100+ Free ABPS Integrative Medicine Practice Questions

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Which statement BEST describes integrative medicine as defined by the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health?

Replacement of conventional medicine with alternative therapies

Use of any therapy that is not taught in medical schools

Healing-oriented care that accounts for the whole person (mind, body, spirit) and uses all appropriate therapeutic approaches — conventional and complementary — guided by the best evidence

Unregulated practice outside evidence-based medicine

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: ABPS Integrative Medicine Exam

~200

Total MCQ Items

ABPS Integrative Medicine Certification Examination

~4-5 hr

Total Exam Time

1-day computer-based test at Pearson VUE

~15%

Nutrition Weight

Largest single domain on 2026 BCIM content outline

~$2,500

2026 Exam Fee

ABPS/BCIM (verify current schedule)

1994

DSHEA Supplement Law

Foundational U.S. supplement regulatory framework

25%

REDUCE-IT MACE Reduction

Icosapent ethyl 4 g/day in statin-treated high-risk patients (NEJM 2019)

The ABPS Integrative Medicine Certification Examination is a 1-day computer-based test administered by the Board of Certification in Integrative Medicine (BCIM) under ABPS, comprising approximately 200 single-best-answer MCQs over 4-5 hours at Pearson VUE. Content spans nutrition (~15%), botanicals/supplements (~12%), mental health (~8%), mind-body (~7%), herb-drug interactions (~6%), acupuncture/TCM (~6%), women's health (~5%), foundations (~5%), ethics/safety (~5%), integrative oncology (~4%), musculoskeletal/pain (~4%), environmental (~4%), cardiovascular (~3%), manual therapies (~3%), Ayurveda (~3%), homeopathy/energy (~3%), pediatric integrative (~2%), and EBM (~2%). Examination fee is ~$2,500; candidates must hold primary specialty board certification, unrestricted licensure, and fellowship training or equivalent IM coursework/CME.

Sample ABPS Integrative Medicine Practice Questions

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

1Which statement BEST describes integrative medicine as defined by the Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine & Health?

A.Replacement of conventional medicine with alternative therapies

B.Use of any therapy that is not taught in medical schools

C.Healing-oriented care that accounts for the whole person (mind, body, spirit) and uses all appropriate therapeutic approaches — conventional and complementary — guided by the best evidence

D.Unregulated practice outside evidence-based medicine

Explanation: The Academic Consortium defines integrative medicine as healing-oriented care that takes into account the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), emphasizes the therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient, is informed by evidence, and makes use of all appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches, healthcare professionals, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.

2Which concept, introduced by Aaron Antonovsky, focuses on the origins of health rather than the origins of disease?

A.Pathogenesis

B.Salutogenesis

C.Homeopathy

D.Allopathy

Explanation: Salutogenesis, coined by Aaron Antonovsky, is the study of the origins of health. It emphasizes factors that promote well-being (sense of coherence, resilience, generalized resistance resources) rather than focusing exclusively on disease causation (pathogenesis).

3Okinawa, one of the Blue Zones, is characterized by which dietary pattern associated with longevity?

A.High in red meat and saturated fat

B.Predominantly plant-based with purple sweet potatoes, soy, vegetables, and modest calorie intake (hara hachi bu)

C.Very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet

D.High-dairy Nordic diet

Explanation: The traditional Okinawan diet is plant-forward (purple sweet potato, leafy greens, soy, seaweed), low in calories, and accompanied by the cultural practice of hara hachi bu — eating until 80% full. Blue Zones share plant-based diets, social connection, physical activity, and purpose.

4Which BEST distinguishes 'healing' from 'curing' in the integrative medicine paradigm?

A.Healing and curing are synonymous

B.Curing targets the disease process; healing addresses the person's wholeness and may occur even when cure is not possible

C.Healing requires complete disease eradication

D.Curing is reserved for terminal illness

Explanation: Curing is the biomedical elimination of disease. Healing is broader — restoration of wholeness, meaning, or equanimity — and may occur in the absence of cure (e.g., at end-of-life). Integrative medicine values both, recognizing that patients may heal without being cured.

5The relaxation response, described by Herbert Benson, is BEST characterized by which physiologic changes?

A.Increased sympathetic tone, elevated BP and HR

B.Decreased oxygen consumption, reduced HR/BP, increased parasympathetic tone, alpha-wave EEG

C.Complete cessation of brain activity

D.Elevated cortisol and catecholamines

Explanation: Benson's relaxation response is the physiologic opposite of the fight-or-flight response: decreased oxygen consumption, lowered heart rate and blood pressure, decreased respiratory rate, reduced muscle tension, and increased alpha-wave activity — reflecting parasympathetic predominance.

