Free Study GuidePractice questions, flashcards, and related resources

Free ABFM Family Medicine Exam Prep

American Board of Family Medicine Initial Certification (Family Medicine)

Prepare for the ABFM Family Medicine exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

Same family resources

Explore More ABFM Family Medicine Certifications

Continue into nearby exams from the same family. Each card keeps practice questions, study guides, flashcards, videos, and articles in one place.

Your Study Path

ABFM ABFM Family Medicine Certifications License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation

1

Phase 1 — High-Yield Preventive & CV CoreYou are here

Master USPSTF grades A/B screening, ACIP adult immunization schedule, ACC/AHA 2017 hypertension, ASCVD statin therapy, and ADA 2024 diabetes algorithms — the highest-yield domains on the ABFM exam.

80
hours
2

Phase 2 — Chronic Disease Management

Drill GOLD 2024 COPD, GINA 2024 asthma, H. pylori (ACG 2022), hepatitis C DAA regimens, CKD (KDIGO), HF GDMT, and heart failure ARNI/SGLT2 evidence.

90
hours
3

Phase 3 — Women's Health, Peds, Geriatrics, Psych

Build competency across contraception MEC, prenatal care, well-child, developmental milestones, Beers criteria 2023, falls STEADI, depression/anxiety screening, and MAT for opioid use disorder.

80
hours
4

Phase 4 — Timed Full-Length Simulations

Complete 75-question timed blocks matching the ABFM section structure, remediate weak blueprint areas, and review high-yield numerics (A1c targets, BP thresholds, pack-years, dosing).

60
hours
Estimated total study time
310 hours
That's about 31 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the ABFM Family Medicine Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
Education
MD from LCME-accredited U.S./Canadian medical school, DO from AOA-accredited osteopathic medical school, or international medical graduate with valid ECFMG certificate
Experience
36 calendar months in an ACGME-accredited family medicine residency (12 months per training year); last 2 years must be in the same accredited program
Additional Requirements
  • Active unrestricted medical license required before certificate is issued
  • Program Director attestation of satisfactory completion and clinical competence
  • AOA-accredited residency graduates may use the AOA Training Pathway
  • International reciprocity for certificants of CFPC (Canada), RACGP (Australia), RCGP (United Kingdom), and RNZCGP (New Zealand)

ABFM Family Medicine Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

4-6 months for most PGY-3 residents preparing alongside clinical training

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

One-day exam: Prometric test centers. FMCLA: delivered online through MyABFM portal on any internet-connected device.

In-Person Only
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Candidates who do not pass may re-attempt at subsequent April or November administrations provided eligibility and application requirements are met. There is no lifetime attempt limit, but candidates are encouraged to remediate weak areas before retesting.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee~$1,300 initial certification application fee (subject to annual update; $100 late fee after standard deadline)
Total Estimated Cost$1,300-$1,500 per attempt plus question bank and review course costs
Why Choose Us

Free ABFM Family Medicine Prep Tools

Reported exam pass rate: Approximately 90% first-time pass rate for U.S. MD/DO residency graduates on the initial certification exam (ABFM annual reports).. Check the exam sponsor for the latest official figure.

100 Practice Questions

Board-style MCQs aligned to USPSTF, ACIP, ADA 2024, ACC/AHA, GOLD 2024, and GINA 2024 guidelines.

AI-Powered Learning

Adaptive explanations across preventive, CV, endocrine, respiratory, GI, women's health, pediatrics, geriatrics, and psych.

2026 Updated

Covers 2024-2026 guideline updates: mammography at 40, ACC/AHA HTN, ADA 2024, Shingrix, PCV15/PCV20, and more.

Free Access

Start free before paying the ABFM ~$1,300 initial certification fee.

