ABO vs other certs in this field — is it worth it salary-wise?

For what it's worth from someone who's been through it:

The ABO is one of those exams where the practice tests really do prepare you well. The style of questioning is pretty consistent. If you're comfortable with "olivia d'abo" material under timed conditions, you'll be fine.

The one thing I'd add: read the question stems very carefully. They sometimes add a qualifier that completely changes the right answer and it's easy to miss when you're going fast.

Also check whether you need to schedule the exam in advance — some testing centers book up 2-3 weeks out.

Quick update: just cleared 82% on my most recent ABO practice set using abo practice test pdf. Sitting for the real thing in 3 weeks. Feeling cautiously optimistic.

For anyone finding this later: ABO is passable with consistent effort even working full time. I studied 48 minutes a day for 10 weeks. The abo practice test pdf kept me honest about my actual gaps.

Honestly, I was in the exact same spot a couple years ago trying to figure out if the ABO was worth the grind. I work full-time at an ophthalmology practice and have two kids, so studying happened in 15-minute chunks during lunch breaks and after bedtime. It took me about 8 months but I passed on my first try. The salary bump wasn't immediate for me, but within a year of getting certified I landed a senior tech role that paid about $6k more than my old position. Whether I'd have gotten that offer without the cert? Probably not.

The thing people don't tell you is it's less about the raise and more about doors opening. You become the person the doctors actually trust with complex cases. That matters. If you're already working in the field and you're serious about staying in it long-term, it's worth it. If you're just testing the waters, maybe hold off until you're sure this is your path.