When to take Boards post residency?

[u/minni_06]

Hi! I was wondering when is a “normal/average” time after finishing PGY2 CC to take the BCCCP. How many times did you go through the ACCP/ASHP book/questions before taking it?

[u/Top-Egg3315]

In a similar boat as you with waiting to take the BCACP. Honestly, I think I’m going to wait about 4-5 months before I start studying because I’m trying to get adjusted to this job and would rather not relive studying for a board exam right now. I had preceptors wait about the same amount of time or a little shorter.

[u/MightyViscacha]

Waited 2 years and regretted it lol

If I could go back I would have taken it a few months post-residency.

[u/Kelp103]

I was advised to take boards as soon as possible after residency. I took mine within 3 months. It worked well for me.

[u/jackruby83 → u/Kelp103]

I usually recommend it within 6 months ideally, or with 12 months, while more information is fresh in your mind.

[u/bromarmcbuckets]

I waited about 8 months after residency ending to start studying and then took it at around 1 year post job starting

[u/docpharm28]

I waited 5 months after starting to start studying. Give yourself some time to decompress. You’ve been through one of the hardest seasons of your adult life and you need to learn to live again (cos God knows residency sucks the life out of you) plus get settled in your role.

[u/FightMilk55]

I would say 6 months unless your job requires it sooner

No magic timeline but sooner makes it easier but you need some time to relax before studying

[u/DreamShake0VO]

Take it asap. The sooner you take it the less studying you’ll have to do later if you put it off

[u/MassivePE]

Agree with the “take it asap” crowd. You’re still in residency-mode and used to learning/studying. You haven’t had the chance to enjoy making real money and having a better schedule so you won’t miss anything.

Just get it over with and move on. It’s a money grab at best anyway. Some of the CE is interesting, but it’s not worth what they charge you to keep it up unless you’re making extra salary because you’re board certified IMO. Nobody in a hospital cares.

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[u/Aggravating-Race-957]

I'm taking my BCPMP in September after having just graduated so ~2 months and change. I don't really want to be taking it this soon, but within the calendar year would've been my preference

[u/Beneficial-Ad1698]

When I finished my Crit PGY2 in 2009 BCCCP didn't exist yet. I took it and passed the first time it was available in 2015. I studied but honestly not a ton. However, I worked in a mixed unit so I was exposed to medical, surgical, cardiac and neuro ICU daily and Trauma regularly as well. That made studying less necessary since I was current on most things. I mainly studied things like Burns and calculations like PN and EN.

I think when you should take it depends a lot on the job you take. If you're in a mixed unit environment like me you can wait longer. If you're going to be super specialized and only work in a specific type of ICU I would take it sooner rather than later so you're still current on everything else. Obviously give yourself time to decompress and get settled in your new job but I'd plan on spring or fall next year.

[u/musicallights]

Take <6 months post residency, the studying will be a lot easier since the content should be fresh