| IN-PERSON TESTING STARTING IN 2026 Beginning with the February 2026 exam, ABCC exams will be offered at testing centers only. August 2025 was the last exam administered using the online proctored format. |
The following are abbreviated details to prepare for and take ABCC in-person exam in Clinical Chemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, and Toxicological Chemistry. ABCC uses Kryterion testing center service to administer ABCC in-person exams. A separate, free Kryterion account is required to register for and take any ABCC exam. Please use the same email address you used in your application when logging in or creating your Kryterion account.
ABCC AND ADLM NOTE: Certain administrative services are supported by ADLM (formerly AACC); however, ABCC and ADLM are separate organizations. For questions regarding the ABCC online proctored exam process, please contact the ABCC Administrator.
ABOUT ABCC EXAMS
ABCC oversees board certification in three specialty areas. Each specialty offers its own exam and successful completion is one of the required elements to achieve ABCC diplomate status.
ABCC exams are delivered as a series of multiple-choice questions. Each question will have five answer choices, one of which is correct. Test takers may skip and return to unanswered test questions within the exam time. Any unanswered questions will be marked as incorrect. ABCC highly encourages test takers to answer all questions and leave no answer unanswered.
- Clinical Chemistry Part A Calculations & Problem Solving 30 questions 3 hours
- Clinical Chemistry Part B Analytical & Clinical Issues 140 questions 3.5 hours
- Molecular Diagnostics Recall and Applied Skills 120 questions 3 hours
- Toxicology Part A Calculations & Problem Solving 30 questions 3 hours
- Toxicology Part B Analytical, Toxicological, & TDM Issues 130 questions 3 hours
Details on the content areas within each exam can be found on the respective “Certifications” pages of the ABCC main website. https://abclinchem.org/certifications.
In-Person Proctoring (Beginning February 2026)
During the exam, in-person proctors will be present to monitor the test taker’s actions, ensuring adherence to rules. ABCC in-person proctored exams are timed, with no pre-scheduled breaks. Test takers may use the restroom or take a break during the exam time. In these instances, the exam timer will continue to run while test takers are away, and test takers will not have access to their personal belongings during that time.
EXAM REQUIREMENTS
An applicant becomes a “candidate” for examination when the board or its committees confirm that all exam prerequisites have been met. Candidates will be notified at least 45 days prior to an upcoming exam period. Visit Exam Cycles and Fees for more information on exam dates.
Sitting for an Exam
- Exam Schedule: Exam periods are held twice a year; in February and in August. This allows candidates two testing opportunities per year. Eligible candidates will be notified by email (using the email address provided in their application) approximately 45 days prior to each exam period. This notification serves as the candidate’s opportunity to enroll in that cycle. While enrollment in every exam period is not required, candidates have a 3-year eligibility period to successfully pass all exam parts of the specialty. Visit Exam Cycles and Fees for advance information on exam dates.
- Exam Registration and Payment: Candidates must submit online payment for the exam of interest using the payment link provided in their notification email. Details on self-registration (for selecting the exam date, time, and location) will only be provided to individuals that have submitted online payment within the designated timeframe.
- Exam Part Enrollment: Candidates may take multiple exam parts within a single exam period. Individuals attempting Clinical Chemistry or Toxicological Chemistry may registerfor both Part A and Part B of the same discipline during a single exam period (e.g., Clinical Chemistry Part A and Clinical Chemistry Part B). Mixing exam parts from different disciplines (e.g., Clinical Chemistry Part A and Toxicological Chemistry) is not permitted.
- Locating a Testing Center: In-Person ABCC exams are administered through Kryterion Testing Centers. Candidates may search for available test centers in their area using the Kryterion Testing Center webpage.
- Travel and Lodging: Depending on the location of available testing centers relative to their residence, some candidates may choose to stay in close proximity to the testing site to ensure timely arrival and minimize travel-related issues. All associated costs, including transportation and accommodations, are the sole responsibility of the candidate. ABCC does not reimburse or subsidize any travel or lodging expenses.
