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.

General Surgery Re-entry to Residency After Hiatus

Policy regarding re-entering surgical residency following a hiatus of four or more years.

Grace Year Policy

Grace years are available to everyone in good standing and enrolled in the ABS Continuous Certification Program, whenever an assessment is normally due.

Annual Fee Policy

In order to continue meeting ABS certification requirements, diplomates enrolled in the ABS Continuous Certification Program must be current with their annual fee...

General and Thoracic Surgery Joint Pathway

This seven-year joint training pathway leads to certification in both general surgery and thoracic surgery.

Re-entry to Continuous Certification

Policy regarding re-entry to Continuous Certification for diplomates who are not in compliance with certification requirements.

General Surgery Credit for Foreign Graduate Medical Education

Policy governing credit for foreign graduate training pertaining to board certification in general surgery.

Surgical Critical Care Leave Policy and Considerations on Workplace Support of Pregnant Surgeons

Policy governing leave during fellowship training for surgeons applying for initial board certification in surgical critical care.

Retired Policy

Policy outlining the criteria and process for surgeons who wish to request a "Retired" designation with the ABS.

Pediatric Surgery Exam Admissibility Policy

Policy outlining exam admissibility time limits for initial certification in pediatric surgery.

Complex General Surgical Oncology Exam Admissibility Policy

Policy outlining exam admissibility time limits for initial certification in complex general surgical oncology.