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- We anticipate that results from the March 2024 ABS General Surgery Certifying Exam will be available by April 12.
- The application deadline for the Vascular Surgery QE, Pediatric Surgery QE, Complex General Surgical Oncology QE, and Surgical Critical Care CE, has been extended to 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
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
07/23/2024
ABS Announces Code of Ethics and Professionalism
The ABS announced today implementation of a new ABS Code of Ethics and Professionalism to reduce diplomate burden and align with the ABMS Standards for Continuing Certification.
07/09/2024
ABS Welcomes Drs. Goldberg and Minter as Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors
The American Board of Surgery is pleased to welcome Dr. Amy J. Goldberg as chair and Dr. Rebecca M. Minter as vice chair for 2024-2025.
06/18/2024
ABS and ABOHNS Share Exam Blueprint for Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
The first Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery FPD Examination will be held in spring 2025. The blueprint for this exam is now available for review.
05/14/2024
Revised Statement on the Importance of Workplace Support for Pregnancy, Parental Leave, and Lactation for Surgical Trainees
The ABS supports the recent statement by the ACS on the importance of pregnancy-related workplace support for surgical trainees.
Exam Dates
7/18
2024
General Surgery Qualifying Examination
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Fee: $1,525
Application Deadline: 5/13/2024
Fee: $550
8/5
2024
Hand Surgery Certifying Examination
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Fee: $1,725
Application Deadline: 3/1/2024
Fee: $550
Late App Deadline: 3/15/2024
Fee: $750
8/26 - 11/4
2024
Continuous Certification Assessment
Location: Virtual
Fee: $285
Registration Start: 8/1/2024 - 11/4/2024
The $285 annual fee covers one assessment every other year, free access to all assessment reference materials, and general Continuous Certification Program participation.