Historical Pass Rates

The certification exam has been administered annually since 2008. The average pass rate between 2020 and 2024 is 92%. Of the 1159 who have sat for the exam, 998 physicians have passed.*

The level of performance required for passing should depend on the knowledge necessary for acceptable performance. The ABVLM utilizes a method called test equating, so that candidates are measured against the same standard regardless of which year the exam was taken.

By accounting for differences in test difficulty from year to year, all candidates have a comparable opportunity to pass the examination, regardless of which year they take it.

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*Note: In 2014, the Board introduced a Board Eligible pathway, whereby candidates could sit for the exam without having submitted a Case Log. Those who pass are considered Board Eligible. Diplomate status is awarded when a Case Log is submitted within the following two exam cycles.

There have been 998 physicians who have successfully achieved certification with the ABVLM.