Resources

The ABS has a plethora of materials available for both surgeons and non-surgeons, including examination guides and content outlines, policies related to ABS certification, published journal articles about certification, information for patients, and more.

The ABS policies listed on this website are the current ones in effect and supersede all previous versions. The ABS reserves the right to make changes to all policies at any time.

Osteopathic Trainees Policy

Policy regarding initial certification in general and/or vascular surgery for osteopathic residents in ACGME-accredited training programs.

Military Activation Policy

Policy regarding active duty military as it relates to ABS examinations.

General Surgery Limit on Number of Programs

Policy regarding the number of residency training programs that an applicant for board certification in general surgery may train at.

Examination Accommodations Policy

Policy outlining the procedure for requesting testing center or virtual examination accommodations for ABS examinations.

Re-entry to Surgical Practice

Policy regarding surgeon re-entry to active surgical practice following a voluntary or involuntary hiatus of two or more years.

Public Reporting of Status

Policy that describes the information that is made publicly available about surgeons who are certified by the ABS.

Medical License Requirement Policy

Policy outlining the different medical license requirements for initial certification and Continuous Certification.

Lapsed Certificates

Policy outlining the process for surgeons to regain their ABS certification following lapse or expiration.

Flexible Rotation Requests

Trainees may customize up to 12 months of rotations in the last 36 months of general surgery residency to allow for “early tracking”...

Exam Admissibility Policies

Policies outlining examination admissibility time limits for initial certification by the ABS in general surgery, vascular surgery, pediatric surgery, complex general surgical oncology,...