HemeOncBuddy · Board prep · Resources compared
Resources ComparedHematology and oncology board review resources compared
Question banks, society self-assessment programs, review courses and books for the heme/onc boards.Question banks, society self-assessment programs, review courses and books each do a different job. Here is what each type offers for the ABIM Medical Oncology and Hematology exams, the LKA and the in-training exam, and a simple way to combine them.
The main options
| Resource | What it is | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| HemeOncBuddy | Free question bank, board review notes, trial summaries, treatment algorithms and flashcards | Free | Daily study and the trial evidence behind each answer |
| ASCO-SEP (ASCO) | Medical Oncology Self-Evaluation Program: review text with practice questions | Paid | Medical oncology boards and MOC |
| ASH-SAP (ASH) | Hematology Self-Assessment Program: review chapters with questions; ASH also has a Q&A bank app | Paid | Hematology boards and MOC |
| ASH Hematology Review Series | Weekly lectures and live question sessions, June to November, following the ABIM Hematology blueprint | See ASH | Hematology fellows before the fall boards |
| MKSAP (ACP) | Internal medicine self-assessment with hematology and oncology sections | Paid | Internal medicine boards and core heme/onc |
| BoardVitals | Commercial heme/onc question bank and a separate MOC and LKA prep bank | Paid | Extra question volume |
| AMBOSS Knowledge+ | Question-based learning for the ABIM Internal Medicine exam and LKA | Paid | Internal medicine certification, not heme/onc specific |
| Live board review courses | Annual multi-day courses with lectures and board-style questions, for example from Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson, Memorial Sloan Kettering and George Washington University | Paid, CME | A structured review in the months before the exam |
| Board review books | Question-and-answer books and blueprint study guides for hematology and medical oncology | Paid | Offline review |
Descriptions are from each provider's own pages as of October 2026. Prices and editions change; check the provider. HemeOncBuddy is not affiliated with any of them.
How to combine them
- One core text with questions for your exam: a society program such as ASCO-SEP or ASH-SAP.
- A large question bank for volume and timed practice. The HemeOncBuddy Qbank is free (2,182 questions); add a paid bank if you want more.
- The evidence behind the answers: most oncology questions turn on a pivotal trial. The 1,600+ trial summaries and treatment algorithms are free.
- Mock exams in the last month: see the timed mock exam guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best heme/onc board review resource?
There is no single best one. Most fellows combine a society self-assessment program (ASCO-SEP for medical oncology, ASH-SAP for hematology) with a large question bank and a quick reference for the pivotal trials. Pick by the exam you are taking and how you learn best.
Is there a free hematology oncology question bank?
Yes. The HemeOncBuddy Qbank has 2,182 heme/onc board review questions with explanations and references, plus tutor, test and timed modes, free with no login.
ASCO-SEP or ASH-SAP?
ASCO-SEP covers medical oncology and ASH-SAP covers hematology. Fellows sitting both ABIM exams usually use both.
Should I take a live board review course?
A course helps if you want a structured, time-boxed review. It works best after you have done enough questions to know your weak areas.
More board prep guides
ABIM LKA prep
How the LKA works and how to prepare.
Open →Timed mock exam
Blueprint-weighted 60-question blocks.
Open →In-training exam
ASCO ITE and ASH In-Service Exam.
Open →Free sample questions
Board-style questions with answers.
Open →
HemeOncBuddy is an independent, free education project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), ASCO, the American Society of Hematology or any company named on this page. ABIM and Longitudinal Knowledge Assessment are trademarks of the American Board of Internal Medicine; other names are trademarks of their owners. Study aid only; verify exam rules with the organization that runs the exam.