6The Mediterranean diet is characterized primarily by which of the following?

A.High red meat, low vegetables

B.Abundant vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, olive oil as primary fat, moderate fish, limited red meat

C.Zero carbohydrates, high fat

D.Exclusively plant-based with no fish

Explanation: The Mediterranean diet emphasizes olive oil (primary fat, monounsaturated), vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, moderate fish/poultry, limited red meat, and moderate red wine. PREDIMED trial showed ~30% reduction in major cardiovascular events vs. low-fat control.

7The DASH diet was originally developed to manage which condition?

A.Type 2 diabetes

B.Hypertension

C.Inflammatory bowel disease

D.Hyperthyroidism

Explanation: DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) emphasizes fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, lean protein, and reduced sodium. The DASH-sodium trial showed reductions in systolic BP of ~8-14 mmHg, rivaling single-drug therapy in some patients.

8The MIND diet, associated with reduced Alzheimer risk, combines features of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and specifically emphasizes which foods?

A.Red meat and butter

B.Berries and leafy green vegetables

C.Refined grains and sweets

D.Fried foods and cheese

Explanation: MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) emphasizes berries (especially blueberries/strawberries), leafy greens, nuts, olive oil, whole grains, fish, poultry, beans, and limits red meat, butter/margarine, cheese, pastries/sweets, and fried food.

9In the FODMAP framework, FODMAPs are:

A.Fatty acids

B.Fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides and polyols that can trigger IBS symptoms

C.A category of prescription probiotics

D.Phytonutrients unique to cruciferous vegetables

Explanation: FODMAPs are Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols — short-chain carbohydrates poorly absorbed in the small intestine that ferment in the colon. A low-FODMAP diet reduces IBS symptoms in ~70% of patients in Monash University trials.

10The classical ketogenic diet, with the strongest evidence in neurology, is indicated for which condition?

A.Migraine prophylaxis as first-line

B.Drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy

C.Uncomplicated hypertension

D.Generalized anxiety

Explanation: The classical ketogenic diet (high-fat, very-low-carbohydrate, moderate protein; ~4:1 fat:carb+protein ratio) has the strongest evidence for reducing seizures in drug-resistant pediatric epilepsy. Modified Atkins and MCT variants are also used. Evidence for other neurologic conditions is emerging but less robust.

About the ABPS Integrative Medicine Exam

The ABPS Integrative Medicine Certification Examination validates physician knowledge across the core domains of integrative medicine. Content spans foundations and NCCIH framework, nutrition and therapeutic diets (Mediterranean, DASH, anti-inflammatory, elimination), micronutrients (vitamin D, B12, magnesium, omega-3, REDUCE-IT icosapent ethyl), botanicals and supplements (turmeric, ashwagandha, milk thistle, saw palmetto, berberine, CoQ10, probiotics, melatonin), DSHEA 1994 regulation and ConsumerLab/USP verification, mind-body therapies (MBSR, meditation, yoga, tai chi, biofeedback, hypnosis), integrative mental health (St John's wort, SAMe, psilocybin Breakthrough, MDMA-PTSD CRL Aug 2024, esketamine, NAM burnout), herb-drug interactions (St John's wort CYP3A4 induction — OCP, warfarin, cyclosporine, HIV, immunosuppressants; bleeding risk supplements), acupuncture and TCM (Cochrane evidence for chronic pain, migraine, knee OA, CINV), integrative oncology (SIO/ASCO 2022 breast/lung, Epidiolex CBD), women's health (NAMS 2023, fezolinetant NK3R, PCOS inositol), musculoskeletal/pain (ACP 2017 chronic low back pain non-pharmacologic first), cardiovascular (REDUCE-IT, CoQ10, red yeast rice), environmental medicine, Ayurveda and homeopathy, pediatric integrative, manual therapies, and evidence-based medicine. Candidates must hold primary board certification, unrestricted medical licensure, and demonstrate fellowship training or equivalent IM coursework/CME.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

1-day CBT (~4-5 hours)

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced scaled score set by ABPS/BCIM (modified Angoff standard)

Exam Fee

~$2,500 Certification Examination fee (ABPS 2026 — verify current schedule) (American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS) / Board of Certification in Integrative Medicine (BCIM) / Pearson VUE)

ABPS Integrative Medicine Exam Content Outline

~15%

Nutrition & Nutritional Therapies

Mediterranean, DASH, plant-based, ketogenic, and anti-inflammatory diets; micronutrients (vitamin D, B12, iron, magnesium, omega-3 EPA/DHA); REDUCE-IT icosapent ethyl 4 g/day for CV risk reduction in statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides; elimination diets (IBS, migraine); PREDIMED and cardiovascular outcomes; dietary patterns in T2DM, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome; therapeutic lifestyle change.

