100+ Free ABPath Dermatopathology Practice Questions

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A skin biopsy shows a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate at the dermo-epidermal junction with vacuolar interface change, sawtooth rete ridges, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, and Civatte (cytoid) bodies. The most likely diagnosis is:

Lichen planus

Psoriasis vulgaris

Bullous pemphigoid

Allergic contact dermatitis

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ABPath Dermatopathology Exam

230

Total MCQ Items

168 Written/Practical + 62 Virtual Microscopy

6h 12m

Total Exam Time

3h 6m W/P + 3h 6m VM, Pearson VUE

$2,100

2026 Exam Fee

Includes $200 nonrefundable admin fee

12 mo

Minimum Fellowship

ACGME Dermatopathology fellowship (most 1-2 years)

~20%

Largest Domain

Inflammatory dermatoses (pattern-based diagnosis)

Co-sponsored

ABPath + ABD

ABPath issues for pathology pathway; ABD for dermatology pathway

The ABPath Dermatopathology exam is a 1-day 230-question computer-based test from the American Board of Pathology — 168 Written/Practical items (3h 6m) + 62 Virtual Microscopy items (3h 6m). It is jointly co-sponsored with the American Board of Dermatology; ABPath issues for the pathology pathway (candidates entering from AP or AP/CP). The 2026 blueprint emphasizes melanocytic lesions and melanoma (~15-18%), inflammatory dermatoses (~20%), non-melanoma skin cancers (~10-12%), adnexal tumors (~8-10%), soft tissue and fibrohistiocytic tumors of skin (~6-8%), cutaneous lymphomas (~6-8%), infections (~6-8%), pediatric/genodermatoses (~4-5%), alopecia (~3-5%), DIF/IIF (~5-6%), IHC and molecular (~5-6%), and lab management (~2-3%). 2026 fee is $2,100 (includes $200 nonrefundable administrative fee). Testing window: September 8-28, 2026.

Sample ABPath Dermatopathology Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your ABPath Dermatopathology exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A skin biopsy shows a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate at the dermo-epidermal junction with vacuolar interface change, sawtooth rete ridges, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, and Civatte (cytoid) bodies. The most likely diagnosis is:

A.Lichen planus

B.Psoriasis vulgaris

C.Bullous pemphigoid

D.Allergic contact dermatitis

Explanation: Lichen planus is the prototypical lichenoid interface dermatitis: dense band-like lymphocytic infiltrate hugging the DEJ with vacuolar change, sawtooth rete, wedge-shaped hypergranulosis, compact orthokeratosis, and apoptotic keratinocytes (Civatte bodies). DIF often shows shaggy fibrinogen along the BMZ and IgM-positive cytoid bodies.

2A biopsy from a chronic plaque on the elbow shows regular psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia, parakeratosis with neutrophils (Munro microabscesses), spongiform pustules of Kogoj in the upper spinous layer, dilated tortuous papillary dermal vessels, and thinning of suprapapillary plates. The diagnosis is:

A.Lichen planus

B.Psoriasis vulgaris

C.Pityriasis rosea

D.Seborrheic dermatitis

Explanation: Classic psoriasis shows regular (non-irregular) psoriasiform hyperplasia, confluent parakeratosis with neutrophils (Munro microabscesses), spongiform pustules of Kogoj, dilated capillaries in the dermal papillae (Auspitz sign correlate), and suprapapillary plate thinning. Hypogranulosis is typical, distinguishing it from lichen simplex chronicus.

3A spongiotic dermatitis biopsy shows alternating ortho- and parakeratosis in both vertical and horizontal directions, follicular plugging with shoulder parakeratosis, and small islands of normal skin within affected areas (the 'islands of sparing' clinically). The most likely diagnosis is:

A.Pityriasis rubra pilaris

B.Psoriasis

C.Atopic dermatitis

D.Seborrheic dermatitis

Explanation: Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) classically shows the 'checkerboard' pattern of alternating ortho- and parakeratosis (both vertical and horizontal), psoriasiform hyperplasia, follicular plugging with shoulder parakeratosis, and clinically islands of sparing. Distinguished from psoriasis (more confluent parakeratosis with neutrophils, no checkerboard).

