100+ Free ABPS GI Endoscopy Practice Questions
Pass your ABPS Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Certification Examination exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.
According to ASGE 2015 (reaffirmed) antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, in which of the following endoscopic scenarios is antibiotic prophylaxis clearly indicated?
Key Facts: ABPS GI Endoscopy Exam
~200
Total MCQ Items
ABPS/BCGE Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Examination
~4-5 hr
Total Exam Time
Computer-based examination at ABPS-approved centers
~23%
Colonoscopy / LGI Weight
Largest single domain on 2026 BCGE content outline
~$2,500
2026 Examination Fee
ABPS/BCGE (verify current schedule)
≥25% / ≥20%
Screening ADR (M/F)
ASGE/ACG quality indicator for colonoscopy
45-75
USPSTF 2021 CRC Screening Age
Average-risk adults — lowered from 50 in 2021
The ABPS GI Endoscopy Certification Exam (BCGE) is a computer-based test from the American Board of Physician Specialties comprising ~200 single-best-answer MCQs over ~4-5 hours. Content spans colonoscopy/LGI (~23%), upper endoscopy (~22%), ERCP (~14%), pre-procedure and sedation (~11%), EUS (~9%), complications (~8%), capsule/enteroscopy (~4%), quality/MIPS (~4%), infection control (~3%), ethics (~2%), and pediatric (~1%). Examination fee is ~$2,500; candidates must hold an MD/DO with valid unrestricted license, primary specialty in a related field (FP/IM/surgery/GI), and demonstrated training plus procedure logs in GI endoscopy.
Sample ABPS GI Endoscopy Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your ABPS GI Endoscopy exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1According to ASGE 2015 (reaffirmed) antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, in which of the following endoscopic scenarios is antibiotic prophylaxis clearly indicated?
2Per ASGE 2022 periprocedural anticoagulation guidance, for a patient on apixaban undergoing a HIGH-risk bleeding endoscopic procedure (e.g., polypectomy of a 2 cm polyp), the recommended duration to hold apixaban pre-procedure is:
3The preferred bowel preparation regimen that maximizes adenoma detection during screening colonoscopy is:
4A 68-year-old with COPD, BMI 38, OSA, and difficult prior intubation history is scheduled for EGD. The MOST appropriate sedation plan is:
5A patient receiving midazolam and fentanyl becomes apneic with SpO2 88%. After airway maneuvers and bag-mask ventilation, which reversal agent should be administered FIRST?
6The Los Angeles Classification grade D reflux esophagitis is defined as:
7Per the Seattle protocol for Barrett esophagus surveillance, the correct biopsy technique is:
8A Barrett segment described as C4 M7 under the Prague classification means:
9Biopsy of the esophagus in suspected eosinophilic esophagitis requires how many eosinophils per high-power field to establish the diagnosis (per AGREE consensus 2018)?
10A patient with a bleeding gastric ulcer shows a non-bleeding visible vessel (pigmented protuberance) without active bleeding. This is Forrest class:
About the ABPS GI Endoscopy Exam
The ABPS Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Certification Examination, administered by the Board of Certification in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (BCGE), validates knowledge required for independent practice in diagnostic and therapeutic GI endoscopy. Content spans colonoscopy and lower GI (USPSTF 2021 CRC screening 45-75, USMSTF 2020 polyp surveillance, ADR/cecal intubation/withdrawal quality metrics, Paris/NICE, BBPS, SCENIC chromoendoscopy in IBD), upper endoscopy (Prague C&M and Seattle protocol for Barrett esophagus, LA grade for erosive esophagitis, Forrest classification for peptic ulcer bleeding, Rockall/Glasgow-Blatchford risk scores, variceal band ligation, EoE, achalasia, Chicago Classification 4.0), ERCP (indications, Elmunzer rectal indomethacin PEP prophylaxis, SEMS/plastic stents, cholangioscopy, Tokyo 2018 cholangitis grading), EUS (Fukuoka/Kyoto IPMN worrisome features and high-risk stigmata, cyst fluid markers, celiac plexus block, LAMS gastroenterostomy), pre-procedure assessment and sedation (NPO, Mallampati/ASA, ASGE 2022 periprocedural anticoagulation, ASGE 2015 antibiotic prophylaxis, capnography), complications management, capsule/enteroscopy, quality/MIPS, infection control and duodenoscope reprocessing (FDA 2022 disposable distal tip transition), ethics, and pediatric endoscopy. Requires MD/DO with valid unrestricted license, primary specialty in a related field (FP/IM/surgery/GI), and demonstrated training with procedure logs in GI endoscopy.