~12%

Botanicals & Dietary Supplements

Evidence base and dosing for turmeric/curcumin, ginger, ashwagandha, rhodiola, saw palmetto, milk thistle (silymarin), echinacea, garlic, green tea (EGCG), berberine, coenzyme Q10, probiotics (strain specificity), melatonin; DSHEA 1994 regulatory framework; ConsumerLab and USP Dietary Supplement Verification; product adulteration/contamination; NCCIH/Cochrane evidence grading.

~8%

Mental Health & Psychiatry

Integrative approaches to depression/anxiety/PTSD/insomnia; St John's wort evidence and interactions; SAMe, 5-HTP, saffron; psilocybin FDA Breakthrough Therapy for treatment-resistant and major depression; MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD (FDA Complete Response Letter August 2024); esketamine (Spravato) for treatment-resistant depression; NAM burnout taxonomy; MBCT for recurrent depression; CBT-I as first-line insomnia therapy.

~7%

Mind-Body Therapies

Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, biofeedback, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, relaxation response; evidence for pain, anxiety, depression, hypertension, IBS, fibromyalgia; HPA axis and stress physiology; psychoneuroimmunology; polyvagal/autonomic modulation.

~6%

Herb-Drug & Supplement-Drug Interactions

St John's wort as potent CYP3A4 inducer reducing levels of oral contraceptives, warfarin, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, HIV protease inhibitors, and other immunosuppressants; grapefruit juice CYP3A4 inhibition; ginkgo/ginger/garlic/vitamin E/fish oil bleeding risk with anticoagulants/antiplatelets; SAMe serotonin syndrome with SSRIs/MAOIs; perioperative supplement cessation (typically 1-2 weeks before surgery).

~6%

Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine

TCM framework (yin/yang, Qi, meridians, five elements), licensure and training (NCCAOM), sterile needle technique, pneumothorax and bloodborne risks; Cochrane/NCCIH evidence — chronic low back pain, neck pain, tension and migraine headache prophylaxis, knee osteoarthritis, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), postoperative pain; electroacupuncture; auricular acupuncture (NADA protocol).

~5%

Women's Health & Menopause

NAMS 2023 Menopause Position Statement (individualized risk-benefit of hormone therapy, timing hypothesis — age <60 and <10 years since menopause favorable); fezolinetant (Veozah) NK3R antagonist FDA-approved 2023 for moderate-severe VMS; black cohosh, soy isoflavones, red clover; PCOS inositol (myo-inositol + D-chiro-inositol 40:1); integrative pregnancy care; breast and ovarian health.

~5%

Foundations of Integrative Medicine

Definitions and principles (Andrew Weil, Arizona Center; Consortium for Academic Integrative Medicine & Health), whole-person care, healing-oriented clinician-patient relationship, salutogenesis, self-care; NCCIH complementary/integrative health framework and evidence map; models of integrative oncology, primary care, and specialty practice.

~5%

Ethics, Safety & Regulation

DSHEA 1994 framework; FDA oversight of supplements vs drugs and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP); informed consent for CAM therapies; evidence-informed practice and communication about non-evidence-based modalities; documentation and scope of practice; collaboration with licensed acupuncturists/naturopaths/chiropractors; conflict of interest; WHO traditional medicine framework.

~4%

Integrative Oncology

SIO/ASCO 2022 Integrative Oncology Guidelines for breast cancer and 2023 lung cancer — acupuncture for aromatase-inhibitor arthralgia and CINV; meditation/yoga/music therapy for anxiety/depression/fatigue; physical activity; cannabinoids for symptoms; evidence on antioxidants during chemotherapy/radiation; Epidiolex (CBD) for refractory seizures; cancer survivorship nutrition.

~4%

Musculoskeletal & Pain

ACP 2017 chronic low back pain guideline recommending non-pharmacologic therapies first-line — heat, massage, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, exercise, MBSR, tai chi, yoga, CBT, motor control exercise; glucosamine/chondroitin; topical capsaicin and NSAIDs; turmeric/curcumin for OA; osteopathic manipulative treatment; craniosacral therapy.

