How do I learn more about the Qualifying Examination?
Please review the Guidelines for Certification for detailed information on the exam or contact us for more information.
Qualifying Examination
The ABP Qualifying Examination is a one-day examination offered during a five-day period each year at PearsonVue regional testing centers. Candidates are registered for a five-hour seat time for the examination.
The ABP 2025 Qualifying Examination will be administered Monday, January 27 - Friday, January 31, 2025.
Application Process
The application deadline for the 2025 Qualifying Examination is November 20, 2024.
Candidates must submit a completed application packet, which includes:
- ABP Qualifying Examination Application Form
- ABP Qualifying Examination Attestation Form
- ABP Qualifying Examination Credentials Form
- Non-refundable application fee of $850
- Evidence of completion of a CODA-accredited program in Periodontics (see below for more information)
Acceptable forms of evidence of program completion
Have you completed your perio program?
YES, I have completed my perio program and have my program certificate.
This is sufficient evidence of completion.
YES, but I do not have my program certificate.
The ABP will accept an official letter signed by the Program Director AND Dean (or equivalent administrative official) that specifies “successful completion of an educational program in Periodontology, which is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.”
NO, I still have research or clinical requirements to complete.
Your Program Director must submit the following signed statement: “It is anticipated that Dr. ____ will satisfy all requirements and successfully complete the program in Periodontics in [month, year]. Permission is hereby granted to register for the [year] ABP Qualifying Examination.”
Exam Timeline
Qualifying Examination
Completion of CODA-accredited program in Periodontics
Candidates must provide evidence that they will complete, or have completed, an approved educational program in periodontics.
November 20 application deadline
Completed applications and the payment of a non-refundable application fee must be submitted no later than November 20.
Application approval
The ABP will review all applications received and inform candidates of their approval.
Candidate registration with Pearson VUE
Candidates will be able to schedule a seat at a nearby Pearson VUE testing center once applications are approved and exam registration opens.
January Qualifying Examination
The Qualifying Examination is a multiple-choice exam that covers a broad range of information relating to the science and art of periodontology. Subject areas include, but are not limited to: basic sciences, oral medicine, oral pathology, periodontal histology and pathology, periodontal literature, epidemiology/statistics, and application to clinical practice.
Exam results distributed 6-8 weeks following completion of exam period.
The American Board of Periodontology distributes results to candidates six to eight weeks after the exam dates.
Please note: candidates may not register for the Oral Examination until they receive the results of the Qualifying Examination.
Exam Format
The Qualifying Examination is a multiple-choice exam that covers a broad range of information relating to the science and art of periodontology. The Qualifying Examination Outline can be found in the Qualifying Examination Candidate Guide.
The American Board of Periodontology will attempt to administer the Qualifying Examination as scheduled. Should the ABP cancel the Qualifying Examination or be prevented from appropriately administering the examination at the appointed time and location, the ABP will not be responsible for any expense incurred by candidates in connection with the Qualifying Examination or any substitute Qualifying Examination.
Pearson VUE demo
Access the Pearson VUE demo test, which will provide an opportunity for you to learn how to navigate your way through computer-based examinations.
Important Dates and Deadlines
2025 OE Registration Closes: 10/31/24
2025 QE Registration Closes: 11/20/24
2025 QE: January 27 - 31, 2025
2025 OE: May 5 - 9, 2025