Questions
200 scored questions
Time Limit
Computer-based exam (~4-5 hours)
Passing Score
Criterion-referenced scaled score set by BCGE (modified Angoff standard)
Exam Fee
~$2,500 examination fee (ABPS/BCGE 2026 — verify current schedule) (American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) — Board of Certification in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (BCGE))
ABPS GI Endoscopy Exam Content Outline
Colonoscopy & Lower GI
USPSTF 2021 CRC screening ages 45-75, USMSTF 2020 polyp surveillance (1-3 adenomas <10 mm → 7-10 yr; 3-4 or SSL → 3-5 yr; ≥5 or advanced adenoma → 3 yr; piecemeal EMR ≥20 mm → 6 mo), ADR ≥25% men / ≥20% women, cecal intubation ≥95% in screening, withdrawal time ≥6 min, BBPS Boston Bowel Prep ≥2 per segment, split-dose PEG, NICE/Paris classification, cold snare for ≤9 mm, EMR, ESD, SCENIC chromoendoscopy for IBD surveillance, diverticular bleeding, ischemic colitis, pseudomembranous colitis.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Prague C&M for Barrett esophagus, Seattle biopsy protocol (4-quadrant q2 cm; q1 cm with dysplasia), LA grade A-D erosive esophagitis, Forrest classification (Ia spurting, Ib oozing, IIa visible vessel, IIb adherent clot, IIc flat pigment, III clean base), Rockall and Glasgow-Blatchford risk scores, variceal band ligation + octreotide, eosinophilic esophagitis (≥15 eos/hpf), achalasia (Chicago Classification 4.0 — type I absent contractility, II pan-esophageal pressurization, III spastic), GAVE (APC), Mallory-Weiss, Dieulafoy, over-the-scope clip, Hemospray.
ERCP
Indications (choledocholithiasis with cholangitis/jaundice, malignant biliary obstruction, post-op bile leak, Rome IV sphincter of Oddi Type I), Elmunzer NEJM rectal indomethacin 100 mg pre/post ERCP for PEP prophylaxis in high-risk patients, pancreatic duct stent for PEP prevention, wire-guided cannulation, sphincterotomy, SEMS vs plastic, cholangioscopy (SpyGlass), Tokyo 2018 cholangitis grading (mild/moderate/severe), complications (PEP 2-10%, bleeding, perforation, cholangitis).
Pre-Procedure Assessment & Sedation
Informed consent, ASA physical status I-V, Mallampati I-IV, NPO (2 hr clear liquids, 6 hr light meal, 8 hr fatty meal), ASGE 2022 periprocedural anticoagulation (DOACs held 24-48 hr depending on renal function and bleeding risk; warfarin 5 d for high-risk; aspirin generally continued; LMWH bridging for mechanical valves), ASGE 2015 antibiotic prophylaxis (cefazolin for PEG; ciprofloxacin for obstructed bile duct incomplete drainage; NOT routine diagnostic), moderate vs deep sedation (propofol anesthesia-directed), capnography.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
EUS-FNA/FNB for pancreatic masses, subepithelial lesions (GIST — CD117/DOG1; leiomyoma, lipoma, carcinoid), pancreatic cystic neoplasms — Fukuoka worrisome features (cyst ≥3 cm, MPD 5-9 mm, mural nodule, thickened enhancing wall) and high-risk stigmata (obstructive jaundice, enhancing mural nodule ≥5 mm, MPD ≥10 mm); Kyoto 2024 IPMN guidance; cyst fluid CEA (high = mucinous), glucose (low = mucinous), KRAS/GNAS (IPMN), rectal cancer T/N staging, mediastinal adenopathy, celiac plexus block/neurolysis, EUS-BD, LAMS gastroenterostomy.
Complications Management
Perforation (colon — clip, OTSC, surgery; esophagus — stent), post-polypectomy bleeding (clip, coagulation), post-ERCP pancreatitis (IV LR, rectal NSAIDs prophylaxis, PD stent), cholangitis (antibiotics + drainage — Tokyo guidelines), aspiration pneumonitis, sedation events (hypoxia → jaw thrust, oral airway, reversal — naloxone, flumazenil), duodenoscope-associated infections, deep venous thrombosis, adverse event reporting.
Capsule Endoscopy & Enteroscopy
Small bowel capsule endoscopy for obscure GI bleeding (after normal EGD and colonoscopy), Crohn small bowel, celiac disease, retention risk with patency capsule, contraindications (known/suspected obstruction, dysphagia, pacemaker relative), push enteroscopy, balloon-assisted enteroscopy (single- and double-balloon), spiral enteroscopy, therapeutic enteroscopy for deep small bowel lesions.
Quality, MIPS & Documentation
ASGE/ACG quality indicators (ADR, cecal intubation rate, withdrawal time, bowel prep adequacy, appropriate surveillance recommendations, BBPS), MIPS measures, GIQuIC registry participation, procedure documentation, image capture of landmarks (cecum, terminal ileum, anastomosis, Z-line), complication reporting, peer review, continuous quality improvement.
