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Taking the HPM Board Exam

Due to the pandemic, many Boards are offering leniency for maintenance of certification requirements due in 2021.

  • Allopathic initial certification exam: November 1, 2022
  • Allopathic continuing certification: November 1, 2021 and November 1, 2022
    • The subspecialty of HPM is administered by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). ABIM has extended all MOC requirement deadlines through 2022. Learn more.
  • Osteopathic initial continuing certification exams are offered once each year, generally every August

Please contact your primary Board for full details.

Apply through your Primary Board

Don't miss a deadline! The application dates vary by Board. Contact your ABMS or AOA primary board for HPM exam registration deadlines.

How to Prepare

Begin by reviewing the exam content and blueprint through ABIM or AOA to see where to supplement your areas of study.

Whether you study best with books, online tests, or recordings, there are many ways that you can tailor your studies with AAHPM products. CME and MOC credits are available with these preparatory activities.

IBRC BookstoreIntensive Board Review Course

The 2018 Intensive Board Review Course recording is available as a downloadable recording with synchronized PowerPoint and audio. A great option for those looking to study for the Hospice and Palliative Medicine board exam at home. The IBRC faculty have reviewed the 2018 and 2020 hospice and palliative medicine exam blueprints and endorsed the recording as a resource to prepare for the 2020 exam.

Separately, you can purchase Taking the Test Like a Pro (MP3/MP4) to learn technical tips to assist physicians navigating the board certification exam questions. This session is included in the full recording above, but can be purchased as a single item.

AAHPM17 Product Img Combo

Essential Practices in Hospice and Palliative Medicine

The Essentials books and learning modules are written to serve as board preparation and cover a variety of topics in hospice and palliative medicine. Once you have read the books, utilize the online learning modules, a confidence-based learning system for ongoing assessment and training.

Available as books and learning modules.

HPM PASSAAHPM16 HPMPass

Designed to simulate the board certification exam, HPM PASS includes 136 test questions based on the exam blueprint to evaluate your knowledge and uncover areas where additional study may be helpful.

Available as an online test.

AAHPM16 HPMfastHPM FAST

For a more focused assessment, we offer four mini practice tests with the HPM FAST online modules. Focusing on four critical topics in the field, HPM FAST modules are 25-item online practice tests to offer additional educational content on the following topic areas: psychiatry and cognition, pediatrics, hospice regulatory, prognostication.

Available as an online test.

Additional Resources

Stay abreast of the current evidence in the field by attending the Annual Assembly, listening to downloadable recordings, and reading up on new research and literature in the field.


Be sure to fully understand the rules and logistics for taking your examination. Carefully read all materials you receive from your primary board concerning the instructions for registering for your exam.