonstrated – to their peers and to the public – that they have the clinical judgment, skills, and attitudes essential for the delivery of excellent patient care.
Because of the importance and value of the certificate, ABIM has an ongoing responsibility to ensure the integrity and reliability of the certification process. As part of those efforts, ABIM utilizes data forensic techniques that use statistical analyses of test response data to identify anomalous exam results or patterns. We routinely take actions informed by those analyses so that we can confidently stand behind our certificates.