- In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the ABS office will close at 1:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 2.
american board of surgery
Promoting Surgical Excellence since 1937
The American Board of Surgery serves patients, society, and the specialty of surgery by providing leadership in surgical education and practice.
Available Certifications:
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Verify a surgeon's certification status
This website serves as primary source verification of a surgeon’s certification status with The American Board of Surgery. Surgeons may also be certified by other boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). Please check the ABMS Certification Matters website for additional certification statuses. Note that the ABS website is updated in real time, and there may be a delay in certification status updates to the ABMS.
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Value of certification
Not all surgeons are board certified
Board certification by the ABS is a voluntary process that demonstrates a surgeon’s commitment to professionalism, lifelong learning, and quality patient care.
- Board certification by the ABS recognizes individuals who have met ABS standards specifically in the area of general surgery and its related specialties.
- Board certification is different from possessing a medical license, which is the minimum required by law to practice medicine and is not specialty specific.
About Us
Our Mission
The American Board of Surgery (ABS) serves patients, society, and the specialty of surgery by providing leadership in surgical education and practice. The ABS ensures excellence through:
- Building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture.
- Rigorous evaluation and assessment.
- Promoting the highest standards for professionalism, lifelong learning, and continuous certification of surgeons in practice.
News & Dates
Important announcements and upcoming examination deadlines
News
05/01/2025
ABS Selects the Firefly Foundation to Provide EPA Technology Solution for Specialty Training Areas
The ABS is pleased to announce that it has selected the Firefly Foundation to develop the technology platform for the assessment of trainees in specialty surgical training programs as part of its EPA project.
04/30/2025
2025 Nominations to the Transplantation Advisory Council of the American Board of Surgery
The Transplantation Advisory Council of the ABS is seeking nominees to serve a six-year term beginning September 29, 2025.
04/23/2025
ABS Welcomes Nine New Councilors
The ABS is pleased to welcome nine new surgeons to the ABS Council, with terms beginning on July 1, 2025.
04/15/2025
2025 Nominations to the Complex General Surgical Oncology Board of the American Board of Surgery
The Complex General Surgical Oncology Board of the ABS is seeking director nominees to serve a six-year term beginning September 29, 2025.
Exam Dates
7/17
2025
General Surgery
General Surgery Qualifying Examination
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Fee: $1,525
Application Deadline: 4/14/2025
Fee: $550
Late App Deadline: 5/12/2025
Fee: $750
8/26 - 11/4
2025
General Surgery
Continuous Certification Assessment
Location: Virtual
Fee: $285
Registration Start: 8/1/2025 - 11/4/2025
The $285 annual fee covers one assessment every other year, free access to all assessment reference materials, and general Continuous Certification Program participation.
9/15 - 9/16
2025
Surgical Critical Care
Surgical Critical Care Certifying Examination
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Fee: $1,725
Application Deadline: 7/1/2025
Fee: $550
Late App Deadline: 7/15/2025
Fee: $750