The Dermatopathology CORE Exam
The Dermatopathology CORE exam, administered by the American Board of Dermatology (ABD), is a major milestone for dermatology residents working toward board certification. A strong grasp of dermatopathology isn’t just essential for passing—it is critical for diagnosing skin disorders in daily practice.
Studying for this exam can feel overwhelming, given the sheer volume of material. But with the right approach and targeted resources, you can streamline your prep, boost your confidence, and tackle the exam with ease. This article lays out high-yield study materials, smart learning strategies, and practical tips to help you stay on track.
Exam Overview
The Dermatopathology CORE exam is a two-hour test with 75-100 multiple-choice questions, including about 30 questions featuring a virtual dermatopathology (VDP) viewer. You can find sample VDP items on the ABD website: ABD Sample VDP Items.
The exam can be taken in person at a Pearson VUE Test Center or remotely via OnVUE’s online proctoring platform.
Study Resources
Knowing the exam’s format and potential content is just the first step—how you study matters just as much. A well-rounded study plan should combine textbooks, online courses, virtual slides, and question banks to help you build pattern recognition and diagnostic accuracy.
Below, we will break down essential study resources and how to use them together effectively for optimal prep.
High-Yield Study Resources
Textbooks (Great for Building a Strong Foundation)
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- Dermatopathology: Expert Consult – Dirk M. Elston & Tammie Ferringer
- McKee’s Pathology of the Skin with Clinical Correlations – J. Eduardo Calonje et al.
- Weedon’s Skin Pathology – James W. Patterson
Review Books & Study Guides (For High-Yield Summaries & Quick Review)
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- Review of Dermatology – Ali Alikhan & Thomas L.H. Hocker
- Derm In-Review e-Study Guide – Request here
Video Lectures & Board Review Resources (Perfect for Visual and Auditory Learners)
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- Cockerell Dermatopathology – Dermpath on Demand – Library here
- Jerad Gardner, MD – YouTube Channel – Watch here
- SagisDx Dermatopathology Education – Overview here
Question Banks (Key for Active Learning & Self-Testing)
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- AAD BoardPrep Plus – Access here
- DermQBank (Paid Subscription) – Sign up here
- Derm In-Review Question Bank (Free Subscription) – Start here
Interactive Virtual Slides (Essential for Exam Pattern Recognition)
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- DermOID Online Interactive Dermatopathology (UCLA) – Explore here
- PathPresenter – Access here
- PathPresenter Book Catalog – View here
- Derm In-Review Dermpath Study Tool – Start here
With so many study resources available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and tempted to use them all. But more is not necessarily better—spreading yourself too thin can lead to burnout. Instead, streamline your approach by selecting one solid resource per category—a textbook, a review book, an online video series, and a question bank. Focus on mastering your chosen materials rather than skimming everything.
Ultimately, the best study plan is the one you will stick to consistently. Pick your core materials, stay disciplined, and trust in your preparation!
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