About The Exam

Beginning with the Class of 2015, The APMLE consists of four components: Part I, Part II written, Part II CSPE, and Part III. The Part I and Part II written exams are designed to assess whether a candidate possesses the knowledge required to practice as a minimally competent entry-level podiatric physician. Part III is a licensing exam designed to determine whether a candidate’s knowledge and clinical skills are adequate for safe, unsupervised practice.

The Part I examination samples the candidate’s knowledge in the basic science areas of General Anatomy, including embryology, histology, genetics, and geriatrics; Lower Extremity Anatomy; Biochemistry; Physiology; Microbiology and Immunology; Pathology; and Pharmacology. A separate Candidate Information Bulletin for the Part I exam is available online at www.apmle.org.

Beginning with the Class of 2015, and excluding the Classes of 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, there are two components to the Part II examination: Part II written and Part II CSPE.

The Part II written examination samples the candidate’s knowledge in the clinical areas of Medicine; Radiology; Orthopedics, Biomechanics and Sports Medicine; Anesthesia and Surgery; and Community Health, Jurisprudence, and Research. A separate Candidate Information Bulletin for the Part II written exam is available online at www.apmle.org. Performance on Part II written examination does not impact eligibility for the Part II CSPE.

The Part II Clinical Skills Patient Encounter (Part II CSPE) assesses proficiency in podiatric clinical tasks needed to enter residency. Candidates will be expected to perform a focused physical examination including podiatric and general medicine physical exam maneuvers appropriate for each patient presentation. Podiatric and general medical knowledge, verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills will be assessed in each exam form. Performance on the Part II CSPE does not impact eligibility for the Part II written examination.

The Part III examination is designed to determine whether a candidate’s knowledge and clinical skills are adequate for safe, unsupervised practice. The Part III examination samples the candidate’s clinical skills in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients. Examples of the application of knowledge may be measured through photographs, radiographs, and case presentations. A separate Candidate Information Bulletin for the Part III exam is available online at www.apmle.org.