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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.
Get Certified
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Check a Certification
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.
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.
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.
Important announcements and upcoming examination deadlines
News
Exam Dates
The $285 annual fee covers one assessment every other year, free access to all assessment reference materials, and general Continuous Certification Program participation.
Payment of both the application fee and the exam fee is required to register for the exam.
NOTE: The 2026 Vascular Surgery Qualifying Exam will be offered on two dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Candidates may select one of the two dates when they complete their exam registration, pending center availability.
Payment of both the application fee and the exam fee is required to register for the exam.
NOTE: The 2026 Pediatric Surgery Qualifying Exam will be offered on two dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Candidates may select one of the two dates when they complete their exam registration, pending center availability.