Phoenix Newsletter - October 2025 President’s Message: Enduring Commitments in a Time of Change Read President’s Message: Enduring Commitments in a Time of Change
Home Research Research Library Criterion-referenced examinations: implications for the reporting and interpretation of examination results Criterion-referenced examinations: implications for the reporting and interpretation of examination results 2013 Author(s) Royal, Kenneth D, and Puffer, James C Topic(s) Family Medicine Certification Keyword(s) Cognitive Expertise Volume Annals of Family Medicine Source Annals of Family Medicine The purpose of the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) certification/maintenance of certification examination is to measure the basic knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality care to patients and their families. More than 25 years ago, the ABFM became the first American Board of Medical Specialties board to introduce criterion-based methodology to establish the passing threshold for its examination. A criterion-referenced examination is one in which a particular score is required to pass, and the performance of those taking the examination is of no consequence in determining who passes or fails. In other words, all candidates taking the examination could theoretically pass if they met or exceeded the criterion-referenced passing score. Furthermore, the examination is equated across forms and administrations, meaning candidates are not advantaged or disadvantaged by having received a particular version of the examination or by taking it at a particular time of the year. ABFM Research Read all 2016 “the End of the Beginning” for Clinical Simulation in the Abfm Self-Assessment Modules (Sams) Go to “the End of the Beginning” for Clinical Simulation in the Abfm Self-Assessment Modules (Sams) 2003 Computer-based testing in family practice certification and recertification Go to Computer-based testing in family practice certification and recertification 2022 HIGH-STAKES KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AT ABFM: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND HOW IT IS USEFUL Go to HIGH-STAKES KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AT ABFM: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND HOW IT IS USEFUL 2019 Research gaps in the organisation of primary healthcare in low-income and middle-income countries and ways to address them: a mixed-methods approach Go to Research gaps in the organisation of primary healthcare in low-income and middle-income countries and ways to address them: a mixed-methods approach
Author(s) Royal, Kenneth D, and Puffer, James C Topic(s) Family Medicine Certification Keyword(s) Cognitive Expertise Volume Annals of Family Medicine Source Annals of Family Medicine
ABFM Research Read all 2016 “the End of the Beginning” for Clinical Simulation in the Abfm Self-Assessment Modules (Sams) Go to “the End of the Beginning” for Clinical Simulation in the Abfm Self-Assessment Modules (Sams) 2003 Computer-based testing in family practice certification and recertification Go to Computer-based testing in family practice certification and recertification 2022 HIGH-STAKES KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AT ABFM: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND HOW IT IS USEFUL Go to HIGH-STAKES KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AT ABFM: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND HOW IT IS USEFUL 2019 Research gaps in the organisation of primary healthcare in low-income and middle-income countries and ways to address them: a mixed-methods approach Go to Research gaps in the organisation of primary healthcare in low-income and middle-income countries and ways to address them: a mixed-methods approach
2016 “the End of the Beginning” for Clinical Simulation in the Abfm Self-Assessment Modules (Sams) Go to “the End of the Beginning” for Clinical Simulation in the Abfm Self-Assessment Modules (Sams)
2003 Computer-based testing in family practice certification and recertification Go to Computer-based testing in family practice certification and recertification
2022 HIGH-STAKES KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AT ABFM: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND HOW IT IS USEFUL Go to HIGH-STAKES KNOWLEDGE ASSESSMENT AT ABFM: WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED AND HOW IT IS USEFUL
2019 Research gaps in the organisation of primary healthcare in low-income and middle-income countries and ways to address them: a mixed-methods approach Go to Research gaps in the organisation of primary healthcare in low-income and middle-income countries and ways to address them: a mixed-methods approach