~4%

Environmental & Lifestyle Medicine

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (BPA, phthalates, PFAS), heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium), indoor/outdoor air quality, mold, pesticides, climate health, EWG resources; sleep hygiene and circadian disruption; exercise prescription (FITT, 150 min/week moderate-intensity + 2x/week resistance); smoking cessation; forest bathing/shinrin-yoku.

~3%

Cardiovascular Integrative Care

REDUCE-IT trial icosapent ethyl 4 g/day reduced MACE by 25% in statin-treated patients with TG 135-499 mg/dL; omega-3 EPA/DHA; CoQ10 for statin-associated muscle symptoms; red yeast rice (contains monacolin K — identical to lovastatin); plant sterols/stanols; Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED); hypertension lifestyle (DASH, meditation).

~3%

Manual & Body-Based Therapies

Chiropractic spinal manipulation, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), massage (Swedish, deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point), Rolfing, Feldenkrais, Alexander Technique; evidence for low back pain, neck pain, tension headache; contraindications — vertebral artery dissection risk with high-velocity cervical manipulation, severe osteoporosis, metastatic disease, coagulopathy.

~3%

Ayurveda & Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic framework (tridosha — vata/pitta/kapha), panchakarma, ashwagandha, turmeric, triphala, gotu kola, boswellia; heavy metal contamination of imported Ayurvedic preparations (lead, mercury, arsenic); naturopathy, anthroposophic medicine, Kampo, Tibetan medicine; cultural competency in traditional healing systems.

~3%

Homeopathy & Energy Therapies

Homeopathy (law of similars, potentization via serial dilution), evidence base and FDA 2019 revised compliance policy guide; Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, external qi gong; biofield science (NCCIH research); safety profile; clinical evidence, mechanism critique, and appropriate patient counseling.

~2%

Pediatric Integrative Medicine

Probiotics for infantile colic, atopic dermatitis, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (strain-specific evidence); melatonin dosing in children with ASD/ADHD; mind-body approaches for functional abdominal pain, migraine, and procedural anxiety; vitamin D supplementation in exclusively breastfed infants (400 IU/day); fish oil for ADHD (modest effect); pediatric supplement safety.

~2%

Evidence-Based Medicine & Research

Evidence hierarchies, GRADE framework, Cochrane systematic reviews, NCCIH evidence map; study design (RCT, cohort, case-control, N-of-1); biostatistics (sensitivity/specificity, PPV/NPV, NNT, hazard ratio, relative vs absolute risk); non-inferiority trials; risk-of-bias tools (RoB 2, ROBINS-I); patient communication about complementary therapy evidence.

How to Pass the ABPS Integrative Medicine Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced scaled score set by ABPS/BCIM (modified Angoff standard)
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: 1-day CBT (~4-5 hours)
Exam fee: ~$2,500 Certification Examination fee (ABPS 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 Integrative Medicine Study Tips from Top Performers

1St John's wort is the highest-yield herb-drug interaction — it is a potent CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein INDUCER and reduces serum levels of oral contraceptives (breakthrough bleeding, pregnancy), warfarin (reduced INR, thrombosis), cyclosporine and tacrolimus (transplant rejection), HIV protease inhibitors (loss of viral suppression), and many immunosuppressants/chemotherapeutics. It can also precipitate serotonin syndrome when combined with SSRIs/MAOIs. Memorize this interaction profile cold.

2NAMS 2023 Menopause Position Statement and fezolinetant: hormone therapy benefit-risk favors initiation at age <60 or <10 years since menopause for women with moderate-severe VMS without contraindications (timing hypothesis). Fezolinetant (Veozah) is an NK3R antagonist FDA-approved 2023 as a non-hormonal option for moderate-severe VMS — hepatotoxicity monitoring required. Black cohosh has modest evidence for VMS; soy isoflavones mixed evidence.

3REDUCE-IT (NEJM 2019) — icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) 4 g/day in statin-treated patients with established CVD or diabetes plus risk factors and TG 135-499 mg/dL reduced MACE by 25%. Mechanism: purified EPA without DHA. Know this for the cardiovascular integrative care section — contrast with mixed EPA/DHA fish oil (STRENGTH trial negative).

4SIO/ASCO 2022 Integrative Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline (breast cancer): Grade A — acupuncture for aromatase-inhibitor arthralgia; Grade B — meditation/yoga/mindfulness for anxiety, depression, and fatigue; music therapy for anxiety. Acupuncture remains Grade A evidence for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting across solid tumors. 2023 guideline extends recommendations to lung cancer.