- Exam Changes or Cancellations: To cancel or reschedule an in-person exam, candidates must first contact the testing center directly. In addition, candidates must notify ABCC by emailing ABCCAdministrator@myadlm.org at least 5 business days prior to the scheduled exam date. Failure to notify ABCC of changes or cancellations in the required time frame will result in forfeiture of the exam fee.
Exam Eligibility Period and Passing Requirements
In order to become an ABCC diplomate, the candidate must pass all required exam parts within the 3-year eligibility period. Candidates may only attempt an exam part twice within an eligibility period. This eligibility period will end after 3 years OR once a candidate fails an exam part twice, whichever comes first. Details on the exam passing requirements include:
- Successfully pass all required exam parts as defined in the specialty within the 3-year eligibility period. Visit the Certifications page for details on the parts of each specialty (Clinical Chemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, and Toxicological Chemistry). All exam parts must be successfully passed within a 3-year period.
- The 3-year eligibility period begins on the exam period immediately following the determination of an Applicant to become a candidate. The eligibility period will begin the immediate next exam period following the determination that an Applicant becomes a candidate. The eligibility period ends after 3 years on the same exam period as the initial exam period. For example, an Applicant that becomes a candidate in December 2025 will have an eligibility period starting with the February 2026 exam period and ending with the February 2028 exam period. The 3-year eligibility period effectively gives candidates 7 exam periods to complete.
- Candidates also have a limit of two attempts to successfully pass an exam part. Eligibility extends 3 years. However, candidates are only given two attempts to pass any individual exam part. If the candidate fails an exam part twice before the end of the 3-year eligibility period, the eligibility period effectively ends, and the individual must reapply to sit for future exams. Please refer to the Reapplication Requirements section for details.
- Reapplication Requirements: If a candidate has not successfully passed the exam after two attempts, reapplication for certification may occur only once per specialty. A new online application for certification and corresponding application processing fee must be submitted. The applicant’s reapplication must allow at least one exam sitting to elapse between eligibility periods. The applicant must again arrange for three letters of reference to be submitted by the originators directly to the ABCC office. These must be current at the time the application is submitted and should attest to familiarity with the applicant’s professional expertise, the length of acquaintance, and the good character of the applicant insofar as pertinent to the Board. In the absence of information to the contrary, all prior documentation of education and experience will be deemed by the ABCC to meet the requirements in effect at the time of original application and will be accepted for reapplication. When the above conditions are met, the applicant will be allowed to take the exam in accordance with prevailing rules and regulations governing the taking of the exam.
- Exam parts are not transferrable between eligibility periods. For example, if a candidate passes Clinical Chemistry Part A and fails Clinical Chemistry Part B twice, the candidate’s eligibility period ends, and the individual must reapply and pass all exam parts in the subsequent eligibility period. The results of the prior eligibility period (i.e., passing Clinical Chemistry Part A) do not carry over into the new eligibility period. Candidates are required to sit for all exam parts regardless of past performance on any one portion.
- Failure to take or pass the exam parts within this time will result in termination of the eligibility period. If necessary, a candidate that does not pass all exam parts within the eligibility period may reapply to sit for an ABCC exam.
- Candidates can only be eligible for one specialty at a time. Individuals cannot apply for or be eligible for multiple specialties during the same eligibility period. For example, an individual cannot apply for or be eligible to sit for the Clinical Chemistry AND Toxicological Chemistry specialties during the same period. Individuals must complete or end an eligibility period by either successfully passing all exam parts or failing an exam part twice BEFORE applying for another specialty.
TAKING AN IN-PERSON PROCTORED EXAM AT A TESTING CENTER
Please review the entire Kryterion onsite proctoring information pages. https://kryterion.my.site.com/support/s/article/What-Do-I-Need-to-Know-About-the-Onsite-Testing-Testing-Center-Experience?language=en_US.
Registering for an Onsite-Proctored Exam
- Log into Webassessor Portal. To register for an exam, please log into the portal and find the exam for the respective specialty you wish to sit for under “Register for an Assessment”.
- Choose Exam delivery. Once you find the exam you wish to sit for, please confirm that the exam delivery mode is “Onsite Proctored.”
- Select a Testing Center. Find a testing center in your vicinity by utilizing the search criteria to refine the list of available testing centers. After choosing a testing center, pick a date to check and view the listed available time slots.
