Preparation
Exam Content Outline
The Exam Outline details the general exam content areas and percentage of questions allocated to each topic area. In preparing for the exam, this outline is an excellent guide for determining how much emphasis is placed on each subject.
We recommend reviewing the outline carefully and preparing accordingly. You can focus on content areas where you may wish to emphasize your preparation time.
(Updated 11/8/2016)
Key References
The ABVLM has compiled a Key Reference document which lists key books, journal supplements, and journal articles in the field and from which some exam material is drawn. This may prove useful for candidates seeking supplemental study materials.
NOTE: The second link below with the free links (courtesy of Sage Publishing) is password-protected and for the use of paid applicants for the certification exam. The password for the file is distributed in your confirmation letter, and it can also be obtained via an email request to info@abvlm.org.
(Updated November 2015)
DOWNLOAD KEY REFERENCES (with free links to Phlebology and JVS articles). See above for password information.
Access to ABVLM Online Learning & Assessment Module
Exam candidates are provided limited and specific access to the ABVLM's Online Learning & Assessment (OLA) tool. Once registered for the certification process, candidates are given online access to 68 exam-style items that have been retired from former certification exams.
Each of the multiple choice items is phrased in an exam-style format, candidates are provided immediate feedback, and they can review all past answers. Each question is also accompanied by an explanation of the answer, as well at one or more references for additional learning.
Practice Exam
Updated in the 2016 Exam Cycle, the ABVLM publishes a 38-question Practice Exam to assist in your review. These questions were used on prior years' exams and are now "retired" to use on this practice exam. Some questions require an internet connection to view images.
(Updated 2/2/2016)
Online Review Course*
In past years, the American Vein & Lymphatic Society (AVLS) offered an Online VLM Review Course.* This is a link to one of their digitized courses from 2021 with lectures and other materials. Members of the AVLS obtain a course price discount.
AVLS Venous & Lymphatic Medicine Review Course On-Demand (Non-CME)
For more details on AVLS educational programs, please contact Joyce King, Director of Continuing Medical Education at AVLS.
Computer-Based Testing Software Tutorial
Pearson VUE (PV), our third-party test administrator, has a generic, browser-based tutorial on how to use their testing system. If you wish to review the mechanics of a how a test is presented ahead of the exam day, please link to: Pearson VUE Demo Test.
NOTE: The PV Tutorial presents 14 different styles or formats of questions. The ABVLM uses only Type 1 - Multiple Choice Items, with or without images and/or videos. We do not utilize any other format or style of question. The "Navigation" and "Review" functions are the same in the ABVLM exam as in the PV tutorial.
What To Expect On Exam Day
In addition to the above materials, an understanding of what to expect on exam day may help the examination process move smoothly.
PEARSON VUE BEFORE AND ON TEST DAY
In addition to the above, please review the Format page for more information about the format of the exam, its duration, and how breaks are handled. The exam can also be proctored remotely using the OnVUE system, as explained on the Format page.
* Special Notice:
The American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine neither administers nor endorses review courses for ABVLM examinations. Participation in review courses does not ensure successful completion of the certification exam. Materials listed on this page are for the convenience for candidates and are to be utilized at their own discretion.