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Key Facts: CMD Dermatología Exam

600

Questions (120 illustrated cases × 5)

CMD certification call

6 hours

Exam duration

CMD certification call

MXN 5,000

2026 exam fee

CMD certification call

14 Mar 2026

2026 exam, UVM Campus Cumbres, Monterrey

CMD certification call

5 years

Certification validity

CONACEM

The CMD certification exam is the CONACEM-recognized dermatology board exam in Mexico: 600 questions on 120 illustrated clinical cases over 6 hours, covering clinical dermatology, infections, dermatopathology, dermoscopy and therapeutics.

Sample CMD Dermatología Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CMD Dermatología exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 104+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 38-year-old man presents with well-demarcated erythematous plaques covered by thick, silvery-white micaceous scales on the extensor surfaces of his elbows, knees, and lumbosacral region. Auspitz sign is positive upon gentle scraping of the scales. Histopathologic examination demonstrates hyperkeratosis, confluent parakeratosis, regular elongation of rete ridges, and intracorneal collections of neutrophils. What is the pathognomonic histopathologic finding represented by these intracorneal neutrophil aggregates?
A.Munro microabscesses
B.Pautrier microabscesses
C.Kogoj spongiform pustules
D.Civatte bodies
Explanation: Munro microabscesses are collections of neutrophils located within the parakeratotic stratum corneum, characteristic of plaque psoriasis. In contrast, spongiform pustules of Kogoj represent neutrophil aggregates within the spinous layer of the epidermis. Pautrier microabscesses are intraepidermal collections of atypical lymphocytes seen in mycosis fungoides. Civatte bodies (colloid/apoptotic bodies) are necrotic basal keratinocytes characteristic of lichen planus.
2A 45-year-old woman with a history of chronic plaque psoriasis presents to the emergency department with high-grade fever, chills, severe generalized skin pain, and leukocytosis (24,000/µL). Physical examination reveals widespread fiery erythroderma studded with hundreds of non-follicular, sterile, pinpoint pustules coalescing into 'lakes of pus' across her trunk and extremities. A review of her medications indicates she abruptly discontinued oral prednisone prescribed by an external clinic two days ago. Genetic analysis in generalized pustular psoriasis of this type frequently reveals a loss-of-function mutation in which gene?
A.CARD14
B.IL36RN
C.AP1S3
D.TNFAIP3
Explanation: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP / von Zumbusch type) is an acute, life-threatening dermatologic emergency frequently precipitated by the abrupt withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids. Loss-of-function mutations in the IL36RN gene, which encodes the interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra), lead to uninhibited IL-36 signaling and massive neutrophilic epidermal recruitment via CXCL8/IL-8. Targeted anti-IL-36 receptor monoclonal antibodies (spesolimab) are indicated for acute flares of GPP.
3A 14-year-old boy presents with the sudden eruption of multiple small, 2 to 6 mm, teardrop-shaped erythematous scaly papules distributed symmetrically across his trunk and proximal extremities. His parents report that he had a severe sore throat accompanied by fever 2 weeks prior. He has never had skin lesions previously. Which human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele and laboratory test are most strongly associated with this clinical variant of psoriasis?
A.HLA-B27 and elevated serum rheumatoid factor
B.HLA-DR4 and positive anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP)
C.HLA-Cw6 (HLA-C*06:02) and elevated antistreptolysin O (ASLO) titer
D.HLA-DQ2 and elevated anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA
Explanation: Guttate psoriasis classically presents in children and young adults 1 to 3 weeks following a group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsillitis. The eruption is strongly linked to the HLA-Cw6 (HLA-C*06:02) allele, which confers the highest genetic susceptibility to early-onset psoriasis. Laboratory evaluation characteristically reveals an elevated antistreptolysin O (ASLO) titer or positive throat culture.
4A 42-year-old man with severe chronic plaque psoriasis involving 18% of his body surface area (BSA) and a PASI score of 22 has failed topical therapy, phototherapy, and oral methotrexate due to persistent hepatotoxicity. His dermatologist decides to initiate biologic therapy targeting specifically the p19 subunit of interleukin-23. Which of the following therapeutic agents corresponds to this specific mechanism of action?
A.Ustekinumab
B.Secukinumab
C.Infliximab
D.Guselkumab
Explanation: Guselkumab, risankizumab, and tildrakizumab are human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), preventing its interaction with the IL-23 receptor and thereby inhibiting the Th17 maintenance pathway. Ustekinumab targets the common p40 subunit shared by IL-12 and IL-23. Secukinumab inhibits IL-17A, and infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha.
5A 50-year-old woman with psoriatic arthritis complains of fingernail abnormalities. On examination, several fingernails exhibit localized areas of yellowish-brown discoloration resembling drops of oil under the nail plate ('oil drop' or 'salmon patch' sign), along with prominent subungual hyperkeratosis. In the functional anatomy of the nail unit, which anatomical structure is responsible for producing these specific clinical signs?
A.Proximal nail matrix
B.Nail bed
C.Nail fold cuticle
D.Proximal nail fold