- Enter Voucher Code. Once you have chosen a date and time for your exam, please enter the voucher code provided by ABCC in the field box presented. Once registration is complete, you will receive an email confirming your scheduled testing date / time, the testing center location and your Test Taker Authorization Code. You must bring this code to the testing center!
Check-In at the Test Center
- Bring two different forms of identification. ABCC in-person proctored exams require you to present two different forms of identification to the front desk of the testing center at least fifteen (15) minutes before your exam is scheduled to start. At least one of those identification documents must be a government-issued “photo” ID, please refer to the Primary Identification list on Kryterion for acceptable forms of ID. Your identification documents must be current. Expired identification will not be accepted.
- Bring your test taker authorization code. You must also present the authorization code that was listed in your registration confirmation email.
- Leave personal items at home. DO NOT bring personal items with you to the testing center. ABCC and Kryterion testing centers are not responsible for lost or stolen items. You will be asked to place any personal items in a cabinet, locker, or compartment prior to entering the testing area if you happen to bring any. For a list of personal items, please refer to Kryterion for more information. You will be required to turn out the pockets in your clothing as unauthorized items may not enter the testing room. You will be required to roll up your clothing sleeves as applicable.
Testing Aids
- Onscreen calculator and periodic table. The Kryterion platform includes an onscreen scientific calculator and periodic table that may be used or minimized.
- Nonprogrammable calculator. Test centers will provide a nonprogrammable scientific calculator if you wish to use one during the exam.
- 1 Sheet Scratch Paper. Test takers are permitted one sheet of blank, non-lined scratch paper during the exam. The scratch paper will be provided by the test center, initialed and numbered by the proctor, and collected at the end of the exam.
Food, Drink, and Breaks are Not Permitted
- ABCC in-person proctored exams are timed, with no breaks, although you may use the restroom. Please note that the exam timer will continue to run while you are away, and you will not have access to your personal belongings. Food, drinks, and tobacco products are not permitted in the testing area.
TECHNICAL ISSUES / ONLINE PROCTOR COMMUNICATION
PRIOR to the Exam
- ABCC general support. Contact ABCC administrators by email prior to the exam with questions regarding preparation, registration, exam accommodations, and/or exam date and time questions. ABCCadministrator@myadlm.org
DURING the Exam
- Kryterion support. In the event that the exam disconnects and/or you experience technical difficulties, please alert the proctor on site of the situation.
- Submitting your Exam. Your computer will prompt you to notify the proctor when the session ends. Your proctor will submit your exam and complete the check-out process.
RESCHEDULING / CANCELLATION
Exam rescheduling and cancelations must be made at least 5 business days prior to the exam.
- Contact ABCC to reschedule or reschedule in the portal (see below for instructions). ABCC will make every effort to accommodate test taker schedules. However, exam times are based on test centers’ availability and can only be made within the day that the exam is available.
- No-shows result in lost exam fee. Test takers that do not attend a scheduled exam may lose their exam fee. However, the exam will not count as a failed attempt.
Rescheduling Instructions
- Log into your Webassessor Portal. Please log into the portal and select “My Assessments” to view scheduled exams.
- Under Scheduled Exams, find the exam you want to reschedule and click the Reschedule/Cancel link.
- In Available Testing Centers, select the checkboxes of several test centers, if available. This will give you more rescheduling dates and times to choose from, then click the Select button.
- Review available dates and times for the testing center(s) you picked. Select the location, date, and time most convenient for you.
- Done! You’ll receive an automated email confirming your new test time, date, and location.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
ABCC reserves the right to deny Certification for cause. Certificates issued by the board are not transferable. They may be revoked for misrepresentation, or other valid causes.
Successful candidates are issued a Certificate of Qualification by the Board to attest to their status as Diplomates of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry. Persons holding a valid Certificate of Qualification issued by the Board are entitled to use the designation “Diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry” and the initials “DABCC” whenever professionally appropriate.
Standards, requirements, and application procedures for Certification are subject to revision by the Board. The latest official version is available from the ABCC office.
Diplomates of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry who complete the required continuing education requirements are referred to as Active members.
This is a summary of the by-laws and not a substitute for the by-laws.