5ACP 2017 guideline for chronic low back pain: Initial treatment is NON-PHARMACOLOGIC — heat, massage, acupuncture, spinal manipulation, exercise (especially motor control), MBSR, tai chi, yoga, CBT, progressive relaxation, EMG biofeedback. NSAIDs are second-line if pharmacologic therapy is needed. Tramadol/duloxetine third-line. Opioids only for refractory patients after failed alternatives. This ordering is very high-yield.

6Psychedelics timeline for 2026: Psilocybin = FDA Breakthrough Therapy for treatment-resistant and major depressive disorder (not yet approved, Phase 3 trials ongoing). MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD received FDA Complete Response Letter (NOT approval) in August 2024 despite advisory committee review — Lykos Therapeutics asked for additional Phase 3 trial. Esketamine (Spravato) IS FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression and MDD with suicidal ideation (REMS program required).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ABPS Integrative Medicine Certification Examination?

The ABPS Integrative Medicine Certification Examination is administered by the Board of Certification in Integrative Medicine (BCIM) under the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS). It certifies physicians in integrative medicine covering foundations, nutrition, botanicals, mind-body therapies, mental health, herb-drug interactions, acupuncture and TCM, integrative oncology, women's health, musculoskeletal and pain, environmental medicine, cardiovascular integrative care, manual therapies, Ayurveda, homeopathy, pediatric integrative, and evidence-based medicine.

Who is eligible to take the ABPS Integrative Medicine exam?

Candidates must hold an M.D. or D.O. (or equivalent) degree with a valid unrestricted medical license, maintain primary specialty board certification (ABMS or AOA), and demonstrate completion of an Academic Consortium-recognized integrative medicine fellowship or equivalent integrative medicine coursework and continuing medical education (CME) as defined by BCIM. Active clinical practice incorporating integrative modalities is expected.

What is the format of the ABPS Integrative Medicine exam?

The ABPS Integrative Medicine exam is a 1-day computer-based examination administered at Pearson VUE test centers, comprising approximately 200 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions over 4-5 hours. Items are clinical-scenario based and blueprinted to the BCIM content outline — nutrition, botanicals, mind-body, mental health, herb-drug interactions, acupuncture/TCM, integrative oncology, women's health, pain, environmental, cardiovascular, manual therapies, Ayurveda, homeopathy, pediatric integrative, ethics, and EBM.

How much does the 2026 ABPS Integrative Medicine exam cost?

The 2026 ABPS Integrative Medicine Certification Examination fee is approximately $2,500 — always verify the current schedule on the ABPS/BCIM website. Cancellation and refund policies follow ABPS policy with decreasing refunds as the exam date approaches. Retakes require re-registration and full fee payment within the allowed qualification window. Continuing Certification fees apply after initial certification.

How is the exam scored?

ABPS/BCIM 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 include domain-level feedback to guide remediation if needed.

What are the highest-yield topics?

Highest-yield topics include St John's wort CYP3A4 induction and major drug interactions (oral contraceptives, warfarin, cyclosporine, HIV protease inhibitors, tacrolimus); NAMS 2023 menopause position and fezolinetant (Veozah); REDUCE-IT icosapent ethyl 4 g/day for CV risk; ACP 2017 chronic low back pain non-pharmacologic first-line; SIO/ASCO 2022 integrative oncology for breast/lung; Cochrane evidence for acupuncture (chronic pain, migraine, knee OA, CINV); DSHEA 1994 and ConsumerLab/USP verification; psilocybin Breakthrough Therapy, MDMA-PTSD CRL (August 2024), esketamine; PCOS inositol; red yeast rice (monacolin K = lovastatin); Epidiolex CBD; perioperative supplement cessation; NAM burnout taxonomy.

How should I study for this exam?

Use a structured 6-12 month plan. Map to the BCIM content outline: start with foundations, NCCIH framework, DSHEA regulation, and nutrition; then botanicals with evidence grading; mind-body and mental health with current FDA-approved and investigational agents; herb-drug interactions; acupuncture/TCM and Cochrane evidence; integrative oncology (SIO/ASCO), women's health (NAMS 2023), pain (ACP 2017), cardiovascular (REDUCE-IT); environmental, Ayurveda, homeopathy, manual, and pediatric integrative. Complete 2 timed full-length mock exams. Use NCCIH evidence map, Cochrane reviews, and major society guidelines as primary references.

Is ABPS Integrative Medicine recognized by ABMS?

ABPS (American Board of Physician Specialties) is independent of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). ABPS certification is recognized by many hospitals, insurers, and state licensing boards. Candidates considering hospital privileges or payer credentialing should confirm recognition with their specific institutions. The Board of Certification in Integrative Medicine (BCIM) is the ABPS member board that administers this certification.