ABPath CertLink® Unscored Questions
ABPath CertLink® Unscored Questions
Optional Learning & Practice
Starting in Quarter 2 of 2026, diplomates participating in ABPath CertLink® (ABPCL) may choose to answer up to 20 additional unscored questions for learning after completing their required 10–15 scored questions. Unscored questions will only be available during Quarters 2 and 4 of each year.
Participation in unscored questions is completely optional and has no impact on your ABPCL performance requirement or Continuing Certification (CC) status.
To opt in, email certlink@abpath.org stating you would like to participate in the optional unscored questions.
At a Glance
- Participation requires opting in by the end of the quarter
- Optional, unscored questions for learning
- Available after you complete your required ABPCL scored questions in Quarter 2 and 4
- No impact on performance, participation, or CC status
- Separate from your required ABPCL assessment
How It Works
- Watch for the message in CertLink when Quarter 2 and 4 begin.
- After completing your 10–15 required ABPCL questions, email certlink@abpath.org before the last day of the current quarter to opt in.
- Access the unscored section Unscored – Learning Section from the drop down menu.
You will be prompted to design your assessment as you would for the scored portion of ABPCL. You will see 10-20 Practice Areas to choose from. Then Lock & Save your assessment design. - These questions are clearly identified as unscored and are separate from your required scored assessment.
- Answer as many or as few questions as you would like. There will be no pre-question pop-ups asking about your confidence level.
- Questions are only available until the end of the current quarter.
What Content Is Included
- You can design your assessment from approximately 10-20 specialty Practice Areas, depending on the assessment design of your required scored assessment.
- You will not see Practice Areas or questions from your AP or CP Core Practice Areas or Practice Areas you selected for your scored assessment.
- In addition, there will not be any questions in the following areas:
- Cytopathology
- Hematopathology
- Molecular Genetic Pathology
- Cytopathology
Reattempting Questions
These questions are intended for learning and exploration. If you answer a question incorrectly, you may reattempt it immediately. However, you will not encounter that same question again later in the unscored section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to participate in the unscored questions?
Diplomates participating in ABPath CertLink® (ABPCL) may choose to participate in the optional unscored questions after completing their required quarterly questions. Participation is entirely optional and is intended for those who would like additional learning opportunities outside of their scored assessment.
Do I have to participate?
No. This is completely optional.
Are these questions scored or counted towards my participation?
No. All questions in this section are unscored and are available only as a learning opportunity.
Do these questions count toward my ABPCL requirements?
No. They are separate from your required assessment.
Is this extra credit?
No. This is a learning and opportunity only.
Are these from my selected practice areas?
No. These questions are not drawn from your selected practice areas or core items.
Can I reattempt questions?
If you answer a question incorrectly, you may reattempt that question immediately. You will not receive a clone of that same question later in the assessment.
How oftern will we have the option to complete unscored questions?
The unscored questions will be offered during the second and fourth quarters of the ABPath CertLink assessment.
Questions?
If you have questions about the unscored questions option or would like to participate, please contact: certlink@abpath.org