Examinations
Successful completion of both the General Surgery Qualifying and Certifying Exams is required for board certification in general surgery.
Intro
Two exams are required for initial certification in general surgery
Successful completion of both the General Surgery Qualifying Exam (GSQE) and General Surgery Certifying Exam (GSCE) is required for board certification in general surgery. The GSQE is an eight-hour, multiple-choice exam held once per year on a single day at computer-testing centers across the U.S. The GSCE is an oral exam consisting of three consecutive 30-minute sessions, and is held twice per year.
The ABSITE is a multiple-choice exam taken by surgeons while in residency and is NOT required as part of the board certification process.
When Can I Take My Exams?
Seven-year limit to certification
Upon completion of general surgery residency training, a surgeon will have no more than seven academic years following graduation to achieve certification in general surgery, i.e., pass both the GSQE and GSCE.
The seven-year period starts immediately upon completion of training. Only one exam opportunity will be offered in each year of the seven-year period. Candidates must apply immediately after training to receive the full number of exam opportunities.
Registration available following the release of 2025 GSQE results; candidates must select a tentative assignment by Sept. 1.
Registration available following the release of 2025 GSQE results; candidates must select a tentative assignment by Sept. 1.
Exam 1: Qualifying Exam
The first step in the general surgery initial certification process
The General Surgery Qualifying Examination (GSQE) is offered annually as the first of two exams required for board certification in general surgery. The exam consists of about 300 multiple-choice questions, lasting approximately eight hours, designed to evaluate a surgeon’s knowledge of general surgical principles and applied science.
Exam 2: Certifying Exam
Available after successful completion of the General Surgery QE
The General Surgery Certifying Examination (GSCE) is the last step toward board certification in general surgery. The GSCE’s purpose is to evaluate a candidate’s clinical skills in organizing the diagnostic evaluation of common surgical problems and determining appropriate therapy. Emphasis is placed on candidates’ ability to use their knowledge and training to safely, effectively, and promptly manage a broad range of clinical problems.
Exam Accommodations
In certain situations, accommodations are available for candidates
The accommodation policies below apply only to ABS examinations for initial certification. Accommodations for in-training exams are at the discretion of the program and do not require ABS approval.
ABSITE
Offered annually to programs
The ABS In-Training Examination (ABSITE) is offered annually to general surgery residency programs as a formative evaluation instrument to assess residents’ progress.