| ConCert Examination Description and Content Specifications | |
|
ConCert Exam Description:
The Continuous Certification (ConCert) examination is similar to the former recertification examination. There are, however, two important differences. |
|
· It is administered at approximately 200 Pearson VUE professional computer-based testing centers.
· It is a shorter examination of approximately 205 multiple-choice questions.
The ConCert examination is a comprehensive examination that covers the breadth of Emergency Medicine. Each examination appointment is approximately 5 hours in length, with approximately 4.5 hours devoted to actual testing time. The style of the test questions is identical to that of the recertification examination test questions, i.e., single-best-answer, positively-worded, multiple-choice questions focused on what the practicing emergency physician needs to know when treating patients.
The ConCert examination is a criterion-referenced examination. All candidates achieving a final score of 75 or greater will pass the examination.
LLSA Content on the ConCert Examination
The link between previous LLSA readings and the ConCert examination no longer exists. ConCert examinations are focused on assessing knowledge needed for clinical practice. Although LLSA questions will no longer appear on the ConCert examination, similar concepts may still be represented as they become the standards for practice in EM. The questions of detailed information found on the LLSA tests, however, will not be found on the ConCert examinations.
Content Specifications
The Model of the Clinical Practice of Emergency Medicine (EM Model) forms the basis of each of ABEM’s MCQ examinations. The lists below describe the relative weight given to different elements of the EM Model in constructing ABEM’s MCQ examinations. The complete EM Model was published in Annals of Emergency Medicine. June 2005; 45:659-674. It is also on ABEM’s website.
| Listing of Conditions & Components |
| 1.0 |
Signs, Symptoms and Presentations |
9% |
| 2.0 |
Abdominal & Gastrointestinal Disorders |
9% |
| 3.0 |
Cardiovascular Disorders |
10% |
| 4.0 |
Cutaneous Disorders |
2% |
| 5.0 |
Endocrine, Metabolic & Nutritional Disorders |
3% |
| 6.0 |
Environmental Disorders |
3% |
| 7.0 |
Head, Ear, Eye, Nose & Throat Disorders |
5% |
| 8.0 |
Hematologic Disorders |
2% |
| 9.0 |
Immune System Disorders |
2% |
| 10.0 |
Systemic Infectious Disorders |
5% |
| 11.0 |
Musculoskeletal Disorders (Non-traumatic) |
3% |
| 12.0 |
Nervous System Disorders |
5% |
| 13.0 |
Obstetrics and Gynecology |
4% |
| 14.0 |
Psychobehavioral Disorders |
3% |
| 15.0 |
Renal and Urogenital Disorders |
3% |
| 16.0 |
Thoracic-Respiratory Disorders |
8% |
| 17.0 |
Toxicologic Disorders |
4% |
| 18.0 |
Traumatic Disorders |
11% |
| |
Appendix I: Procedures & Skills |
6% |
| |
Appendix II: Other Components |
3% |
| |
Total |
100% |
|
Acuity Frames |
Target
(± 5%) |
| Critical |
27% |
| Emergent |
37% |
| Lower Acuity |
27% |
| None |
9% |
For this dimension, the Board has assigned the following specific percentage weights to the Modifying Factor of age:
- Pediatrics: 8% minimum
- Geriatrics: 4% minimum
Revised 4/04/08
|