FAQS: ABIM Needs-Based Certification Exam Fee Assistance Pilot Program
ABIM is pleased to announce a new needs-based pilot program providing a 50% credit for eligible physicians who plan to take the 2026 Internal Medicine Certification Exam for the first time. The deadline to apply is October 3, 2025.
Here’s how the ABIM Needs-Based Certification Exam Fee Assistance Pilot Program works:
Who is eligible for the Needs-Based Certification Exam Fee Assistance Pilot Program?
First-time candidates for the Internal Medicine Certification Exam who have financial needs or hardships that impact their ability to pay the ABIM examination fee may apply for the credit. The program is open to all candidates (US medical graduates, international medical graduates, and osteopathic graduates), regardless of medical training background.
What is the deadline to apply for the program?
The deadline to apply is October 3, 2025.
How can I apply for the program?
Complete and submit an application before the deadline.
What does a 50% Internal Medicine Certification Examination credit mean and how do I receive it?
If awarded the credit, the fee for your exam will be automatically reduced by 50% ($715) when you register for the exam during open registration.
How does ABIM define financial need and hardship in the context of this pilot program?
The definition of financial need and hardship is intentionally broad in the initial year of this pilot program. The target participants for the program are individuals experiencing financial need and hardship that affect their ability to take the 2026 Internal Medicine Certification Examination for the first time. The application invites individuals to provide information about any unique circumstances that impact their ability to pay the ABIM examination fee. As more information about the financial factors affecting early career physicians emerges, the definition of financial need and hardship may evolve.
Why did ABIM select these criteria for demonstrating financial need?
The graduate medical education community was instrumental in helping to develop this pilot program. Many of the elements of the program are suggestions from program directors and physicians who participated in discussions with ABIM about the needs of early career physicians.
How will eligible physicians be selected for the fee credit if there are more applicants than funding available?
The intention is to award the credit to as many applicants as possible.
Priority will be given to candidates from programs that do not provide funds that can be used to pay for the exam. This includes funds that can be used for general educational purposes. At the conclusion of the pilot, ABIM will conduct an evaluation to assess its success and feasibility, and to refine processes for future implementation.
ABIM may ask for additional information to conduct a verification process. If subject to the verification process, what will I be expected to share with ABIM and what will that process be?
ABIM expects physicians to provide honest and accurate information when completing the survey. If selected for verification, ABIM will reach out to the candidate, requesting clarification about their responses and possible additional documentation which will be reviewed by ABIM leadership.
What are ABIM’s main objectives for the pilot program?
There are not enough physicians to meet the needs of a growing patient population. One objective of this initiative is to ensure that the certification process remains accessible, so that anyone eligible to take the exam has the means to do so. To support this goal, ABIM is prioritizing the distribution of available funds to provide financial assistance for those who might otherwise be unable to sit for the exam.
How will ABIM determine whether the pilot has met its objectives?
ABIM will monitor the number of applicants who apply and receive credit. Then staff can conduct a thorough analysis of the program and the types of need and hardships early career physicians experience. After analysis, ABIM may adjust the program if necessary.
Will this be available for my subspecialty exam(s)?
No, ABIM does not plan to make the pilot program available for subspecialty exams at this time.
I missed the deadline/didn’t hear about the program in time – can I still apply?
No, all applications must be submitted between 9/2/2025 – 10/3/2025.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to AcademicAffairs@ABIM.org
