Hye-Jin Clark, MD PGY3, PHiT Council Board Residency Program Liaison Stanford University
Caroline Pupke, DO PGY4, PHiT Council Board Inclusion and Engagement Emory University
The Self-Assessment Exam for Residents (SAE-R) is an essential tool for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) trainees, helping them gauge their knowledge, identify weaknesses and prepare for Board certification. Performing well on the SAE-R requires strategic preparation, effective study habits and solid test-taking techniques. Below are key steps to maximize success.
1. Understand the Exam Structure
The SAE-R is a 150 multiple-choice question exam that covers a broad range of topics relevant to PM&R, including musculoskeletal disorders, pediatrics, spinal cord injury, brain disorders, stroke, spasticity, pain rehabilitation, electrodiagnosis and amputation/prosthetics/gait. Understanding the format and key areas tested can help you focus your study efforts efficiently.
2. Use High-Yield Study Resources
Relying on trusted study materials is crucial. Some of the most recommended resources include:
Additionally, review SAE-R questions from previous years, as they help reinforce knowledge and familiarize you with the question style.
3. Develop a Study Plan
Create a structured study schedule that ensures coverage of all major PM&R topics and utilize your program’s didactics sessions to learn these topics. Allocate more time to weak areas while maintaining a steady review of stronger topics. Studying in small, consistent increments over several weeks is far more effective than cramming at the last minute.
4. Practice with Question Banks
One of the best ways to prepare for the SAE-R is by practicing with multiple-choice questions (MCQs) from question banks such as AAPM&R’s SAE-R question sets and online PM&R board review resources. Regularly solving practice questions simulates the actual exam experience. Focus on:
Setting a daily or weekly goal for the number of questions you want to complete can be motivating and ensures accountability.
5. Engage in Active Learning Techniques
Passive reading alone is insufficient. Enhance retention with active learning methods such as:
These techniques promote better recall and a deeper understanding of concepts.
6. Improve Test-Taking Strategies
To optimize your performance on exam day:
Practicing these strategies will help you approach the exam with confidence.
7. Review Performance and Adjust Accordingly
After taking practice exams, review your SAE Results Report to identify knowledge gaps. Adjust your study plan accordingly to reinforce weak areas before the actual exam. This approach ensures continuous learning and targeted improvements.
8. Take Care of Yourself
Physical and mental health play a vital role in performance. Prioritize adequate sleep, maintain a healthy diet and incorporate exercise to keep stress levels in check. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle ensures optimal performance on exam day.
Final Thoughts
Excelling in the SAE-R for PM&R requires strategic preparation, active engagement and disciplined practice. By using high-yield resources and applying strong test-taking strategies, residents can significantly improve their performance. Consistency, confidence and self-care will help ensure success not just on the SAE-R, but also on future board certification exams.