Explanation: Psoriatic nail signs are anatomically divided by their origin within the nail unit. Lesions arising from the nail bed include the 'oil drop' or 'salmon patch' sign (exudation of serum and leukocytes in the nail bed), subungual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, and splinter hemorrhages. In contrast, lesions originating from the proximal nail matrix affect the nail plate during its formation, causing pitting, leukonychia, red spots in the lunula, and nail plate crumbling.
6A 34-year-old woman receiving adalimumab for Crohn disease presents 6 months after starting therapy with newly developed, painful, hyperkeratotic pustular plaques over her palms and soles, accompanied by scaly scalp plaques. Skin biopsy confirms psoriasiform epidermal hyperplasia with subcorneal pustules. She has no prior personal or family history of psoriasis. What is the most appropriate pathophysiologic explanation for this phenomenon?
A.Paradoxical upregulation of interferon-alpha driven by TNF blockade
B.Development of neutralizing anti-drug antibodies against adalimumab
C.Conversion of Th17 response to a predominantly Th2 cytokine profile
D.Secondary bacterial superinfection by Staphylococcus aureus
Explanation: Paradoxical psoriasis (most commonly presenting as palmoplantar pustulosis or plaque psoriasis) occurs in 2% to 5% of patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors. The mechanism involves blockade of TNF-alpha, which normally suppresses plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) activation. Unopposed pDCs produce massive amounts of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), which drives cutaneous inflammation and secondary recruitment of IL-17-producing T cells.
7A 5-year-old boy is brought for evaluation of intensely itchy, dry skin that worsens at night. Physical examination reveals excoriated, lichenified erythematous plaques localized predominantly to the antecubital and popliteal fossae, wrists, and periorbital area. According to the Hanifin and Rajka diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis, which of the following is a major criterion rather than a minor one?
A.Elevated serum total IgE level
B.Xerosis cutis
C.Pruritus
D.Dennie-Morgan infraorbital fold
Explanation: Hanifin and Rajka require at least three of four major criteria plus three minor criteria; pruritus ('the itch that rashes') is one of the major criteria, and it is the mandatory entry criterion in the later UK Working Party criteria. The four major criteria are: (1) Pruritus, (2) Typical morphology and distribution (flexural lichenification in children/adults, facial and extensor involvement in infants), (3) Chronic or chronically relapsing dermatitis, and (4) Personal or family history of atopic disease. Elevated IgE, xerosis, and Dennie-Morgan folds are minor criteria.
8A 22-year-old man with lifelong severe atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris undergoes genetic testing. He is found to harbor heterozygous null mutations in the FLG gene. What primary physiological abnormality directly results from this filaggrin deficiency in the epidermis?
A.Decreased production of antimicrobial cathelicidins in the dermis
B.Failure of corneodesmosome degradation leading to retention hyperkeratosis
C.Overexpression of tight-junction claudin-1 proteins in the basal stratum
D.Impairment of stratum corneum hydration and increased transepidermal water loss
Explanation: Profilaggrin is processed into filaggrin monomers that aggregate keratin intermediate filaments into tight bundles in the stratum corneum. Filaggrin is subsequently degraded into free amino acids (including pyrrolidone carboxylic acid and urocanic acid), which constitute the epidermal natural moisturizing factor (NMF). FLG mutations cause defective stratum corneum barrier integrity, decreased NMF, increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and allergen penetration.
9A 28-year-old patient with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis refractory to high-potency topical corticosteroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors is initiated on dupilumab subcutaneously. What is the molecular target of dupilumab?
A.Interleukin-4 receptor alpha subunit (IL-4Rα)
B.Interleukin-5 receptor alpha subunit (IL-5Rα)
C.Interleukin-13 cytokine ligand directly
D.Interleukin-31 receptor alpha subunit (IL-31Rα)
Explanation: Dupilumab is a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody directed against the interleukin-4 receptor alpha subunit (IL-4Rα). Because IL-4Rα is shared between the IL-4 receptor complex (Type I and Type II) and the IL-13 receptor complex (Type II), dupilumab simultaneously inhibits downstream signaling of both IL-4 and IL-13, the primary drivers of Th2 inflammation. Tralokinumab targets IL-13 ligand directly, benralizumab targets IL-5Rα, and nemolizumab targets IL-31Rα.
10A 3-year-old girl with active flexural atopic dermatitis presents with sudden acute deterioration. Over 48 hours, she developed fever (39°C), irritability, and clusters of monomorphic, dome-shaped, umbilicated vesicles on an erythematous base overlying her cheeks and neck, which rapidly progress to punched-out circular erosions with hemorrhagic crusts. What is the immediate treatment of choice for this condition?
A.High-potency topical clobetasol propionate ointment
B.Oral or intravenous acyclovir
C.Topical mupirocin 2% ointment twice daily
D.Intramuscular benzathine penicillin G
Explanation: This patient has eczema herpeticum (Kaposi varicelliform eruption), an acute disseminated cutaneous infection caused by Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 > HSV-2) occurring on pre-existing defective skin barrier (most commonly atopic dermatitis). Characteristic lesions are monomorphic, umbilicated vesicles that ulcerate into punched-out erosions. Prompt systemic antiviral therapy with oral or intravenous acyclovir (or valacyclovir) is mandatory to prevent viremia, keratoconjunctivitis, and systemic dissemination. Topical corticosteroids are contraindicated during active infection.

