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AAE Home > Certifying Board > Examinations > Written Examination
Written Examination
New and exciting changes in the administration of the ABE Written Examination
Prospective Board Candidate
Previously, completion of an ADA-accredited endodontic program was required before a Candidate was qualified to take the Written Examination. We now have a new category, Prospective Board Candidate, that was established to allow students enrolled in an ADA-accredited endodontic program to take the Written Examination in the year of their graduation.
Additional Testing Dates
Historically, the examination was offered one-day per year. We are pleased to announce that the 2008 examination will be offered starting on Monday, June 2 through Friday, June 6, 2008 (the test is being offered over a five-day period - Monday through Friday). Four hours will be allotted to complete the examination, thus allowing registration availability for either the morning or afternoon session. The additional examination dates provide two important benefits for our Candidates: the opportunity to choose a date that fits within their schedules and also offers additional seating availability at Pearson Vue testing Centers.
Selecting a Pearson Vue Testing Center
The computer-based Written Examination is administered at all 230 Pearson Professional Centers throughout the world. Candidates now have the opportunity to take the exam in Pearson Vue locations located outside of the United States. See the list of available countries. All of the testing centers are uniform in size, equipment, appearance and procedures, ensuring a consistent and secure examination experience for all participants. Testing Center directions will be included in the confirmation letter.
Written Examination
 2008/2009 Written Examination Instructions Brochure
The Written Examination contains 200 questions. Questions are multiple choice, consisting of a stem with four or five foils, and are designed to test recall skills and the Candidate’s ability to apply knowledge, interpret data and solve problems.
The subject areas include anatomy, biochemistry, embryology, general and oral pathology, microanatomy, immunology, inflammation, microbiology, pharmacology, vascular and neurophysiology, pulpal and periradicular pathophysiology, radiology, oral medicine, biostatistics, clinical endodontics, dental materials related to endodontics, related dental disciplines, and classic and current literature.
In association with Measurement Research Associates, Inc., and Pearson Vue, the ABE Written Examination is administered as a computer-based examination at Pearson Vue testing centers. There are 230 Pearson Professional Test Centers strategically located around the world, helping to eliminate the inconvenience and expense of air travel, hotel accommodations and additional time away from work. All of Pearson’s testing centers are uniform in size, equipment, appearance and procedures, ensuring a consistent and secure examination experience for all Candidates.
- Helpful Hints
- The Albert Einstein review course in Philadelphia is great preparation for the written exam.
- The Loma Linda review course is very helpful.
- Take the written exam as soon as possible after you have completed your residency program.
- Find a study partner.
- Find a mentor.
- Allow yourself at least 4 – 6 months of preparation for the written exam.
- Study classic and three years of current literature.
- Dates and Deadlines
Examination Dates
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Location |
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June 2 through June 6, 2008
June 1 through June 5, 2009
(Monday through Friday). Four hours will be allotted to complete the examination (morning or afternoon sessions are available). |
Pearson Vue testing centers
Go to the ABE’s landing page. |
Application and Registration Deadlines
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Process |
Deadline |
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Application and Written Examination Registration Form |
Applications are still being received for the 2008 Written Examination, however processing of your authorization letter will take approximately 7 - 10 working days after receipt.
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Examination Registration Dates
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Dates For Registration |
Process |
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Began March 3, 2008 |
Examination Registration
Registration began on March 3, 2008 at 7 a.m. CT via telephone. The first available registration date is listed in the authorization letter
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- Application Processing
Applications
Request any of the forms listed above.
Preliminary Application Processing
A Preliminary Application may be submitted to the ABE upon completion of your advanced endodontic program. Preliminary Applications are available from the ABE Headquarters Office, or may be downloaded up above. Processing of the Preliminary Application requires a completed application, a notarized copy of your endodontic certificate (if a certificate is not available, a notarized letter from the dean or director of the endodontic training program certifying that the certificate has been awarded may be substituted) and payment of $250. Preliminary Application Form/Track Selection Form
Complete the Written Examination Registration section of the form. Mail the Preliminary Application, proof of certification, Track Selection Form, and payment totaling $420 ($250 for the Preliminary Application and $170 for the Written Examination) to the American Board of Endodontics, 211 E. Chicago Ave, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611. Payment should be made in U.S. funds by check or money order made payable to the ABE.
Prospective Board Candidate Application Processing/Written Examination Registration Form
A Prospective Board Candidate Application may be submitted to the ABE by a student enrolled in an ADA-accredited endodontic program in the year of graduation. The Prospective Board Candidate Application and Written Examination Registration form are available from the ABE Headquarters Office, or may be downloaded up above. Mail the completed Prospective Board Candidate Application, Written Examination Registration Form and payment totaling $420 ($250 for the Prospective Board Candidate Application and $170 for the Written Examination) to the American Board of Endodontics, 211 E. Chicago Ave, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611. Payment should be made in U.S. funds by check or money order made payable to the ABE.
