nephrology training
In-Training Exam Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the ASN In-Training Examination (ITE)?
A. The ASN ITE is an internet-based test developed in conjunction with the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The ASN ITE closely mimics the American Board of Internal Medicine's initial certifying exam in nephrology. The results of the exam will allow nephrology training program directors to compare fellows from their institution to other examinees. The program directors will be able to identify problematic subject areas that need further attention on a general and individual basis. The exam was created by a subgroup of the ASN Training Program Directors Executive Committee led by Mitchell Rosner, MD, and has been given annually since 2009.
To prepare for the ABIM certifying exam in nephrology, fellows have the option of completing the In-Training Exam in March to identify areas of weakness in their training, and attend ASN's Board Review Course and Update in August to focus on lectures in these areas of weakness.
Q. How do you register for the exam?
A. Registration will open January 3, 2012, on the ASN website. Fellows must be members of ASN in order to register.
Fellows must choose only one test date and one testing center.
Fellows may not register to take the examination at an institution with which they are not currently affiliated without obtaining prior permission from both the training program director at that institution and ASN.
Payments must be made online via credit card (Visa, MasterCard, and AMEX are accepted.) If the institution is responsible for payment, the fellowship coordinators should contact Ryan Russell at rrussell@asn-online.org.
Q. How many fellows take the exam each year?
A. Over 800 fellows took the examination last year.
Q. What are the details of the exam (i.e. date, cost, etc.)?
A. The In-Training Examination will take place March 28-29, 2012. The cost is $250 per fellow. The test will begin at 8:00 a.m. in each time zone, unless noted otherwise by the institution and ASN. The exam will take approximately six hours to complete. Fellows can only sit for the exam on one of the two scheduled dates. Please check with the fellowship program director before selecting a date.
Q. Where will the exam take place?
A. The exam will take place onsite at the registered institutions. The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) will administer the exam remotely. Technical support will be available from 8:00am- 6:00pm ET on both March 28 and 29.
Q. Can groups of fellows be registered?
A. Registration must be done on an individual basis as login to the ASN website will be required.
Q. How can a program receive the test materials?
A. They cannot. The exam will be administered electronically and each program site will be provided a specific login prior to test day.
Q. How can a program find out if their equipment matches the necessary specifications for administering the exam?
A. Please see the Web-based System Requirements.
Q. Is this exam open only to second-year fellows?
A. No, any nephrology fellow can take exam at the discretion of the program director.
Q. What if a fellow needs to take the exam at an alternate test site?
A. Please contact Ryan Russell at rrussell@asn-online.org.
Q. When will the scores be available?
A. The scores will be available approximately eight weeks following the exam. Scores will be sent from ASN to program directors only. The program directors will then distribute scores to fellows.