PM&R QBank   •   January 18, 2018

January is such a lovely time of the year. You are half way through another year as a resident and looking forward to the longer days of spring. This month tends to go by fast because of a few days off around the holiday season and the SAE exam is right around the corner. You feel the pressure of the SAE test date and it’s coming quick!

In speaking with multiple Chief Residents and Program Directors over the years,  residency programs use the information gathered from the SAE exam for different reasons. Either way, the SAE exam is one that you do not want to blow off. While it may not have implications for licensing, it may affect your ability to graduate on time (at some programs). More importantly, the SAE is a chance to see how “academically” prepared you are for the PM&R board exams.

Yes, indeed, there are conflicting reports as to whether or not the SAE exam is correlated with a passing rate of Part 1. But does that really matter? I think we can all agree that there are questions on the SAE that can surely show up on PM&R Board exams. If not similar questions, definitely similar topics, in which that particular concept should be understood. So, while the exam may not be as similar as you would like it to be, it does cover PM&R topics that you should be familiar with.

In addition, the SAE simulates the board testing environment to some extent, especially now that it is computer-based. In addition to our PM&R Mock Exam, this is the only other opportunity that you will have a chance to take a timed, proctored exam (one in which you may sweat a drop). We advise that you prepare and approach this exam as if it was part of the licensing process. If you give it your best, you will better know which areas you are the weakest in. With this feedback, you can further tailor your learning and studying throughout residency to these weaker topics (cough, cough Orthotics and Prosthetics…).

We wish you the best of scores for the SAE. Take it seriously, learn your weak areas and start targeting those now!