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Pediatric Surgery
Examinations
Successful completion of both the Pediatric Surgery Qualifying and Certifying Exams is required for board certification in pediatric surgery.
Intro
Two exams are required for initial certification in pediatric surgery
Successful completion of the Pediatric Surgery Qualifying and Certifying Exams is required for board certification in pediatric surgery. Applicants for certification in pediatric surgery must be currently certified by the ABS in general surgery, in addition to completing the required pediatric surgery training.
The Pediatric Surgery Qualifying Exam (PSQE) is a five-hour, multiple-choice examination held once per year on a single day at computer-testing centers across the U.S. The Pediatric Surgery Certifying Examination (PSCE) is an oral exam consisting of five consecutive 30-minute sessions, and is held once per year.
The Pediatric Surgery In-Training Exam (PSITE) is a multiple-choice examination taken by surgeons while in training 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 pediatric surgery training, a surgeon will have no more than seven academic years following graduation to achieve certification in pediatric surgery, i.e., pass both the PSQE and PSCE.
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.
Primary certification in surgery is a requirement for certification in pediatric surgery and is part of the application process. Delays in completing initial certification in surgery will delay the pediatric surgery application, and therefore reduce the number of available attempts to take the pediatric surgery exam. It is highly recommended that candidates attain certification in surgery BEFORE the completion of their pediatric surgery fellowship.
9/17
2024
Pediatric Surgery Qualifying Examination
Location: Pearson VUE testing centers
Fee: $1,575
Application Deadline: 7/1/2024
Fee: $550
Late App Deadline: 7/15/2024
Fee: $750
2/25 - 2/27
2025
Pediatric Surgery Certifying Examination
Location: Virtual
Fee: $1,700
Registration available following the release of 2024 PSQE results.
Exam 1: Qualifying Exam
The first step in the pediatric surgery initial certification process
The PSQE is offered annually as the first of two exams required for board certification in pediatric surgery. The exam consists of about 200 multiple-choice questions, lasting approximately five hours, designed to assess a surgeon’s cognitive knowledge of pediatric surgery.
Exam 2: Certifying Exam
Available after successful completion of the Pediatric Surgery QE
The PSCE is the last step toward board certification in pediatric surgery. The PSCE’s purpose is to evaluate clinical skills in the evaluation of patients with pediatric surgery problems, and in 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.
PSITE
Offered annually to programs
The Pediatric Surgery In-Training Examination (PSITE) is offered annually to ACGME-accredited pediatric surgery training programs to measure the progress attained by residents in their knowledge of pediatric surgery.
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