Compare:
Kaplan $300+Achievable $200+OpenExamPrep $0

What You'll Study

67 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

1

Chapter 1: Exam Structure, Blueprint & Clinical Decision-Making

3 sections

2

Chapter 2: Healthcare Systems, Practice Management & Quality

3 sections

3

Chapter 3: Ethics, Law, Biostatistics & Health Equity

4 sections

4

Chapter 4: Lifestyle Counseling & Behavior Change

3 sections

5

Chapter 5: Nutrition, Physical Activity & Chronic Disease Prevention

3 sections

6

Chapter 6: Routine Adult Immunizations

3 sections

7

Chapter 7: Pediatric Health Maintenance & Surveillance

4 sections

8

Chapter 8: Behavioral Health & Safety Screening

3 sections

9

Chapter 9: Adult Preventive Screening: Cardiovascular & Metabolic

3 sections

10

Chapter 10: Adult Cancer Screening: Breast & Gynecologic

3 sections

11

Chapter 11: Adult Cancer Screening: Colorectal, Lung & Prostate

3 sections

12

Chapter 12: Sexual Health, Infectious Disease Screening & Contraception

3 sections

13

Chapter 13: Reproductive Life Planning, Lactation & Preoperative Care

3 sections

14

Chapter 14: Emergent Cardiovascular Conditions

3 sections

15

Chapter 15: Cardiac Arrhythmias, Heart Failure & Hypertensive Crises

3 sections

16

Chapter 16: Vascular & Thromboembolic Emergencies

3 sections

17

Chapter 17: Neurologic Emergencies: Stroke & Altered Consciousness

3 sections

18

Chapter 18: Neurologic Trauma & Acute Cranial Emergencies

3 sections

19

Chapter 19: Acute Abdominal, Pelvic & Gastrointestinal Emergencies

3 sections

20

Chapter 20: Acute Pulmonary & Airway Emergencies

3 sections

21

Chapter 21: Acute Traumatic Injuries & Wound Care

3 sections

22

Chapter 22: Acute Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Emergencies

