The Pediatric Boards Pass Rate Could be 100% This Year!

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

Now, the ABP has simplified the grading process. You will be given a passing score based on the same grading systems used in elementary schools. 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. Unfortunately, they subsequently came down into the low 80s again.

Does this mean that the percentage of questions needed to be answered correctly has gone up? Perhaps. Or, there is speculation that the percentage is the same, but the test-taker's ability to have “Deep Study” has changed.

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). Regardless, it is surely a more FAIR and EASIER system to grade pediatricians taking the boards.

Approximately 50% of the pediatricians that come to PBR come to us because they have previously failed the pediatric board exam by using other study materials and they are now looking for a new solution. It's been heartbreaking to see pediatricians fail repeatedly, but with the new way of grading the exam, perhaps there will be a day when the pass rate is close to 100%.

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 ELENVTH attempt. We've helped many pediatricians pass on their 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th attempts. Meaning, when we have helped pediatricians pass even when the world has written them off.

If we can help them pass, 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 instructions to the letter. If you do, you will pass! We even have a Money Back First-Time Pass Guarantee!

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