Residents become eligible for the CORE Exam during their second year of residency, after having completed at least 1.5 years of dermatology training. The CORE Exam assesses the acquisition of knowledge at a level appropriate for a practicing dermatologist. It consists of four modules based on dermatology’s major clinical areas – medical, pediatric, surgical and dermatopathology. Each 2-hour module consists of 75-100 multiple-choice items. Residents may take the modules in any order they choose and can sit for a maximum of 2 modules in their first sitting. They may take 1-4 modules during subsequent administrations. Candidates may take the CORE Exam at a Pearson VUE Test Center or via Pearson VUE’s OnVUE online proctoring system.
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.