3 sections

23

Chapter 23: Severe Infections, Sepsis & Systemic Emergencies

3 sections

24

Chapter 24: Metabolic, Endocrine & Electrolyte Emergencies

3 sections

25

Chapter 25: Hematologic, Urologic & Dental Emergencies

3 sections

26

Chapter 26: Psychiatric, Behavioral & Obstetric/Gynecologic Emergencies

4 sections

27

Chapter 27: Acute Head, Neck & Neurologic Symptoms

3 sections

28

Chapter 28: Acute Cranial Nerves, Hearing & Sensory Symptoms

3 sections

29

Chapter 29: Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

3 sections

30

Chapter 30: Acute Lower Respiratory Infections & Cough

3 sections

31

Chapter 31: Allergic, Nasal & Non-Infectious Pulmonary Conditions

3 sections

32

Chapter 32: Acute Chest, Cardiac & Vascular Symptoms

3 sections

33

Chapter 33: Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions

3 sections

34

Chapter 34: Acute Lower Gastrointestinal Conditions

3 sections

35

Chapter 35: Inflammatory, Functional & Malabsorptive GI Disorders

3 sections

36

Chapter 36: Acute Abdominal, Hepatic & Biliary Disorders

3 sections

37

Chapter 37: Acute Abdominal Wall, Hernias & Dental Conditions

3 sections

38

Chapter 38: Acute Infectious Dermatoses

3 sections

39

Chapter 39: Inflammatory, Allergic & Autoimmune Dermatoses

3 sections

40

Chapter 40: Acute Shoulder, Elbow & Upper Extremity Injuries

3 sections

41

Chapter 41: Acute Knee, Ankle & Lower Extremity Injuries

3 sections

42

Chapter 42: Acute Ambulatory Fractures & Dislocations

3 sections

43

Chapter 43: Acute Axial Musculoskeletal Pain & Falls

3 sections

44

Chapter 44: Acute Inflammatory Arthropathies & Generalized Pain

3 sections

45

Chapter 45: Acute Renal, Urinary & Genitourinary Conditions

3 sections

46

Chapter 46: Acute Male Genitourinary & Prostatic Conditions

3 sections

47

Chapter 47: Acute Women's Health & Early Pregnancy Care

3 sections

48

Chapter 48: Breast Disorders, STIs & Pediatric Elimination

3 sections

49

Chapter 49: Systemic Signs, Metabolic Dysregulation & Miscellaneous Infections

4 sections

50

Chapter 50: Chronic Cardiovascular Diseases: Hypertension & Ischemia

3 sections

51

Chapter 51: Chronic Vascular, Valvular & Dyslipidemic Diseases

3 sections

52

Chapter 52: Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Asthma & COPD

3 sections

53

Chapter 53: Chronic Metabolic Diseases: Diabetes Mellitus

3 sections

54

Chapter 54: Obesity, Nutrition & Metabolic Bone Diseases

3 sections

55

Chapter 55: Chronic Endocrine Disorders

3 sections

56

Chapter 56: Chronic Kidney Disease & Venous Disorders

3 sections

57

Chapter 57: Chronic Gastrointestinal & Hepatic Diseases

3 sections

58

Chapter 58: Colorectal Surveillance & Chronic Pancreaticobiliary Care

3 sections

59

Chapter 59: Chronic Musculoskeletal & Rheumatologic Disorders

3 sections

60

Chapter 60: Chronic Neurologic & Neurodegenerative Disorders

3 sections

61

Chapter 61: Chronic Peripheral Nerves, Pain & Sensory Disorders

3 sections

62

Chapter 62: Chronic Psychiatric Disorders

3 sections

63

Chapter 63: Chronic Behavioral Health & Neurodevelopmental Conditions

3 sections

64

Chapter 64: Chronic Substance Use Disorders & Tobacco Cessation

3 sections

65

Chapter 65: Chronic Dermatologic Conditions

3 sections

66

Chapter 66: Chronic Reproductive, Infectious & Geriatric Special Care

5 sections

67

Chapter 67: Continuity Care: Sleep, Fatigue, Cancer, Pregnancy & the Adult Preventive Visit

5 sections

ABFM Family Medicine Exam Details

American Board of Family Medicine Initial Certification (Family Medicine)

Administered by American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM)

Official Source
Criterion-referenced passing standard set by the ABFM Board of Directors; ABFM does not publish a current minimum passing score number
Passing Score
300
Questions
One-day
Hours
Approximately $1,300 initial certification application (plus $100 late fee if after standard deadline)
Exam Fee
Study time: 200-400 hours
Prerequisites: MD or DO from LCME, AOA, or approved international medical school; completion of 36 months in an ACGME-accredited family medicine residency (last 2 years in the same program). International reciprocity available for candidates certified in Australia, Canada, Great Britain, or New Zealand.
Valid for: 5-Year Cycle effective January 1, 2025 (requires 200 approved CME credits plus 60 certification points); FMCLA delivers 25 questions per quarter totaling 300 questions over three to four years

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) content outline

Cardiovascular~12%

ACC/AHA 2017 hypertension thresholds (≥130/80), stage 1 vs stage 2 treatment; ACS management (ASA + P2Y12 + statin + BB); heart failure GDMT (ARNI, BB, MRA, SGLT2); atrial fibrillation rate vs rhythm control, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED for DOAC vs warfarin.

Endocrine~10%

ADA 2024 Standards of Care: A1c target <7% individualized, metformin first-line, SGLT2/GLP-1 preferred for ASCVD/HF/CKD, tirzepatide and semaglutide for obesity; thyroid screening and subclinical hypothyroidism; DKA/HHS management; osteoporosis bisphosphonates.

Respiratory~7%

GOLD 2024 COPD A/B/E classification and therapy; GINA 2024 stepwise asthma with ICS-formoterol SMART; pneumonia (CAP) treatment; OSA; smoking cessation pharmacotherapy (varenicline, bupropion, NRT).

Gastrointestinal & Hepatology~8%

GERD, PUD and H. pylori 2022 ACG quadruple therapy; IBD; IBS Rome IV criteria; hepatitis B and C (pangenotypic DAA regimens); nonalcoholic fatty liver; celiac disease; hemochromatosis; diverticulitis; colon cancer screening.

