Important Update Regarding the 2020 Specialty Certifying Exam

Posted February 3, 2021

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-2021 cycle of assessments was temporarily converted to a computer-based examination and scheduled at Pearson VUE Professional Test Centers across the country and around the world. The delivery of the examination started internationally at 9pm CST on February 1. 

Last week 100 candidates lost their exam seats at various Pearson VUE test centers due to increased local COVID-19 restrictions. Some candidates were able to reschedule to a different start time or different test center for February 2, but others had to move to the May 11 exam date. Yesterday, there was a major snowstorm in the Northeast that caused the cancellation of exams for about 200 candidates.  These same candidates have had to endure prior cancellations and scheduling challenges due to COVID-19. We empathize with the plights of all affected candidates after expending time and resources to prepare for the examination this week.  We are sorry for these continued disruptions in our attempts to help these candidates achieve certification.

As an alternative to the May 11 date, ABOG is offering affected candidates the option of taking a proctored paper examination. These will be given locally and administered by a proctor of the candidate’s choosing. Affected candidates were sent a message this morning, February 3, 2021, regarding this option with instructions to follow if they choose to take the proctored paper examination. This offer applies to those candidates affected by this week’s snowstorm in the Northeast, as well as to those who lost their seats and had to reschedule to the May 11 date due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are hopeful that candidates who desire to take the paper exam will be able to do so in the next week.