The ABA ADVANCED Exam

Study Smarter, Not Harder

By Loren Deutsch

The ADVANCED Exam is a four-hour, 200-question, multiple-choice exam with a single-best answer. Each question targets a content category and subtopic defined in the ABA Content Outline. There are five content categories on the ADVANCED Exam, each with several topics. Studying smarter includes prioritizing the exam content from highest to lowest yield: Clinical Subspecialties, Organ-based Basic & Clinical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Basic Sciences, and Special Problems or Issues in Anesthesiology.

I recommend using an integrative approach to prepare for the ADVANCED Exam, which includes recall practice, spaced repetition, self-reflective strategies, and progress tracking. Each of these interconnected processes provides a roadmap for a weekly workflow and prioritizes the highest-yield content first. There are several variables to consider, including personal circumstances, history of test-taking challenges, and timeline.

Below is a no-frills example of this approach based on the first three weeks of test prep. It does not contain instructions or self-reflective strategies, and it is not individualized to a specific resident. The example is intended as a framework to understand the weekly workflow of this plan. All practice questions are completed in timed and test mode, and only the incorrect answers from the targeted blocks are reviewed.

Sample Week 1

1. Complete a half-length comprehensive pretest (100Qs) to establish a baseline from which to measure progress.
2. Use an error analysis to clarify reasons for content and process errors.

Sample Week 2

1. Do 1-2 blocks (15-20Qs per block) x 3 days. Each block is targeted to Clinical Subspecialties content or to Critical Care (the highest-yield topic within Clinical Subspecialties).
   1. Review incorrectly answered questions from completed targeted blocks.
   2. Redo the same incorrectly answered questions.
2. Do 1 block x 1 day (30Qs) of used targeted questions (correct/incorrect). This practice block is referred to as a maintenance block and provides spaced repetition.
3. Do a quarter-length comprehensive assessment (50Qs) to assess progress.

Sample Week 3

1. Do 1-2 blocks (15-20Qs per block) x 3 days. Depending on progress, each block is targeted to Clinical Subspecialties content (or Critical Care) unless completed at 75% accuracy or above. If so, continue with unused Clinical Subspecialties content or the next highest-yield subtopic, Painful Disease States.
   1. Review incorrectly answered questions from completed targeted blocks.
   2. Redo the same incorrectly answered questions.
2. Do 1 block x 1 day (30Qs) of used targeted questions (correct/incorrect). This practice block is referred to as a maintenance block and provides spaced repetition.
3. Do a quarter-length comprehensive assessment (50Qs) to assess progress.

The LAS Coaching Model is designed to help residents strengthen knowledge, hone test-taking skills, and build confidence needed for exam-day success. It provides structure, support, and accountability. If you’d like more information about LAS Coaching, Consulting, and Training the Trainer, contact us here or by phone: 847-446-5822. Are you ready to study smarter?