Jan. 14, 2021
January 15 Reporting Deadline Extended
ABS has extended the January 15 reporting deadline to fall 2021 for anyone who was due to report on their ongoing certification requirements.
Dec. 23, 2020
2021 PSITE/VSITE Order Information
ABS is now accepting orders from program directors for the 2021 PSITE and VSITE. Please see this announcement for information that was sent to program directors on Dec. 23.
Dec. 23, 2020
ABS is now accepting orders from program directors for the 2021 ABSITE. Please see this announcement for information that was sent to program directors on Dec. 23.
Sept. 16, 2020
Rescheduled Date Announced for 2020 Specialty Exams
The September 2020 ABS Vascular Surgery, Pediatric Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology Qualifying Exams, as well as the Surgical Critical Care Certifying Exam, have been rescheduled for April 12, 2021.
Sept. 3, 2020
ABS volunteers write exam questions, serve as examiners, provide essential user testing and feedback on our website and diplomate portal, and more. We are always accepting volunteer applications, so if you are interested, complete this form.
Aug. 27, 2020
ABS Announces Solution for 2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam
The July 2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam has been rescheduled and will be administered at Pearson VUE testing centers across the country on April 15, 2021.
Aug. 5, 2020
Request for Proposal for an Item Bank
ABS is soliciting proposals from qualified vendors for the purpose of procuring and implementing an item bank for use in exam development and deployment.
Aug. 5, 2020
2020 Continuous Certification Registration and Reporting Update
Diplomates will have until Jan. 15, 2021 to report on any ongoing requirements. Registration for all 2020 ABS Continuous Certification Assessments will be available on Aug. 10.
July 31, 2020
September 2020 Specialty Exams Postponed
The September 2020 ABS PS QE, VS QE, CGSO QE and SCC CE will be postponed due to issues with the exam administration platform.
July 28, 2020
Video FAQs - 2020 Virtual General Surgery Qualifying Exam
ABS President and CEO Dr. Jo Buyske goes into more detailed explanations for some of the FAQs regarding the 2020 virtual General Surgery QE.
July 21, 2020
FAQs - 2020 Virtual General Surgery Qualifying Exam
FAQs and related information regarding the 2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam.
July 17, 2020
ABS Issuing Refunds, Launching Security Investigation for Virtual 2020 General Surgery QE
ABS is refunding fees, launching an investigation into the security concerns, and considering all suggested solutions for the 2020 General Surgery QE.
July 16, 2020
ABS Update Regarding the July 16-17 General Surgery Qualifying Exam
ABS update regarding administration of the 2020 virtual General Surgery QE.
July 10, 2020
September 2020 Specialty Exams to be Administered Virtually
The September 2020 ABS PS QE, VS QE, CGSO QE and SCC CE will be taken by candidates remotely, rather than at a testing center.
July 6, 2020
ABS Welcomes Drs. Mellinger and Hines as Chair and Vice Chair of Board of Directors
The ABS is pleased to welcome Dr. John D. Mellinger and Dr. O. Joe Hines as chair and vice chair, respectively, for 2020-21.
July 2, 2020
On the COVID-19 Front Lines: Rebecca M. Minter, M.D.
ABS Director Rebecca M. Minter, M.D. discusses providing surgical oncology care and creating a safe workspace during COVID-19.
June 29, 2020
On the COVID-19 Front Lines: Gary B. Korus, M.D.
ABS Associate Examiner Dr. Gary B. Korus discusses the importance of communication, education and family on the front lines of COVID-19.
June 25, 2020
On the COVID-19 Front Lines: Amy J. Goldberg, M.D.
ABS Director Amy J. Goldberg, M.D. discusses repurposing a Temple University Health System building to care for patients with COVID-19.
June 5, 2020
ABS to Welcome 4 New Councilors
The ABS announces four new councilors who will join the ABS Council as of July 1, 2020.
May 31, 2020
The ABS stands with the medical community to decry the sickness of racism.
May 18, 2020
ABS Announces Academic Pathway to Certification for International Medical Graduates
ABS announces an alternate pathway into the certification process for International Medical Graduates.
May 7, 2020
2020 General Surgery Qualifying Exam To Be Administered Virtually
The July 2020 ABS General Surgery Qualifying Examination will be taken by candidates remotely, rather than at a testing center.
Apr. 22, 2020
June General Surgery Certifying Exam Cancelled
The General Surgery Board has made the difficult decision to cancel the June 2020 administration of the General Surgery Certifying Exam.
Apr. 16, 2020
Hardship Modifications to Continuous Certification Reporting Requirements
ABS will make hardship modifications for diplomates to alleviate the impact that COVID-19 may have on completing Continuous Certification Program Requirements.
Apr. 8, 2020
Hardship Modifications to Training Requirements - FAQs
Specialty-specific FAQs pertaining to the global recommendations and hardship modifications announced by ABS in March
Mar. 30, 2020
Message from the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons Regarding Coronavirus-related Racism
ABS stands with and supports our SAAS peers, and we thank those of you who are on the front lines working to treat patients affected by COVID-19.
Mar. 26, 2020
Modifications to Training Requirements
ABS will make hardship modifications across specialties to alleviate the impact that COVID-19 has on training requirements.
Mar. 20, 2020
Vascular Surgery Certifying Examination Cancelled
The Vascular Surgery Board has made the difficult decision to cancel the May 2020 administration of the Vascular Surgery Certifying Exam.
Mar. 19, 2020
ABS Statement on Training Requirements During COVID-19
ABS update on COVID-19 and its effect on residents' ability to meet training requirements.
Mar. 18, 2020
New study in JAMA provides evidence that board certification can be viewed as a marker of surgeon quality and professionalism.
Mar. 17, 2020
Pearson VUE Testing Center Closures
Pearson VUE has temporarily closed all U.S.- and Canada-based testing centers until at least April 16.
Mar. 16, 2020
Update to Program Directors - Training Issues
ABS is aware of the gaps in requirements that trainees may face due to COVID-19.
Mar. 13, 2020
Update to Program Directors - FLS/FES and Leave
ABS announces FLS/FES exemptions for the 2020 Qualifying Exam, plus a refresher on the ABS leave policies.
Mar. 09, 2020
American Board of Surgery COVID-19 Response
ABS has instituted a travel ban for all ABS activities through April 2020. The April General Surgery Certifying Exam is cancelled, and all board-related meetings scheduled through April will be held virtually.
Feb. 19, 2020
The latest ABS e-newsletter is now available, with information about our new executives, the SCORE merger, a focused practice designation update, Continuous Certification Assessment results, and more.
Feb. 11, 2020
Neurocritical Care Subspecialty Certificate
In conjunction with four other ABMS boards, ABS is pleased to offer an additional certification option to surgical critical care diplomates who are primarily engaged in the practice of neurocritical care.