The International Board Certifying Examination in Dermatopathology (Diploma in Dermatopathology) will be organized on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Frankfurt/M., Germany.
At present, the Examination Committee is working on the feasibility of a digitalization of the Examination for what concerns the slides (biopsies, part 1). Against the end of the year it will be communicated whether Part 1 (slides) will be done with conventional (glass) slides, or with digitalized slides uploaded on a server.
In the case that glass slides will be utilized, than the examination will consist of 70 glass slides, and will be organized in a way similar to a self-assessment course (allotted time: 2 minutes / slide); microscopes will be provided.
In the case that digital slides will be utilized, than the examination will consist of 70 digital slides uploaded on a server. The candidates will be responsible for bringing their own computer to view the digital slides, and will get on-site a link for the folder with the cases for the examination. If this system will be implemented, at the end of the year several "test" cases will be uploaded on the same server in order for the candidates to test the system and get acquainted with it before the examination.
Irrespective of whether the slides will be conventional (glass) or digital, the examinees are asked to give the best diagnosis from multiple choice or short-answer questions. The slides are straight forward; a few rare, non-controversial entities will be included.
The other part of the examination (afternoon) consists of 60 multiple-choice questions (part 2). These questions are taken from the recent literature (Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, American Journal of Dermatopathology, other) and from the major Dermatopathology textbooks. Controversial issues are avoided.
The last part of the examination (afternoon, multiple choice) is a series of 50 projected slides from topics that include clinical pictures of classical skin disorders, immunofluorescence (autoimmune diseases), and immunohistology (part 3).The location for the examination and meeting point is:
University Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt/M.
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
60590 Frankfurt/M., Germany
The exact Building will be communicated later.
The examination will begin at 8:00 am; on-site instructions will be provided at 8:30 am; please come not later than 8:00 am in order to allow sufficient time for identification. Please remember to bring a passport or ID card. Also, please remember to bring a pen or pencil (will not be provided by the organizers).
The end is planned not later than 4:00 pm