Authorization Letter
You must receive your authorization letter from the Central Office before contacting Pearson Vue to register (registration begins on March 3, 2008) for the examination. The Board notification letter will include your required identification number and registration instructions. All reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis (be sure to have a back up location chosen).
- Registration
Scheduling via Telephone
Registration began on March 3, 2008 you can register for the examination by calling 877/392-3926 (you will be prompted to press #4 to be connected to a customer service representative).
Confirmation Letter
After the registration process has been completed, you will receive a confirmation letter via e-mail, fax or postal mail. It is recommended that you provide your e-mail address for receipt of the confirmation letter. It is required that you bring your confirmation letter from Pearson Vue (and recommended that you bring your authorization letter from the ABE) along with two forms of identification (both need to have signatures and one must have a photograph) to the testing center. Your identification must match the name on your confirmation letter. If your name has changed, please contact the ABE Central Office at 312/266-7310 or by e-mail at abe@aae.org. You will not be admitted into the testing center without the confirmation letter from Pearson Vue and two forms of identification (both need to have signatures and one must have a photograph).
Cancellation and No-Show Procedures
Cancellations must be made at least one business day (24 hours) before the examination is scheduled. Candidates may cancel over the phone (877/392-3926) or through the Internet www.pearsonvue.com/abe/ (provided that you have previously created a Web Account). Upon confirmation from Pearson Vue, you must immediately notify the ABE Central Office (312/266-7310) of the cancellation.
Candidates who do not arrive in time for the examination or have not cancelled at least one business day before the examination will be considered a “No Show” and will not receive a refund of the examination fee.
Required Identification
Required Admission ID: You are required to have two valid, nonexpired forms of identification (both need to have signatures and one must have a photograph) and your identification must match the name on your confirmation letter (it is also required that you bring the test confirmation letter from Pearson VUE).
Acceptable Forms of Picture Identification
(Must be government-issued and include a photograph and signature)
- Valid (not expired) driver’s license
- Valid (not expired) state identification card
- Valid (not expired) military identification card
- Valid (not expired) passport
- Valid (not expired) alien registration cards
Acceptable Forms of Signature Identification
- Social security card
- Valid credit card
- Bank automated teller machine card
Electronic fingerprints, signatures and photographs will be taken at the testing center. These are for internal use at the center only. You cannot take the examination without first having your fingerprint, signature and photograph taken.
Examination Time
Four hours are allotted to complete the Written Examination. You are required to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled testing time to allow for check-in and verification of identification. Candidates who arrive later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the examination may not be allowed to take the examination (traffic and/or parking problems will not validate a later arrival). The test administrator will make every effort to accommodate a late arriving Candidate: however, the administrator must ensure that other Candidates are not affected. In either case, there will be no refund of the testing fee.
- Computer-Based Examination
Examination Mechanics
All questions are multiple-choice and presented one at a time on the computer screen. The Next and Previous buttons are used to move between questions. You may enter responses by “clicking” on the response you believe to be the correct answer or typing in the letter of the response. Responses are recorded directly into the computer. You may review and alter responses after they have been entered into the computer during the examination or after you have attempted to answer all of the questions. You can skip questions and return to answer them later. You can choose not to answer a question by simply moving to the next item in the examination. At any time during the examination session, you can go back and answer the item by clicking on its number in the view list. You may also flag questions for later review. You can then go through the review list to all flagged items or you can sort the list so that the flagged items appear together at the top. At any time during the examination session, you can return to an item and change your answer. The review time is included in the total amount of time allowed for the exam. When you have answered and reviewed all of the questions you may click the “END” button. Another box will ask you to confirm that you are ready to end the test. Once you confirm that you want to end, the test will close and you will not be able to re-gain entry. This sequence will occur at the end of Part I and Part II. The examination will also end if the maximum of time allowed for the examination expires.
Time is kept on the individual computer workstations. Your time remaining is displayed at the bottom of the screen and is continuously updated. In addition, a message periodically appears on the screen indicating the amount of time remaining.
Check-in at Pearson Procedures
When you arrive at the testing center, the staff is required to follow the procedures.
- Request two forms of identification (ID)
- Check IDs
- Capture electronic signature and verify that signatures match
- Capture electronic fingerprint
- Capture digital photograph
- Distribute Candidate rules document
- Show Candidate where to store belongings
- Offer Candidate erasable note board and pen
- Admit
Candidate Rules
Personal items, such as cellular phones, hand-held computers/personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, hats, bags, coats, books and notes, are not allowed in the testing room. You must store all personal items in a locker. Pearson Professional Centers are not responsible for lost, stolen or misplaced personal items.