4A subepidermal blister biopsy from an elderly patient shows a tense bulla with eosinophil-rich infiltrate. DIF reveals linear IgG and C3 along the basement membrane zone. Salt-split skin shows IgG binding to the epidermal (roof) side. The diagnosis is:

A.Pemphigus vulgaris

B.Bullous pemphigoid

C.Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

D.Dermatitis herpetiformis

Explanation: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most common autoimmune blistering disease in the elderly. Histology shows a subepidermal split with eosinophils. DIF shows linear IgG and C3 along the BMZ, and salt-split skin localizes binding to the epidermal/roof side (BP180/BPAG2 and BP230 are hemidesmosomal antigens above the lamina densa). EBA shows dermal/floor binding (type VII collagen).

5A patient with celiac disease develops grouped vesicles on extensor surfaces. Biopsy from perilesional skin shows neutrophilic microabscesses in dermal papillae. DIF demonstrates granular IgA deposits within the dermal papillae. The diagnosis is:

A.Linear IgA bullous dermatosis

B.Bullous pemphigoid

C.Dermatitis herpetiformis

D.Pemphigus vulgaris

Explanation: Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) shows neutrophilic microabscesses in dermal papillae and granular (not linear) IgA deposits in the dermal papillae on DIF. DH is the cutaneous manifestation of gluten-sensitive enteropathy and responds to dapsone and gluten-free diet. Linear IgA bullous dermatosis shows linear (not granular) IgA along the BMZ.

6A patient on vancomycin develops a bullous eruption with annular and 'string of pearls' arrangement. DIF shows linear IgA along the basement membrane zone. The diagnosis is:

A.Dermatitis herpetiformis

B.Linear IgA bullous dermatosis

C.Bullous pemphigoid

D.Pemphigus foliaceus

Explanation: Linear IgA bullous dermatosis (LABD) shows linear IgA deposition along the BMZ on DIF — distinguishing it from dermatitis herpetiformis (granular IgA in dermal papillae). Drug-induced LABD is classically triggered by vancomycin and can produce a 'string of pearls' annular vesicular pattern. Targets include LAD-1 (a 97-kDa cleaved fragment of BP180).

7Skin biopsy shows leukocytoclastic vasculitis (neutrophils, nuclear dust, fibrin in vessel walls) with perivascular IgA deposition on DIF. The most likely systemic association is:

A.IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) with possible renal involvement

B.Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA)

C.Polyarteritis nodosa

D.Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis

Explanation: IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schönlein purpura) is a small-vessel leukocytoclastic vasculitis with perivascular IgA deposition on DIF. Systemic involvement may include arthralgia, abdominal pain, and IgA nephropathy. DIF distinguishes it from other LCV. GPA shows c-ANCA/PR3 and granulomatous inflammation; cryoglobulinemic vasculitis shows IgM/IgG complexes.

8A skin biopsy from the shin shows poorly demarcated areas of necrobiosis (degenerated collagen) with palisading granulomas, plasma cells, and atrophic epidermis. The most likely diagnosis is:

A.Granuloma annulare

B.Necrobiosis lipoidica

C.Rheumatoid nodule

D.Sarcoidosis

Explanation: Necrobiosis lipoidica shows broad, layered, poorly demarcated necrobiosis (often involving the full dermis) with palisading granulomas, plasma cells, and frequent vascular changes (endothelial proliferation, cholesterol clefts). It commonly occurs on the pretibial skin and is associated with diabetes mellitus. Granuloma annulare shows smaller, well-demarcated necrobiosis with mucin and lacks plasma cells.

9A biopsy shows non-caseating 'naked' granulomas (sparse lymphocytic cuff) in the dermis with asteroid bodies and Schaumann bodies. Special stains for fungi and mycobacteria are negative. The diagnosis is:

A.Tuberculosis cutis

B.Sarcoidosis

C.Granuloma annulare

D.Foreign body granuloma

Explanation: Cutaneous sarcoidosis shows 'naked' non-caseating epithelioid granulomas with sparse lymphocytic mantle. Asteroid bodies (eosinophilic stellate inclusions in giant cells) and Schaumann bodies (laminated calcified inclusions) are characteristic but not specific. Special stains must be performed and negative to exclude infection. Polarization is essential to exclude foreign material.

