USA

American Board of Pathology Anatomic Pathology Certification Examination

600 questions

About this exam

The American Board of Pathology Anatomic Pathology Certification Examination is a U.S. board examination for physicians completing training in anatomic pathology. It assesses the knowledge and diagnostic judgment needed for independent practice and certification; it is not an entrance exam or a residency selection test. Candidates may pursue anatomic pathology alone or as part of combined training, depending on their program and certification goals. Eligibility generally depends on completing qualifying pathology training and meeting the American Board of Pathology’s application and credentialing requirements.

Anatomic pathology exam preparation spans general disease mechanisms; surgical pathology, including specimen examination, grossing, and staging; and interpretation of histology, immunohistochemistry, special stains, molecular pathology, and cytogenetics. Candidates need to connect findings with clinical context and choose appropriate next steps, not simply memorize isolated facts. The exam’s current blueprint, delivery details, and requirements can change, so use the ABPath’s official candidate materials as the authority. A focused review plan, image-based study, and timed question practice can help reveal gaps before exam day.

How to prepare for the Anatomic Pathology Certification Examination

  1. Use the current ABPath exam content outline to organize review across disease mechanisms, surgical pathology, histotechnology and ancillary studies, and molecular pathology and cytogenetics.
  2. Practice interpreting gross and microscopic images in clinical context; explain your diagnosis and key differential, and review why plausible alternatives are less likely.
  3. Use timed question sets to identify weak areas, then revisit those topics in authoritative references and the latest ABPath candidate handbook rather than relying on outdated exam-format details.

FAQ

Who is eligible to take the ABPath Anatomic Pathology Certification Examination?

It is intended for physicians who have completed qualifying anatomic pathology training and meet the American Board of Pathology’s application and credentialing requirements. Training pathways and individual eligibility can vary, so check the current ABPath requirements and candidate handbook.

What is the format of the Anatomic Pathology board exam?

The examination assesses pathology knowledge and diagnostic reasoning through questions that may require interpretation of clinical information and pathology images. Confirm the current delivery method, timing, and exam structure in the ABPath’s official materials, since details may change.

What subjects should I study for the Anatomic Pathology Certification Examination?

Review the official content outline, including general disease mechanisms, surgical pathology and staging, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, special stains, molecular pathology, and cytogenetics. Emphasize applying findings to cases and interpreting images, not just memorizing terminology.