ABP Pediatric Boards Pass Rate | Pediatric Board Review

I Know You Don’t Believe It, But It’s TRUE!

The pediatric boards pass rate had been horrendous for years. BUT, after a very long time, the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) finally decided to make some long-needed changes in 2012. In the prior years, your grade was essentially determined based on a curve. The curve was meant to ensure that 20-25% of first-time test takers failed the pediatric boards resulting in a pediatric board pass rate of about 75 – 80%. So, your chances of success were determined by the mix of your peers. If your peers were smarter than you, that meant you were more likely to fail!

The ABP’s Updated Method of Grading

In 2012, the ABP simplified the grading process. If you get more than a certain number of questions correct, you pass. That’s it!

Based on my discussions with the American Board of Pediatrics when these changes initially came about, the percentage of questions needing to be answered correctly to pass was in the range of 70 to 75%. Since the change in grading methodology came about, the pass rates have fluctuated. At one point, the pass rate was a staggering 91% after these changes were made.

Visual explanation of the ABP’s post-2012 grading model, showing how a fixed pass line allows all pediatricians to pass if enough questions are answered correctly

Does this mean that the percentage of questions needed to be answered correctly has gone down? Perhaps. Or, there is speculation that the percentage is the same, but the test-taker’s ability to have “Deep Study” has changed. Regardless, the Vice President of the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) has clearly stated to me that it is possible for 100% of test-takers to pass the boards in any given year.

These changes had truly been a long time coming. Much of it had to with policies set forth by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), and the changes are surely a FAIRER and EASIER system to grade pediatricians taking the boards.

Pediatricians come to PBR for the same thing, a board review system built around the fundamental pediatrics the ABP exam actually tests. Many are preparing for the first time and want the most efficient, high-yield path; others are preparing for another attempt after dense, unfocused materials left them overwhelmed. PBR was built to serve both, with content calibrated to the ABP content outline, proven test-taking strategy, and a structured plan.

Until then, we’ll continue to help pediatricians prepare for, and pass, the boards. We’ve helped Dr. Pablo Chagoya pass on his TENTH attempt. We’ve helped another physician pass on her ELEVENTH attempt. We’ve helped many pediatricians pass on their 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th attempts. Meaning, we’ve helped pediatricians pass even after the world had written them off.

Group of excited pediatricians celebrating after passing the American Board of Pediatrics exam, representing the potential for a 100% pass rate with the updated ABP scoring model

Instead of waiting to use an easy-to-follow system for repeat test-takers until after you fail, shouldn’t this be the place that you start?

If we can help someone pass on her 11th attempt through concise resources and a proven system, we can help you pass too. So, if you are seeking board certification through the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), make sure you’re using the best pediatric board review study guides and resources and that you follow the PBR blueprint to the letter. If you do, you will pass! That’s why we even offer a 100% Money Back First-Time Pass Guarantee.