Diplomate Spotlight Opening Doors with Board Certification: A Conversation with Long Standing Diplomate Joseph Cook Read Opening Doors with Board Certification: A Conversation with Long Standing Diplomate Joseph Cook
Phoenix Newsletter - July 2025 Available Now: 2026 5-Year Cycle Registration Read Available Now: 2026 5-Year Cycle Registration
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 Transforming physician certification to support physician self-motivation and capacity to improve quality and safety Go to Transforming physician certification to support physician self-motivation and capacity to improve quality and safety 2009 The measure of family medicine Go to The measure of family medicine 2009 The measure of family medicine Go to The measure of family medicine 2014 Do family physicians choose self-assessment activities based on what they know or don’t know? Go to Do family physicians choose self-assessment activities based on what they know or don’t know?
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 Transforming physician certification to support physician self-motivation and capacity to improve quality and safety Go to Transforming physician certification to support physician self-motivation and capacity to improve quality and safety 2009 The measure of family medicine Go to The measure of family medicine 2009 The measure of family medicine Go to The measure of family medicine 2014 Do family physicians choose self-assessment activities based on what they know or don’t know? Go to Do family physicians choose self-assessment activities based on what they know or don’t know?
2016 Transforming physician certification to support physician self-motivation and capacity to improve quality and safety Go to Transforming physician certification to support physician self-motivation and capacity to improve quality and safety
2014 Do family physicians choose self-assessment activities based on what they know or don’t know? Go to Do family physicians choose self-assessment activities based on what they know or don’t know?
