INBDE exam format and schedule
The INBDE is a computer-based exam taken over two days at a Prometric test center. This page summarizes the official structure.
At a glance
- 500 multiple-choice items in six sections of 105 minutes each.
- Day 1: three sections of 100 standalone items (300 items), then one section of 60 case-based items. About 8 hours 15 minutes including optional breaks and tutorial.
- Day 2: two sections of 70 case-based items (140 items). About 4 hours 15 minutes including an optional break, tutorial and survey.
- Total scheduled time: 12 hours 30 minutes. Day 2 must happen within 7 days of Day 1, at the same test center.
- Each item has 3 to 5 answer choices and exactly one correct or best answer.
The official schedule
| Day | Part | Content | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tutorial (optional) | 15 | |
| 1 | Section 1 | 100 standalone items | 105 |
| 1 | Break 1 (optional) | 15 | |
| 1 | Section 2 | 100 standalone items | 105 |
| 1 | Break 2 (optional) | 30 | |
| 1 | Section 3 | 100 standalone items | 105 |
| 1 | Break 3 (optional) | 15 | |
| 1 | Section 4 | 60 items (cases) | 105 |
| 2 | Tutorial (optional) | 15 | |
| 2 | Section 5 | 70 items (cases) | 105 |
| 2 | Break 4 (optional) | 15 | |
| 2 | Section 6 | 70 items (cases) | 105 |
| 2 | Post-exam survey (optional) | 15 |
Standalone items and patient cases
Standalone items are single questions. The stem is either a question or the start of a sentence that each answer completes.
Case items come with a patient description (often called the patient box or case set) and several questions that all refer to it. The case can contain more information than you need, so part of the skill is picking out the relevant facts.
How much time per question?
Dividing each 105-minute section by its number of items gives a useful pace:
- Standalone sections: 100 items in 105 minutes is about 63 seconds per item.
- Day 1 case section: 60 items is about 105 seconds per item.
- Day 2 case sections: 70 items is about 90 seconds per item.
The test timer pauses while an item loads, so loading delays do not use up your time. Some items are unscored experimental questions, and they look the same as scored ones.
Practice it here
In the study board, Single questions mirror the standalone sections and Patient cases mirror the case sections. Choose Test · timed with Exam pace to rehearse these time limits.
Source: JCNDE 2026 INBDE Candidate Guide (updated December 2025). Rules and fees change, so always confirm on the official INBDE site before you apply.