Infection Control & Reprocessing
Spaulding classification (endoscopes semi-critical → high-level disinfection), FDA 2022 duodenoscope disposable distal tip/cap transition following CRE outbreak, manual cleaning then AER (automated endoscope reprocessor), high-level disinfectants (glutaraldehyde, OPA, peracetic acid), surveillance cultures, borescope inspection, single-use duodenoscopes (EXALT Model D), channel brushing, drying and storage, hand hygiene, PPE.
Ethics, Consent & Safety
Informed consent (material risks, alternatives including no procedure), capacity assessment, surrogate decision-making, time-out and universal protocol, WHO surgical safety checklist, never events, specimen handling and chain of custody, disclosure of adverse events, billing ethics, conflicts of interest, research ethics (IRB, informed consent for studies).
Pediatric Endoscopy
Indications (hematemesis, foreign body, caustic ingestion, suspected EoE, chronic diarrhea, IBD evaluation), pediatric scopes and accessories, sedation considerations, button battery esophageal impaction — EMERGENT removal within 2 hr for severe mucosal injury risk, coin vs battery differentiation (halo sign on AP, step-off on lateral), achalasia in children (Heller vs POEM).
How to Pass the ABPS GI Endoscopy Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Criterion-referenced scaled score set by BCGE (modified Angoff standard)
- Exam length: 200 questions
- Time limit: Computer-based exam (~4-5 hours)
- Exam fee: ~$2,500 examination fee (ABPS/BCGE 2026 — verify current schedule)
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
ABPS GI Endoscopy Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ABPS Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Certification Examination?
The ABPS GI Endoscopy Examination is administered by the Board of Certification in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (BCGE) under the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS). It validates the breadth of knowledge required for independent practice in diagnostic and therapeutic GI endoscopy, spanning colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, ERCP, EUS, sedation, complications management, capsule/enteroscopy, quality and infection control, and pediatric endoscopy. It is an alternative pathway to board certification for practicing endoscopists from multiple primary specialties.
Who is eligible to take the BCGE exam?
Candidates must hold an MD or DO degree (or equivalent) with a valid unrestricted medical license, be certified or trained in a related primary specialty (family medicine, internal medicine, general surgery, or gastroenterology), and demonstrate documented training in GI endoscopy with procedure logs signed by a qualified proctor. Applicants must meet the BCGE minimum annual procedure volume requirements and submit letters of reference.
What is the format of the BCGE exam?
The BCGE examination is a computer-based test with approximately 200 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions administered over roughly 4-5 hours at ABPS-approved test centers. Items are blueprinted to the BCGE content outline with a heavy emphasis on colonoscopy and lower GI (~23%), upper endoscopy (~22%), ERCP (~14%), and pre-procedure/sedation (~11%). Clinical vignettes, endoscopic images, and imaging are commonly used.
How much does the 2026 BCGE exam cost?
The 2026 BCGE examination fee is approximately $2,500 — always verify the current schedule on the ABPS/BCGE website. Cancellation and refund policies follow the BCGE schedule with decreasing refunds as the exam date approaches. Retakes require re-registration and full fee payment within the allowed qualification window, and remediation may be required after failed attempts.
When is the 2026 exam administered?
The BCGE examination is typically offered during published testing windows each year. Applications generally open months in advance of each window with a submission deadline and requirements for procedure logs and references. Candidates schedule specific appointments after application approval. Exact 2026 dates should be confirmed on the ABPS/BCGE page.
How is the exam scored?
BCGE uses criterion-referenced scaled scoring with a passing standard set by subject-matter experts using the modified Angoff method. A candidate's pass/fail result depends on performance relative to the fixed cut-score, not on other candidates. Score reports typically include domain-level feedback to guide remediation if needed.
What are the highest-yield topics?
Highest-yield topics include USPSTF 2021 CRC screening (45-75), USMSTF 2020 polyp surveillance intervals, ADR/cecal intubation/withdrawal time quality metrics, BBPS bowel prep, ASGE 2022 periprocedural anticoagulation (DOAC 24-48 hr hold), ASGE 2015 antibiotic prophylaxis, Forrest classification for PUD bleeding, Prague C&M and Seattle protocol for Barrett, Rockall/Glasgow-Blatchford, Chicago Classification 4.0 for achalasia, Elmunzer rectal indomethacin for PEP prophylaxis, Fukuoka IPMN worrisome features, and FDA 2022 duodenoscope disposable tip transition.
How should I study for this exam?
Use a structured 6-12 month plan layered on active endoscopic practice. Map to the BCGE content outline: begin with pre-procedure assessment and sedation, then colonoscopy and upper endoscopy, followed by ERCP and EUS, and finally complications, capsule/enteroscopy, quality, infection control, ethics, and pediatric topics. Integrate ASGE/ACG guidelines, Sleisenger and Fordtran's, Cotton/Leung ERCP, and high-volume MCQ practice. Complete 2-3 full-length timed mock exams. Drill guideline citations, scores, and endoscopic image recognition.