Examinations

Successful completion of both the General Surgery Qualifying and Certifying Exams is required for board certification in general surgery.

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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.

11/13 - 11/15

2024

General Surgery Certifying Examination #1

Location: Virtual

Fee: $1,500

Registration Deadline: 9/1/2024

Registration available following the release of 2024 GSQE results.

11/19 - 11/21

2024

General Surgery Certifying Examination #2

Location: Virtual

Fee: $1,500

Registration Deadline: 9/1/2024

Registration available following the release of 2024 GSQE results.

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.

Accommodations for Candidates Serving in Active Military Duty

Individuals who are either on active duty in the U.S. military outside the United States or receive active duty orders that preclude them from completing a previously scheduled ABS exam will be excused from such examinations without penalty and with full refund of any examination fees paid.

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Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, the ABS provides appropriate accommodations to its exams for individuals with documented disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodations.

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Accommodations for Lactating Mothers and Candidates with Other Medical Conditions

In support of our candidates, the ABS will work with Pearson VUE to try to accommodate requests for accommodations for lactating mothers and candidates with other medical conditions so they may comfortably complete any ABS exam that is administered at a secure testing center.

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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.

Next Steps

Individuals who meet ABS requirements may apply for the GSQE through the online application process, which is posted each year in early spring.