The Pearson Professional Center test administrator will provide you with an erasable note board and a marker before you enter the testing room. You may not remove these items from the testing room at any time during the exam, and you must return all items to the test administrator after the exam.
You may not write on the erasable note board until after the exam has been started. If you need to clean your note board during the exam, raise your hand and the test administrator will assist you.
Earplugs are available from the test administrator on request.
The Pearson Professional Center test administrator will log you in to your assigned workstation, verify that you are taking the correct exam and start the exam. Please remain in your assigned seat. Eating, drinking, smoking and making noise that creates a disturbance for other Candidates are prohibited during the exam.
To ensure a high level of security throughout your testing experience, you will be monitored at all times. Both audio and video will be recorded.
To request an unscheduled break, raise your hand to get the test administrator’s attention. The administrator will set your testing workstation to the break mode and restart the exam for you when you return. The exam clock will NOT stop while you are away.
You must leave the testing room for all breaks. When you leave the testing room, you will be fingerprinted, and you will be fingerprinted again before you re-enter the testing room.
If you have questions or concerns at any time during the exam, raise your hand and the test administrator will assist you as long as other Candidates are not disturbed. The test administrator will not answer exam-specific questions.
If you have concerns about any of the questions as you work on the exam, you can make a note on the erasable board or mark an item for review onscreen. You’ll have an opportunity to enter comments in the exam, and these comments will be provided to MRA.
If you experience hardware or software problems or distractions that affect your ability to take the exam, notify the test administrator immediately by raising your hand.
After you finish the exam, you may be asked to complete an optional, onscreen evaluation. After completing the evaluation, raise your hand. The test administrator will come to your workstation and ensure your exam has ended properly. You must return the erasable noteboard and marker to the test administrator. Do not leave these items at your testing workstation. You will be fingerprinted when you leave the testing room.
Please note that you will NOT receive a score report at the end of the exam. You will receive the examination results from the Secretary of the ABE Board in approximately four to six weeks. Scores and rankings are not compiled or released. Exam data is automatically encrypted and transferred electronically to a secured facility. From there, it is forwarded to Measurement Research Associates, Inc. Pearson Professional Centers do not have access to the exam data.
If you have questions about the examination, please contact the ABE Central Office (312/266-7310).
If you do not follow the above rules, if you tamper with the computer or if you are suspected of cheating, appropriate action will be taken. This may include invalidation of your exam results.
Pearson Vue’s Web site
By following this link to Pearson Vue (www.pearsonvue.com/abe/), you will be able to:
- Create a Web Account to register
- View testing center locations
- Get telephone information to register via phone
- Contact customer service at Pearson Vue
- Hyper-link to Measurement Research Associates’ Web site to view the Tutorial, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and the Candidate Rules. We highly encourage you to visit these sections to become more familiarized with the examination process.
Testing Centers
There are 230 Pearson Professional Test Centers strategically located around the world. These centers are ergonomically designed to facilitate a comfortable and quiet environment conducive to test taking. All equipment is provided and staff members are available to assist you at any time. All of Pearson’s testing centers are uniform in size, equipment, appearance and procedures, ensuring a consistent and secure exam experience for all Candidates.
Location of Testing Centers
To view the list of Pearson Vue testing centers, www.pearsonvue.com/abe/, click on Test Center Locator, in Testing Category select “Professional Licensure and Certification”, using the drop down box in Testing Program select “Measurement Research Associates”, select United States, click on Continue, then select the state in which you wish to search for testing center, then click the Continue button. Testing center directions will be included in your confirmation letter.
Tutorial
The ABE is pleased to offer a computer-based format for the Written Examination. The computer-based examination is easy to use, and requires no previous computer experience. Access the tutorial, for instructions on how to download the tutorial to your computer. The tutorial is designed to familiarize you with the computer screens you will see during the examination and the steps necessary to respond to the questions, move on to the next question, and review your responses. There are two parts of the tutorial. Part one provides you with the opportunity to learn how to navigate through the testing format with a “guided tour” followed by the opportunity to take a demonstration test. Part two allows you to get the exact feel of taking an exam on the computer with a demonstration test. In this demonstration test are examples of multiple choice items, items, with visuals, and items with visuals as exhibits. You may take the demonstration test as many times as you wish until you are completely comfortable with the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQs provides an excellent format for learning about computer-based testing as well as providing you with information regarding registering for and taking the examination. To access the FAQs section follow this link www.measurementresearch.com/testing/faq.shtml.
If you have questions about the exam or your results, please contact ABE Central Office (312/266-7310).