Preventive Medicine & Screening~10%

USPSTF grades A/B recommendations: BP screening; CRC screening ages 45-75 (colonoscopy, FIT, or Cologuard); breast cancer mammography ages 40-74 biennial (2024 update); cervical ASCCP; LDCT lung screening ages 50-80 with ≥20 pack-years; AAA ultrasound one-time ages 65-75 in men who ever smoked; statin primary prevention ≥40 years with ≥10% ASCVD risk.

Immunizations (ACIP)~5%

Adult ACIP schedule: influenza annual, Tdap with dose each pregnancy, zoster (Shingrix) ≥50, pneumococcal PCV15+PPSV23 or PCV20 for adults ≥65, RSV shared decision for adults ≥60, HPV through age 26 (shared decision 27-45), COVID-19 updated formulation.

Infectious Disease~7%

Uncomplicated UTI and pyelonephritis; CAP inpatient vs outpatient; HIV PrEP (tenofovir-emtricitabine) and PEP; STI management (syphilis staging, gonorrhea 500 mg ceftriaxone plus doxycycline for chlamydia); TB latent and active; cellulitis and MRSA.

Musculoskeletal / Rheumatology~7%

Osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis early csDMARD/bDMARD; gout acute flare and urate-lowering (allopurinol with prophylaxis); fibromyalgia; low back pain red flags and sciatica; rotator cuff and knee injuries.

Women's Health & Reproductive~7%

Contraception effectiveness tiers and eligibility criteria (CDC U.S. MEC); hormone therapy individualized risk-benefit; abnormal uterine bleeding; PCOS; endometriosis; menopause; prenatal care; breast complaints.

Men's Health~4%

BPH (alpha-blocker, 5-ARI); erectile dysfunction; testosterone deficiency and when to screen for low-T; prostate cancer PSA shared decision ages 55-69 (USPSTF grade C).

Psychiatry & Behavioral Health~8%

Depression (PHQ-9), GAD-7 anxiety, bipolar, adult ADHD, SSRI dosing and serotonin syndrome; substance use (CAGE, AUDIT); opioid use disorder MAT — buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone; suicide risk; trauma-informed care.

Pediatrics~8%

Well-child care and Bright Futures schedule; developmental milestones; ADHD and ASD screening; common pediatric infections; immunizations; childhood obesity and asthma action plans.

Geriatrics~5%

Beers criteria 2023 potentially inappropriate medications; falls STEADI assessment; dementia (MMSE, MoCA); delirium CAM; polypharmacy and deprescribing; advance care planning.

Dermatology~4%

Eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea; skin cancer recognition (melanoma ABCDE, BCC, SCC); common rashes and procedures; wound care.

Renal / Nephrology~4%

CKD KDIGO GFR categories G1-G5 and albuminuria A1-A3; CKD management with ACEi/ARB plus SGLT2; electrolyte disorders; nephrolithiasis.

Neurology~4%

Headache (migraine, tension, cluster), stroke secondary prevention, seizure first presentation, peripheral neuropathy, concussion, Parkinson disease basics.

What's Included

67 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

Ran Chen - AI Engineer, CFP®
CFP®
Why It's Free

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

I'm Ran Chen, an engineer with 20+ years of coding experience. I passed my Life Insurance license, EA exam, SIE, Series 6, 63, 65, and finally the CFP® exam.

Through all these exams, one thing became clear: exam prep is expensive. But with AI, we can change that. Quality preparation can now be free for everyone.

About Ran Chen

What's Next After the ABFM Family Medicine?

After passing the ABFM Family Medicine, you can pursue these career paths

ABFM Family Medicine Exam FAQ

Official American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Resources

Verify information with these official sources

More Free Resources

Loading...
No Credit Card Required

Ready to Start Your Free ABFM Family Medicine Prep?

Review the study guide, practice key concepts, and use the free tools at your own pace.