Exam Overview
The American Board General Science Exam (ABGSE) is a broadbased test that assesses a candidates knowledge across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and basic mathematics. It is widely used for certification in multidisciplinary scientific roles, entrylevel research positions, and some teaching certifications.
Key characteristics:
- Format: 150 multiplechoice questions, 180minutes.
- Scoring: Scaled score 200800; passing threshold typically 500.
- Content breakdown:
- Biology 30%
- Chemistry 25%
- Physics 20%
- Earth & Environmental Science 15%
- Mathematics (algebra, basic calculus, statistics) 10%
Because the exam spans many disciplines, a systematic study plan that balances depth and breadth is essential. The plan below assumes you have roughly three months (12weeks) to prepare, devoting about 1012hours per week.
12Week Study Timeline
- Take a fulllength practice test to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Review basic concepts in each subject area using a concise reference (e.g., Rapid Review Biology).
- Set up a weekly schedule (e.g., MonWedFri=science, TueThu=math/physics, weekend=review).
- Cell structure, metabolism, genetics, ecology.
- Use flashcards for terminology (150 cards).
- Practice 30question miniquizzes each session.
- Atomic structure, periodic trends, stoichiometry, acidbase, thermochemistry.
- Work through 5question calculation sets daily.
- Watch short concept videos (510min each) to reinforce problemsolving steps.
- Kinematics, forces, energy, waves, basic electricity.
- Refresh algebraic manipulation, dimensional analysis, and basic statistics.
- Complete 2hour problemsolving workshop every Saturday.
- Geology, meteorology, oceanography, climate change fundamentals.
- Mapbased practice questions to develop spatial reasoning.
- Summarize each major topic in a onepage cheat sheet.
- Take two fulllength timed practice exams (one each week).
- Analyse missed questions; revisit corresponding topic sections.
- Final 3day mental reset: light review, sleep hygiene, testday strategy rehearsal.
Recommended Study Resources
Choose resources that match your learning styletextual, visual, or handson. The following list covers a range of formats.
- Textbooks & Review Guides
- Campbell Biology (1stedition) concise chapters for rapid reading.
- Chemistry: The Central Science focus on chapter summaries and endofchapter problems.
- Physics for Scientists and Engineers select only mechanics and waves sections.
- Essentials of Earth Science provides a clear overview of geology and climatology.
- Online Platforms
- Khan Academy free video lessons and practice sets for all five subjects.
- Coursera or edX short Science Foundations courses (usually 46weeks).
- Quizlet premade flashcard decks for biology terms and chemistry equations.
- Practice Tests
- Official ABGSE practice exam (if available).
- ExamPrepPro customizable timed quizzes.
- Pastyear question banks from university science courses.
- Study Aids
- Concept Maps for Science visual linking of interdisciplinary topics.
- Spacedrepetition software (Anki) schedule review of flashcards.
- Whiteboard for sketching diagrams, reaction mechanisms, and physics vectors.
Effective Study Strategies
1. Active Recall & Spaced Repetition
Instead of rereading notes, close the book and try to write or speak the answer from memory. Use an app like Anki to automatically space repetitions based on how well you remember each card.
2. Interleaved Practice
Mix questions from different subjects in a single study session. This mimics the exams randomised format and improves your ability to switch mental gears quickly.
3. Teach the Material
Explain concepts to a study partner, family member, or even to yourself out loud. Teaching forces you to organise information coherently.
4. Time Management on Test Day
- Allocate ~1minute per question; if stuck, mark and move on.
- Use the first 5minutes for a quick scan of the whole paper to identify easy items.
- Reserve the last 15minutes for reviewing flagged questions.
5. Health & WellBeing
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule (78hours/night).
- Stay hydrated; a bottle of water at the desk helps concentration.
- Short physical activity breaks (5minutes every hour) reduce mental fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours per week should I study?
For most candidates, 1012hours weekly is sufficient. If you have a fulltime job, break sessions into 45minute blocks to keep focus high.
Can I skip any subject?
Every discipline contributes to the final score. Even if you feel strong in biology, a low score in chemistry or physics can drag the overall result below the passing line.
Do I need a calculator?
The exam permits a basic scientific calculator. Practice with the same model you plan to bring on test day to avoid surprises.
What if I miss a practice test deadline?
Reschedule for the next available slot. Use the extra time to review missed concepts rather than panic.
Is there a penalty for guessing?
No. Wrong answers do not incur negative marking, so it is better to guess than to leave a question blank.
