COVID-19 (Coronavirus) situation:

Testing candidates: Check our COVID-19 Update Page (Opens in new window) to review the health and safety measures in place for testing and find out about any country-specific testing policies.

Appointment availability is limited due to social distancing precautions and varies by location. Please note that our customer service wait-times are also longer than usual right now. For information on rescheduling, refunds, and more, please check out our FAQs.

    To schedule, reschedule or cancel an exam:

    ABD Examinations

    ABD Examinations

    Learn more about testing for Essential Services in the U.S. and Canada during COVID-19. See FAQs »

    Learn more about Pearson VUE test delivery during COVID-19.

    The American Board of Dermatology (ABD) is one of 24 medical specialty boards that make up the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABD was incorporated in 1932 to elevate and maintain the standards of this specialty. The mission of the ABD is to serve the public by setting high standards for dermatologists to earn and maintain Board certification. The American Board of Dermatology is a voluntary, non-profit, private, autonomous organization formed for the primary purpose of protecting the public interest by establishing and maintaining high standards of training, education and qualifications of physicians rendering care in dermatology. The objective of all of its activities is to provide assurance that a diplomate of the Board possesses and maintains the knowledge and skills essential for the provision of superior, specialized care to patients with cutaneous diseases.

    Exam Scheduling

    IMPORTANT: Candidates for ABD exams will receive instructions for scheduling a Pearson VUE exam appointment from the ABD. Instructions will be sent after the ABD reviews and approves the applications for each exam. Candidates are unable to schedule a Pearson VUE appointment until the ABD furnishes them with instructions for doing so.

    2021 Exam Dates

    CORE Examination (for Dermatology Residents)

    Late Winter delivery dates: Thursday February 18 through Saturday, February 27

    Summer delivery dates: Thursday July 15 through Saturday, July 24

    Fall delivery dates: Thursday October 28 through Saturday, November 6

    Candidates take the exam via Pearson VUE’s OnVUE online proctored in a private, secure location, using a webcam-equipped computer. Create an account and schedule an appointment »

    For candidates without access to a properly equipped computer, a limited number of appointments are available at Pearson VUE Professional Centers. Create an account and schedule an appointment »

    MOC/Recertification Examination (for Diplomates of the ABD)

    Spring delivery dates: April 1 - May 31
    Fall delivery dates: September 1 - October 31

    Candidates take the exam one of two ways:

    1. At a Pearson VUE Professional Center. Create an account and schedule an appointment.
      ~or~
    2. In a private, secure location, using a webcam-equipped computer, via OnVUE online proctored (aka Remote Proctor). Create an account and schedule an appointment »

    APPLIED Exam (for graduated Dermatology Residents who passed the 4 CORE Exam modules)

    Delivery date: Friday, July 23

    Candidates take the exam at a Pearson VUE Professional Center. Create an account and schedule an appointment.

    MDS Exam (for Diplomates of the ABD, seeking subspecialty certification)

    Delivery date: Monday, October 4

    Candidates take the exam at a Pearson VUE Professional Center. Create an account and schedule an appointment.

    Pediatric Dermatology Subspecialty Examination (for Diplomates of the ABD, seeking subspecialty certification)

    Delivery date: TBD

    Candidates take the exam at a Pearson VUE Professional Center. Create an account and schedule an appointment.

    Last updated 2021-02-01