10A subcutaneous nodule on the anterior shin of a young woman shows septal panniculitis with widening of fibrous septae, lymphocytes, histiocytes, and Miescher radial granulomas, but no vasculitis. The diagnosis is:

A.Erythema induratum (nodular vasculitis)

B.Erythema nodosum

C.Lupus profundus

D.Pancreatic panniculitis

Explanation: Erythema nodosum is a septal panniculitis without vasculitis, classically with Miescher radial granulomas (small clusters of histiocytes around a central cleft) in the septae. It is a hypersensitivity reaction to many triggers (streptococcal infection, sarcoidosis, IBD, drugs). Erythema induratum is a lobular panniculitis with vasculitis (often tuberculid). Lupus profundus is lobular with hyaline necrosis.

About the ABPath Dermatopathology Exam

The ABPath Dermatopathology subspecialty certification is jointly co-sponsored by the American Board of Pathology (ABPath) and the American Board of Dermatology (ABD); ABPath administers and issues the certificate for candidates entering through the pathology (AP or AP/CP) pathway. The exam validates expert-level diagnosis across inflammatory dermatoses (lichenoid, psoriasiform, spongiotic, vesiculobullous, vasculitic, granulomatous), melanocytic lesions (nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz, melanoma with AJCC 8 staging and BRAF/NRAS/KIT/NF1 molecular subtypes), non-melanoma skin cancers (BCC subtypes, SCC and variants, Merkel cell with MCPyV), adnexal tumors (follicular, sebaceous, eccrine, apocrine), soft tissue and fibrohistiocytic tumors of skin (DFSP COL1A1-PDGFB, AFX/UPS, dermatofibroma, leiomyoma), cutaneous lymphomas (mycosis fungoides, CD30+ LPDs, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas), infections (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic), pediatric and genodermatoses, alopecia (transverse-section interpretation, scarring vs non-scarring), direct immunofluorescence (DIF) for autoimmune blistering and connective-tissue disease, IHC, and molecular dermatopathology. The 1-day computer-based exam at Pearson VUE has 230 one-best-answer items (168 Written/Practical + 62 Virtual Microscopy).

Questions

230 scored questions

Time Limit

1-day CBT (3h 6m Written/Practical + 3h 6m Virtual Microscopy)

Passing Score

Scaled criterion-referenced pass score (modified Angoff)

Exam Fee

$2,100 (includes $200 nonrefundable administrative fee) (American Board of Pathology (ABPath) — co-sponsored with the American Board of Dermatology (ABD); ABPath issues for the pathology pathway. Delivered via Pearson VUE.)

ABPath Dermatopathology Exam Content Outline

20%

Inflammatory Dermatoses

Lichenoid (lichen planus interface, lichenoid drug, fixed drug), psoriasiform (psoriasis Munro/Kogoj microabscesses, pityriasis rubra pilaris, lichen simplex), spongiotic (eczematous, atopic, contact, nummular), vesiculobullous (intraepidermal — pemphigus vulgaris/foliaceus; subepidermal — bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, EBA, linear IgA), vasculitis (LCV, IgA, GPA, EGPA), granulomatous (sarcoid, granuloma annulare, necrobiosis lipoidica, foreign-body), panniculitis (erythema nodosum septal, lupus profundus lobular).

15-18%

Melanocytic Lesions

Common acquired and congenital nevi, dysplastic (Clark) nevi, blue nevi (cellular, deep-penetrating), Spitz nevi vs Spitz tumors (MAP-Kinase fusions — ALK, NTRK1/3, ROS1, RET, MET, BRAF), pigmented spindle cell nevus of Reed, melanoma subtypes (superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo maligna, acral lentiginous, desmoplastic, mucosal), AJCC 8 staging (Breslow, ulceration, mitotic rate dropped from T1 categorization), BRAF V600E/NRAS/KIT/NF1 molecular subtypes, IHC (SOX10, S100, HMB-45, Melan-A, PRAME, p16), sentinel node assessment.

10-12%

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

BCC subtypes (nodular, superficial, infiltrative/morpheaform, micronodular, basosquamous, fibroepithelioma of Pinkus), SCC (in situ/Bowen, invasive, keratoacanthoma, verrucous), AJCC 8 high-risk SCC features (depth >6 mm, perineural invasion ≥0.1 mm, poor differentiation), Merkel cell carcinoma (CK20 perinuclear-dot, MCPyV, neurofilament+), sebaceous carcinoma and Muir-Torre.