- Written Examination
The Written Examination contains 200 questions. The subject areas include anatomy, biochemistry, embryology, general and oral pathology, microanatomy, immunology, inflammation, microbiology, pharmacology, vascular and neurophysiology, pulpal and periradicular pathophysiology, radiology, oral medicine, biostatistics, clinical endodontics, dental materials related to endodontics, related dental disciplines, and classic and current literature.
How to Prepare for the Written Examination
Part I of the American Board of Endodontics certifying process is a Written Examination consisting of 200 multiple choice questions. The questions are designed to test recall, the application of knowledge, interpretation, and problem solving skills. Subject areas include anatomy, biochemistry, embryology, general and oral pathology, microanatomy, immunology, inflammation, microbiology, pharmacology, vascular and neurophysiology, pulpal and periradicular pathobiology, radiology, oral medicine, biostatistics, clinical endodontics, dental materials related to endodontics, related dental disciplines, and classic and current literature. Included in the examination are clinical case histories, clinical photographs, and radiographs. Questions on the clinical material require interpretation by the Candidate. Given specific clinical information, Candidates must determine appropriate diagnostic procedures, establish a differential diagnosis and definitive diagnosis, determine appropriate methods for management of the patient, outline methods for prevention or treatment of a particular condition, outline the sequencing of procedures, and assess the outcomes of treatment. There is no one single text or review course that can totally prepare one for the Written Examination. Because of the contemporary and constantly developing nature of a number of critical areas, particular study should be directed towards basic concepts of cellular and molecular biology; inflammation, immunology and virology; management of medically compromised patients; pharmacology of antibiotics, analgesics, and local anesthetics to include drug interactions; microbiology to include anaerobic bacteria and current genus and species identification; differential diagnosis of radiolucent and radiopaque lesions; pulpal and periradicular pathosis; wound healing; bone regeneration; and the literature.
Question Sources
The Written Examination consists of 200 objective questions selected from a pool of test items prepared by Directors of the Board and experts associated with advanced education programs in endodontics. The Written Examination Committee, in consultation with Measurement Research Associates, constructs the examination by selecting questions using a test matrix that incorporates the clinical and basic sciences. Questions are multiple choice, consisting of a stem with four or five foils, and are designed to test recall skills and the Candidate’s ability to apply knowledge, interpret data, and solve problems.
The questions selected for any examination are in conformity with the curricular requirements of the ADA Council on Dental Education as published in the current Accreditation Standards for Dental Education Programs.
Examination Scoring
To ensure that all responses are accurately recorded and that backups are available in case of hardware problems, five different copies of the responses are maintained. Three of these copies are kept on the workstation and two are kept on a database server. The copies are compared after the examination to ensure that there have been no problems. Evaluation of performance is criterion based and analyzed in consultation with Measurement Research Associates. The Secretary of the Board sends examination results to the Candidate. Scores and rankings are not compiled or released.
Examination Confidentiality
Candidates will acknowledge and confirm the following confidentiality statement and examination policy on transcribing examination data prior to the examination:
“I understand that the content of the certification examination is proprietary and strictly confidential information. I hereby agree that I will not disclose, either directly or indirectly, any questions or any part of any questions from the examination to any person or entity. I understand that the unauthorized receipt, retention, possession, copying or disclosure of any examination materials, including but not limited to the content of any examination questions, before, during, or after the examination, may subject me to legal action. Such legal action may result in monetary damages and/or disciplinary action including denial or revocation of certification.”
Eligibility Period
A Candidate has three (3) years to successfully complete the Written Examination. Candidates who exceed the three (3) year time limit for the Written Examination, or who fail to pass the examination within two tries, are required to re-apply by submitting another Preliminary Application and are required to repeat the certification process. An endodontist can be declared Board Eligible only three times during his/her career. Candidates are required to pay an annual registration fee to retain their “active” status.
- Appeal Process for an Adverse Decision
NO APPEAL may be taken from an adverse decision based on an individual’s receipt of a failing grade on the Written Certification Examination unless extraordinary circumstances exist, as determined solely by the Board.
To be valid, the Secretary of the Board must receive the request for reconsideration within 30 calendar days after receipt by the Candidate of notice of the adverse decision. The request must contain a statement of why the Candidate believes that the adverse decision was improper and must include any supporting documentation that the Candidate wishes to have considered as part of the reconsideration. The request must be accompanied by a check or money order made payable to the American Board of Endodontics in the amount of $100 to cover administrative costs associated with the appeal process. This fee will not be refunded, regardless of the outcome of the appeal.
- Matrix
The Written Examination is constructed by selecting questions using a text matrix that incorporates the clinical and basic sciences.
- Sample Questions
The Board has prepared samples of the types of questions currently included in the Written Examination.
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