Exam Dates & Fees
To meet an application deadline, all materials must be received by the ABS by 4:30 p.m. ET on the deadline date.
If any materials arrive after the deadline but before the late deadline, a late fee will be charged. No applications are accepted after 11:59 p.m. ET on the late application deadline date.
Refund Policy
Application fees are nonrefundable. Exam fees for computer exams will be refunded, minus a $400 processing fee, if you withdraw more than 15 business days before the first day of the exam window. If you withdraw fewer than 15 business days prior or fail to appear for the exam, the entire exam fee is forfeited. Exam fees cannot be carried over to the following year. All withdrawals must be made in writing and confirmed by the ABS office. Exam fees for oral exams are nonrefundable.
Note that the fee listed is per trainee. Any order changes submitted after the deadline will incur a $350 fee per change.
International programs: Exam window is Friday, Feb. 6 to Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. Fee: $130 per trainee
Registration available following the release of 2025 PSQE results.
Note that the fee listed is per trainee. Any order changes submitted after the deadline will incur a $350 fee per change.
Note that the fee listed is per trainee. Any order changes submitted after the order deadline will incur a $350 fee per change.
Registration available following the release of 2025 CGSO QE results.
Registration available following the release of 2025 GSQE results; candidates must select a tentative assignment by Sept. 1.
Registration will open on Oct. 21, 2025.
Registration available following the release of 2025 GSQE results; candidates must select a tentative assignment by Sept. 1.
Registration will open on Oct. 21, 2025.
The $285 annual fee covers one assessment every other year, free access to all assessment reference materials, and general Continuous Certification Program participation.
NOTE: The 2026 Complex General Surgical Oncology Qualifying Exam will be offered on two dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Candidates may select one of the two dates when they complete their exam registration, pending center availability.
NOTE: The 2026 Surgical Critical Care Certifying Exam will be offered on two dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Candidates may select one of the two dates when they complete their exam registration, pending center availability.
NOTE: The 2026 Pediatric Surgery Qualifying Exam will be offered on two dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Candidates may select one of the two dates when they complete their exam registration, pending center availability.
NOTE: The 2026 Vascular Surgery Qualifying Exam will be offered on two dates:
- Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026
Candidates may select one of the two dates when they complete their exam registration, pending center availability.
This exam is for surgeons who either: (1) did not successfully complete the lapsed pathway; or (2) are not eligible to enter the lapsed pathway.
Registration available following the release of 2026 GSQE results; candidates must select a tentative assignment by Sept. 1.
Registration available following the release of 2026 GSQE results; candidates must select a tentative assignment by Sept. 1.