8-10%

Adnexal Tumors

Follicular (trichoepithelioma, trichofolliculoma, trichoblastoma, pilomatricoma CTNNB1, trichilemmoma — Cowden), sebaceous (sebaceous adenoma/epithelioma/carcinoma, Muir-Torre with MMR loss), eccrine (poroma YAP1::MAML2/NUTM1, hidradenoma, spiradenoma, syringoma, cylindroma, microcystic adnexal carcinoma), apocrine (hidradenoma papilliferum, syringocystadenoma papilliferum, extramammary Paget — primary vs secondary).

6-8%

Soft Tissue & Fibrohistiocytic Tumors of Skin

Dermatofibroma vs DFSP (CD34+, COL1A1-PDGFB t(17;22)), atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) vs pleomorphic dermal sarcoma/UPS (subcutaneous extension), epithelioid sarcoma (loss of INI1/SMARCB1), leiomyoma (Reed syndrome FH), Kaposi sarcoma (HHV-8, LANA-1), angiosarcoma, hemangioma vs vascular malformation, glomus tumor, neurofibroma, schwannoma, granular cell tumor (S100+), nodular fasciitis (USP6 fusion).

6-8%

Cutaneous Lymphomas & Hematologic Infiltrates

Mycosis fungoides (epidermotropism, Pautrier microabscesses, CD3+/CD4+/CD7-), Sézary syndrome, CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders (lymphomatoid papulosis types A-E, primary cutaneous ALCL — DUSP22 favorable), subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (αβ vs γδ TCR), primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (marginal zone, follicle center, DLBCL leg type with MYD88 L265P), blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (CD4/CD56/CD123/TCL1), cutaneous mastocytosis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (CD1a, S100, langerin/CD207, BRAF V600E).

6-8%

Infections

Viral (HSV/VZV multinucleation/Cowdry A, molluscum Henderson-Paterson bodies, verruca/HPV, MCPyV, Orf), bacterial (impetigo, cellulitis, syphilis with treponemal IHC, leprosy Fite, mycobacteria atypical, Bartonella verruga peruana), fungal (dermatophytes PAS/GMS, sporotrichosis cigar bodies, chromoblastomycosis Medlar bodies, blastomycosis broad-based budding, cryptococcus mucicarmine, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis spherules, Mucor non-septate hyphae), parasitic (scabies, leishmaniasis Marquee sign, demodex, larva migrans).

5-6%

Direct & Indirect Immunofluorescence (DIF/IIF)

Pemphigus vulgaris (intercellular IgG/C3 — chicken-wire), pemphigus foliaceus (superficial intercellular IgG), bullous pemphigoid (linear IgG/C3 BMZ, salt-split skin epidermal/roof binding), EBA (linear IgG, salt-split dermal/floor), dermatitis herpetiformis (granular IgA dermal papillae), linear IgA bullous dermatosis (linear IgA BMZ), lupus (granular IgG/IgM/C3 — lupus band test on uninvolved skin in SLE), porphyria cutanea tarda (homogeneous IgG/C3 around vessels), vasculitis (perivascular IgA in IgA vasculitis).

4-5%

Pediatric & Genodermatoses

Epidermolysis bullosa subtypes (simplex K5/K14, junctional laminin-332, dystrophic COL7A1), ichthyoses (vulgaris filaggrin, X-linked steroid sulfatase, lamellar TGM1, harlequin ABCA12), incontinentia pigmenti (NEMO/IKBKG), Darier disease (ATP2A2), Hailey-Hailey (ATP2C1), neurofibromatosis (NF1), tuberous sclerosis (angiofibromas, shagreen patch, ash-leaf), Cowden (PTEN — trichilemmomas), Birt-Hogg-Dubé (FLCN — fibrofolliculomas), Gorlin (PTCH1), xeroderma pigmentosum, juvenile xanthogranuloma (S100-, CD68+, factor XIIIa+).

3-5%

Alopecia & Hair Disorders

Horizontal/transverse-section interpretation (terminal:vellus ratio normal ≥3:1, anagen:telogen ≥7:1), non-scarring (androgenetic miniaturization, alopecia areata peribulbar lymphocytic 'swarm of bees', telogen effluvium, trichotillomania pigment casts/empty follicles, traction), scarring/cicatricial (lichen planopilaris perifollicular fibrosis upper isthmus, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, discoid lupus, folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis, acne keloidalis nuchae).