About the CMD Dermatología Exam

Independent CMD dermatology certification study practice by OpenExamPrep. The Consejo Mexicano de Dermatología, A.C., recognized by CONACEM, certifies dermatologists in Mexico through an electronic or written exam of 120 illustrated clinical cases with 5 questions each (600 questions) over 6 hours. The 2026 exam was held on 14 March 2026 at UVM Campus Cumbres, Monterrey, with documents submitted through SIGME. The official exam is in Spanish; this bank is an independent English-language MCQ study adaptation built from the official area list and standard dermatology references. It is not an official translation or simulation, and it does not reproduce the exam's clinical images.

Exam sponsor: Consejo Mexicano de Dermatología, A.C.. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Electronic or written examination lasting 6 hours with 120 illustrated clinical cases, each followed by 5 multiple-choice questions (600 questions). The official areas are clinical and basic dermatology, pediatric dermatology, epidemiology, immunodermatology, pharmacology, therapeutics, laboratory, mycology, genodermatoses, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections and STIs, contact dermatitis, photobiology, dermoscopy, lasers and light, dermatologic surgery, nails, hair, deposit diseases and dermatopathology. This bank practises the knowledge in English single-best-answer MCQs; it does not reproduce the illustrated case images. Pediatric dermatology and dermatopathology subspecialty certifications are separate.

Time Limit

6 hours

Passing Score

not-published

Exam / Certification Fees

MXN 5,000

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

Official area (weight not published)

Dermatología clínica, básica y pediátrica

Basic science of the skin, clinical dermatology, pediatric dermatology, epidemiology and genodermatoses

Official area (weight not published)

Inmunodermatología, dermatitis por contacto y fotobiología

Immunologically mediated and inflammatory dermatoses, contact dermatitis and patch testing, photobiology and photodermatoses

Official area (weight not published)

Micología e infecciones

Superficial and deep mycoses, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, and sexually transmitted infections

Official area (weight not published)

