100+ Free ABP Pediatric Hospital Medicine Practice Questions

The ABP Pediatric Hospital Medicine exam is the subspecialty certification examination administered by the American Board of Pediatrics for pediatricians who care for hospitalized children. It became an ABP subspecialty in 2016, with the first exam offered in 2019. The exam covers common inpatient conditions, complex care, transitions of care, quality improvement, patient safety, healthcare-associated infections, high-value care, co-management with surgical services, pain and palliative care, and nonaccidental trauma recognition.

Candidates must hold primary ABP General Pediatrics certification in good standing and must have completed a 2-year ACGME-accredited Pediatric Hospital Medicine fellowship. A practice pathway (based on hospitalist work experience) was available for grandfathering but closed after the 2023 exam. A valid unrestricted medical license is required.

The exam is a 1-day computer-based test administered at Pearson VUE Professional Testing Centers. It consists of approximately 200 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions across several blocks, totaling about 7 hours including breaks. There are no clinical vignettes with images beyond what is standard for ABP subspecialty exams.

The 2026 initial certification fee is $2,500. Additional administrative fees may apply. Refund and cancellation policies are published annually in the ABP Booklet of Information. Retakes require re-registration and full fee payment.

ABP PHM is typically offered once per year in the fall (historically November). Application windows and scheduling details are published at abp.org each year. Results are posted in the candidate's ABP portal approximately 8-10 weeks after the exam.

ABP uses criterion-referenced scoring with a cut-score set in advance by subject-matter experts using the modified Angoff method. Candidates are measured against a fixed content standard, not against other examinees. Historical first-attempt pass rates for PHM have been approximately 84-90%, but vary year to year.

Common inpatient conditions (~35% of the exam) are highest yield — master the AAP bronchiolitis guideline (no routine bronchodilators/steroids/CXR), IDSA/PIDS pediatric CAP (ampicillin first-line for healthy fully-immunized children), the AAP 2021 febrile infant algorithm (8-21 d, 22-28 d, 29-60 d), ISPAD DKA management (fluid deficit replaced over 24-48 h, insulin 0.05-0.1 U/kg/hr, no bolus insulin, monitor for cerebral edema), Kawasaki disease (IVIG 2 g/kg + aspirin), and sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis management. Quality improvement/patient safety, transitions of care, and high-value care (Choosing Wisely PHM) are also heavily tested.

Use a 6-12 month structured plan during or after your PHM fellowship. Lead with common inpatient conditions using AAP clinical practice guidelines as the source of truth. Build a QI/safety framework (PDSA, SMART aims, Swiss cheese, RCA) and memorize Choosing Wisely PHM recommendations. Review pediatric pain/palliative care, nonaccidental trauma red flags, and systems-based practice (I-PASS, medication reconciliation, discharge readiness). Take 2-3 timed full-length mock exams and maintain a weakness log. Use AAP PREP Self-Assessment, SHM PHM modules, and the ABP content outline as scaffolding.