5-6%

IHC & Molecular Dermatopathology

Melanocytic markers (SOX10, S100, HMB-45, Melan-A/MART-1, PRAME, p16, BAP1, MITF), keratinocyte/squamous (CK5/6, p40, p63), Merkel (CK20 dot, neurofilament, INSM1), vascular (CD31, CD34, ERG, D2-40 lymphatic), DFSP (CD34+/factor XIIIa-), AFX (CD10, procollagen-1, diagnosis of exclusion), BRAF V600E IHC (VE1) and BRAF/NRAS/KIT mutation testing in melanoma, MMR IHC for Muir-Torre, FISH for melanoma (6p25 RREB1, 6q23 MYB, 11q13 CCND1, Cep6), TERT promoter, HHV-8 LANA-1 for KS, MCPyV IHC.

2-3%

Laboratory Management & Informatics

Frozen vs paraffin sections, Mohs micrographic surgery margin interpretation and frozen section technique, IHC validation for dermpath antibodies (esp. melanocytic FISH and SOX10), CLIA/CAP proficiency testing, dermpath-specific QA (transverse section embedding for alopecia), digital pathology and Virtual Microscopy workflows, error rate and second-opinion practice in melanocytic and lymphoid lesions.

How to Pass the ABPath Dermatopathology Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled criterion-referenced pass score (modified Angoff)
Exam length: 230 questions
Time limit: 1-day CBT (3h 6m Written/Practical + 3h 6m Virtual Microscopy)
Exam fee: $2,100 (includes $200 nonrefundable administrative fee)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ABPath Dermatopathology Study Tips from Top Performers

1Memorize the DIF cheat-sheet cold: pemphigus vulgaris/foliaceus = intercellular IgG/C3 (chicken-wire); bullous pemphigoid = linear IgG/C3 along BMZ (epidermal/roof binding on salt-split); EBA = linear IgG along BMZ (dermal/floor binding on salt-split); dermatitis herpetiformis = granular IgA in dermal papillae; linear IgA bullous dermatosis = linear IgA along BMZ; lupus band = granular IgG/IgM/C3 BMZ on uninvolved skin in SLE

2Spitz vs Spitzoid melanoma: classical Spitz tumors carry MAP-kinase pathway fusions (ALK, NTRK1/3, ROS1, RET, MET, BRAF), are p16-retained and Ki-67 low. Spitzoid melanomas often show TERT promoter mutations, p16 (CDKN2A) loss (homozygous deletion = aggressive), BAP1 loss (BAPoma spectrum, BAP1-TPDS), and PRAME positivity. Always use FISH (6p25 RREB1, 6q23 MYB, 11q13 CCND1, Cep6) for ambiguous Spitzoid lesions

3AJCC 8 melanoma staging dropped mitotic rate from T1 categorization — T1a is Breslow ≤0.8 mm without ulceration; T1b is ≤0.8 mm with ulceration OR 0.8-1.0 mm regardless of ulceration. Sentinel node biopsy is offered for T1b and higher. The 'mitotic rate' is still reported but no longer drives T-category in T1

4DFSP vs dermatofibroma: DFSP is CD34-positive, factor XIIIa-negative, with COL1A1-PDGFB fusion t(17;22), shows monomorphic spindle cells in storiform pattern infiltrating subcutis with honeycomb fat pattern. Dermatofibroma is CD34-negative, factor XIIIa-positive, with overlying epidermal hyperplasia (induction) and lacks subcutaneous infiltration

5Alopecia transverse section: normal terminal:vellus ratio is ≥3:1 (often 7:1) and normal anagen:telogen ≥7:1. Androgenetic alopecia shows miniaturization (T:V <3:1, often <2:1). Alopecia areata shows peribulbar lymphocytic 'swarm of bees'. Lichen planopilaris shows perifollicular concentric fibrosis at the upper isthmus/infundibulum with interface dermatitis. CCCA shows premature desquamation of the inner root sheath

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABPath Dermatopathology subspecialty certification?

The ABPath Dermatopathology subspecialty certification is awarded by the American Board of Pathology to diplomates who demonstrate expert-level diagnostic knowledge of skin pathology. It is jointly co-sponsored with the American Board of Dermatology (ABD); ABPath issues the certificate for candidates who entered through the pathology pathway (AP or AP/CP), while ABD issues for those entering from dermatology residency. The exam content is identical for both pathways. Certification qualifies pathologists to lead dermatopathology services and sign out skin biopsies independently.