Farmacología, terapéutica y laboratorio

Dermatologic pharmacology and therapeutics, drug reactions, and laboratory diagnosis

Official area (weight not published)

Dermatoscopia, láser, luz y cirugía dermatológica

Dermoscopy, lasers and light-based therapy including phototherapy, dermatologic surgery and cutaneous oncology

Official area (weight not published)

Uñas, pelo, enfermedades por depósito y dermatopatología

Nail and hair disorders, deposit diseases, cutaneous signs of systemic disease, and dermatopathology

Preparing for the CMD Dermatología Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: not-published
  • Assessment: Electronic or written examination lasting 6 hours with 120 illustrated clinical cases, each followed by 5 multiple-choice questions (600 questions). The official areas are clinical and basic dermatology, pediatric dermatology, epidemiology, immunodermatology, pharmacology, therapeutics, laboratory, mycology, genodermatoses, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections and STIs, contact dermatitis, photobiology, dermoscopy, lasers and light, dermatologic surgery, nails, hair, deposit diseases and dermatopathology. This bank practises the knowledge in English single-best-answer MCQs; it does not reproduce the illustrated case images. Pediatric dermatology and dermatopathology subspecialty certifications are separate.
  • Time limit: 6 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: MXN 5,000 Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 104 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CMD Dermatología: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the clinical and histologic distinctions of deep fungal infections endemic to Mexico, notably sporotrichosis (asteroid bodies, itraconazole) and actinomycetoma (Nocardia brasiliensis grains, Welsh regimen) versus eumycetoma.
2Review the Ridley-Jopling classification of leprosy (Hansen disease), differentiating tuberculoid from lepromatous poles, understanding Type 1 vs Type 2 lepra reactions, and following WHO/Mexican NOM-027 multidrug regimens.
3Memorize melanoma management guidelines: Breslow depth cutoffs, sentinel lymph node biopsy indications, and surgical margin widths (in situ = 0.5–1 cm, ≤1 mm = 1 cm, 1.01–2 mm = 1–2 cm, >2 mm = 2 cm).
4Be fluent in severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs): calculate SCORTEN within the first 24 hours of TEN, identify high-risk HLA alleles (e.g., HLA-B*58:01 for allopurinol), and understand DRESS diagnostic criteria and visceral monitoring.
5Understand direct immunofluorescence (DIF) patterns for bullous diseases: intercellular epidermal IgG/C3 in pemphigus vulgaris versus continuous linear basement membrane zone IgG/C3 in bullous pemphigoid.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CMD certification exam?

The Examen de Certificación en Dermatología is administered by the Consejo Mexicano de Dermatología, A.C. (CMD), the council recognized by CONACEM for the specialty. The exam is electronic or written, lasts 6 hours and contains 120 illustrated clinical cases, each with 5 multiple-choice questions (600 questions). The 2026 fee was MXN 5,000.

When and where was the 2026 CMD certification exam held?

The 2026 examination took place in person on 14 March 2026 at the Universidad del Valle de México (UVM) Campus Cumbres in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Applications and candidate verification were submitted between 1 October 2025 and 28 February 2026 via the SIGME platform.

What are the eligibility requirements to take the exam?

Candidates must hold a cédula profesional as a physician (Médico Cirujano) and have completed a recognized dermatology residency. For graduates after 1994 this means at least 1 year of internal medicine followed by 3 years of dermatology. Documents are submitted through the SIGME platform within the call's registration window.

What is the syllabus or scope of the examination?

The CMD lists the examined areas but publishes no percentage weights: clinical and basic dermatology, pediatric dermatology, epidemiology, immunodermatology, pharmacology, therapeutics, laboratory, mycology, genodermatoses, bacterial, viral and parasitic infections and STIs, contact dermatitis, photobiology, dermoscopy, lasers and light therapy, dermatologic surgery, nails, hair, deposit diseases and dermatopathology.

Does this question bank simulate practical, oral, or subspecialty examinations?

No. This bank is an independent English-language MCQ study tool. The official exam is in Spanish and uses illustrated clinical cases; this bank does not reproduce its images or format and is not an official translation or simulation. Pediatric dermatology and dermatopathology are separate council certifications.