The CORE Exam assesses the acquisition of knowledge at a level appropriate for a practicing dermatologist. It consists of four modules covering dermatology’s major clinical areas – medical, pediatric, surgical and dermatopathology. Each 2-hour module consists of 75-100 multiple-choice items.
Residents become eligible for the CORE Exam during their second year of residency (DRY2), after completing at least 1.5 years of dermatology training. Therefore, residents who begin training in July have their first opportunity to sit for the CORE Exam in February of the second year of residency. There is a 2-module limit for DRY2 candidates taking the exam during the February administration. The CORE Exam is offered three times during the third year of residency, typically in July, October and February. During these administrations, DRY3 residents may take as many modules as they wish.
For additional information about the CORE Exam, please refer to the Certification Pathway Information Center and the CORE Exam section of the Resident & Fellow FAQs.