Who is eligible to take the ABPath Dermatopathology exam?

Pathology-pathway candidates must hold primary ABPath certification in good standing in AP or AP/CP and have completed 12 months of full-time training in an ACGME-accredited Dermatopathology fellowship. A valid unrestricted medical license is required. Dermatology-pathway candidates apply through the American Board of Dermatology after completing dermatology residency plus the same 12-month ACGME dermatopathology fellowship — both pathways take the identical exam, and both must satisfy the same ACGME fellowship requirement.

What is the format of the ABPath Dermatopathology exam?

The exam is a 1-day computer-based examination administered at Pearson VUE Professional Testing Centers. It consists of 168 Written/Practical items (3 hours 6 minutes) plus 62 Virtual Microscopy items (3 hours 6 minutes) for a total of 230 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions. No glass slides are used — all images are digital whole-slide scans. The VM section tests pattern-recognition diagnosis on whole-slide images including melanocytic lesions, inflammatory dermatoses, adnexal tumors, and cutaneous lymphomas.

How much does the 2026 ABPath Dermatopathology exam cost?

The 2026 examination fee is $2,100, which includes a $200 nonrefundable administrative fee. Cancellations by June 15 forfeit $500; cancellations after June 15 forfeit the full fee. Retakes within the qualification window require re-registration and full fee payment. Continuing Certification (CC) participation is required after initial certification.

When is the 2026 exam administered?

The 2026 ABPath Dermatopathology Subspecialty Certification Exam is offered September 8-28, 2026 at Pearson VUE Professional Testing Centers. Applications open February 16, 2026 and must be submitted by May 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST). There are no late application deadlines. Scheduling with Pearson VUE opens in July after the application is complete.

How is the exam scored?

ABPath uses criterion-referenced scoring with a cut-score set in advance by subject-matter experts using the modified Angoff method. A candidate's result depends on performance relative to the fixed cut-score, not on other candidates. Score reports include pass/fail plus diagnostic domain performance. Results are posted to the Board Correspondence tab in PATHway approximately 6 weeks after the final week of subspecialty exams.

What are the highest-yield topics on the ABPath Dermatopathology exam?

Inflammatory dermatoses (~20%) is the largest single domain — master pattern-based diagnosis (lichenoid, psoriasiform, spongiotic, vesiculobullous, vasculitic, granulomatous) and DIF correlation. Melanocytic lesions (~15-18%) requires Spitz vs Spitzoid melanoma differential, AJCC 8 melanoma staging, dysplastic-nevus criteria, and FISH/molecular testing. Non-melanoma skin cancers (~10-12%) emphasize BCC subtypes, AJCC 8 high-risk SCC, and Merkel cell (MCPyV, CK20 dot). Adnexal tumors (~8-10%) require Muir-Torre recognition (sebaceous + MMR loss). DIF (~5-6%) — know pemphigus chicken-wire vs BP linear-BMZ vs DH granular IgA dermal papillae cold.

How should I study for the ABPath Dermatopathology exam?

Use a structured 6-12 month plan during or after a 1-2 year dermatopathology fellowship. Start with inflammatory pattern-based diagnosis (Ackerman/Weedon framework — lichenoid, psoriasiform, spongiotic, vesiculobullous, vasculitic, granulomatous) and pair every pattern with its DIF correlate. Move to melanocytic lesions (mastering Spitz spectrum, dysplastic nevus criteria, AJCC 8 melanoma staging, FISH/molecular). Then non-melanoma skin cancer, adnexal tumors, soft tissue/fibrohistiocytic tumors, cutaneous lymphomas (mycosis fungoides, CD30+ LPDs), infections (special stains: PAS/GMS/Fite/Steiner/Warthin-Starry), genodermatoses, and alopecia (transverse-section interpretation). Heavy Virtual Microscopy practice is critical — 62 VM items in 3h 6m. Take 2-3 timed full-length mock exams. Integrate the ABPath blueprint and WHO Skin Tumours 4th edition (2018, with 5th edition WHO Soft Tissue/Bone updates relevant to cutaneous mesenchymal tumors).